TCA Life Member Jim Hollingsworth (center) presents a copy of the latest Texas Knights to Chess Vets founders Michael Lenox (left) and Lia Lenox (right)—photo by Troy Gillispie.
(Temple, Texas, October 21, 2023). The fifth annual AVAFEST suicide prevention tournament was conducted on October 21st in the Temple, Texas, Library and featured 11 chess-playing veterans from four Service branches. Two Texas Chess Association Lifetime Regular members, Troy Gillispie and Jim Hollingsworth, represented TCA’s chess-playing veterans.
Many fans, supporters, and volunteers attended the 5th annual AVAFEST suicide prevention tournament in Temple, Texas. Over twenty organizations helped sponsor this event—photo by Lia Lenox.
The event’s major sponsors included: AAFES Exchange – Ft Cavazos and Horny Toad Harley Davidson, Black Rifle Coffee Company – Temple, Grill your @ss off seasoning, and Jersey Mike’s Subs – Temple. Vendors present included Lisa Truitt – Realtor, Young Daughters Funeral Home, Marc Hobbs Military Models, Get into the Zone, Minnie’s Crafts, and more.
Sam Middlebrooks (left) and Navy veteran Michael Lenox, Chess Vets Co-founder (right), battle in Round 5. Navy fought heroically in what was eventually a Marine Corps victory—photo by Lia Lenox.
The Color Guard for Louis Wayne Qualls Detachment #1249 of the Texas Marine Corps League, led by its Junior Vice Commander, Sam Middlebrooks, conducted the opening flag ceremony. Hollingsworth, President of the TCA affiliate Texas Armed Forces Chess and the American Legion Post 379 Chess Club, won 2nd Place on tiebreaks with a 3.5/5 score.
