Army veteran to speak on ‘God, Country, Golf’

A U.S. Army veteran and Army widow will be the guest speaker at Upper Iowa University Thursday, October 12. Author Wesley Hobbs Bauguess will discuss her book “God, Country, Golf: Reflections of an Army Widow” during the presentation scheduled to begin at 3:30 p.m. in the Student Center ballrooms at UIU’s Fayette Campus. The free event is open to the public.

“I am delighted to have the opportunity to visit and speak at Upper Iowa University,” Bauguess said. “(UIU President) Dr. William Duffy was one of my professors of military science at Appalachian State University. He was also my Army recruiter and remains one of my most respected mentors. My daughters and I are looking forward to this visit very much and so thankful to be able to share the message of ‘God, Country, Golf.’”

Bauguess holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from Appalachian State and a master’s degree in administration from Central Michigan University. She was a collegiate golfer and Distinguished Military Graduate at Appalachian State, and received her Regular Army commission into the Medical Service Corps in May, 1994.

“God, Country, Golf: Reflections of an Army Widow” is the Christian testimony of Bauguess and her experiences. Bauguess served as a treatment platoon leader, medical company executive officer and combat health support officer as a Lieutenant in the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault). After graduating on the Commandant’s list from the Combined Logistics Officer Advanced Course, the now Captain Bauguess served as the Adjutant and Personnel Officer for the 2^nd Infantry Division Support Command in the Republic of Korea. She resigned her active duty commission in 1999, but continued her military service in the United States Army Reserves and Individual Ready Reserves until 2004.

During her senior year in college, she married Larry Bauguess. The couple entered the U.S. Army and served together as lieutenants and captains. Tragedy struck in May 2007 when Larry was killed while serving overseas with the 82^nd Airborne Division. Bauguess and her two daughters were at home at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, when the notification team delivered the news.

Despite her loss, Bauguess created and led the 82nd Airborne Division Wounded Warrior Committee, an all-volunteer organization that visited and provided comfort items for the wounded Paratroopers of the All-American Division. In 2009, the National Military Family Association recognized her as a Very Important Patriot, an honor given to five volunteers each year from around the world. Bauguess is also a speaker for the Patriot and Folds of Honor foundations.

Additional information about Bauguess and her book, can be viewed here.