BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — Giving back to those who have served and sacrificed: that is the mission at Riverlakes Golf Course Friday.

The Organized Veteran Appreciation program or OVA will be out at the Riverlakes for the Annual Gerald Buccino Memorial Golf Tournament. The tournament, benefitting OVA, was created by Joe Buccino who helps cover golfing fees for vets throughout the year.

"When my dad had leukemia and he was on his death bed he looked at me and said, ‘Hey Joe I'm going to leave you a few bucks and I want to make sure you take care of the veterans because he was a veteran," Buccino said.

"I'm treating the veterans to a little golf and a little lunch at the clubhouse. You know just pats on the back and giving them some love, and it makes my day. It keeps me alive and it puts a smile on the veterans face and that is precious to me," Buccino continued.

The tournament gets underway Friday at noon.