W O O D M E N
O F
T H E
W O R L D
M A G A Z I N E
Photo by Randy Crump
Summer 2014
Special
Tribute to
Veterans
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Fraternal Summits
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learn more at: woodmen.org
President’s Message
Heroes Deserve Our
Honor and Respect
This year
marks the 13th
anniversary
of the terrorist
Larry R. King
attacks of
Sept. 11, 2001.
Many people, myself included, still get
emotional each year as we honor and
remember those who lost their lives on
that tragic day.
That day produced many heroes, and it’s
important that they are not forgotten.
The first responders who ran into
burning buildings to rescue the trapped
and the injured. The passengers who
took back control of their hijacked
airliner over Pennsylvania. Even those
who donated blood because it was all
they could do. We, as Americans, set an
extraordinary example for the rest of the
world that day.
I believe that we, as members of
Woodmen of the World, also set
an example in communities across
the country. By hosting events such
as Flags Across America, In Honor
and Remembrance, and recognition
ceremonies for first responders and
members of the military, we honor our
country and pay tribute to our national
heroes. Those who have given their
lives, and those who risk their lives every
day, make the life we live possible.
Sergeant Sammy L. Davis Jr. When
he recently spoke at the Home Office
and shared his stories of the hardships
and sacrifices he and his fellow soldiers
faced while serving in Vietnam, I don’t
think there was a person in attendance
who wasn’t moved by his powerful
message. And in case you didn’t know,
Sgt. Davis’ military career and his heroic
actions in Vietnam served as inspiration
for the movie Forrest Gump.
Our Mission: Woodmen of
the World exists to benefit
our members through every
stage of life.
Woodmen of the World/Omaha Woodmen, founded in
1890, is a not-for-profit insurance company that also offers
customer benefits.
Our more than 700,000 members, who hold nearly one million
insurance and annuity certificates, belong to approximately
1,000 chapters throughout the United States. Local chapters
Sgt. Davis is just one of the millions
of national heroes who deserves
recognition, and who continues to
inspire action today. While we can’t
all be decorated military heroes like
Sgt. Davis, we can work together to
make a difference in our communities.
I encourage you to talk to your
fellow chapter members and your
Community Outreach Manager, and
look for ways you can pay tribute to the
heroes in your community.
sponsor family activities and conduct community projects. These
projects include presenting U.S. flags to civic and community
organizations; donating equipment to police, fire and rescue
units; providing assistance to senior citizens, the physically
impaired and orphans; and providing monetary assistance.
Life insurance and annuity products are issued by Woodmen
of the World Life Insurance Society and/or Omaha
Woodmen Life Insurance Society (Woodmen of the World),
a Nebraska corporation that is licensed as Woodmen of the
World Life Insurance Society in all states and the District
of Columbia, except CA, CO, ID, MT, NV, OR, UT, WA, and
WY. In those states, Woodmen of the World is licensed as
Omaha Woodmen Life Insurance Society (Woodmen). Not
all products are available in all states. Not all Woodmen of
the World Representatives are licensed to sell all products
offered through Woodmen of the World and its subsidiaries.
For all these reasons, the theme of this
issue is honoring veterans. It’s important
these heroes get the respect they so
rightly deserve, and that they know
Woodmen of the World is thankful for
their service to our communities and
our country.
Sincerely and Fraternally,
Securities are offered through Woodmen Financial Services,
Inc., 1700 Farnam Street, Omaha, NE 68102, 877-6643332, member FINRA/SIPC, a wholly owned subsidiary of
Woodmen of the World Life Insurance Society and/or Omaha
Woodmen Life Insurance Society. Securities other than the
Woodmen Variable Annuity are issued by companies that
are not affiliated with Woodmen of the World Life Insurance
Society and/or Omaha Woodmen Life Insurance Society. Not
all products are available in all states.
Products that are not issued by Woodmen of the World
or offered and processed through Woodmen Financial
Services, Inc., may be offered through Woodmen Insurance
Agency, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Woodmen of the
One national hero I’ve had the pleasure
of meeting is Medal of Honor recipient
2 WOODMEN LIVING
Larry R. King
President & CEO
World Life Insurance Society and/or Omaha Woodmen Life
Insurance Society. These products are issued by carriers that
are not affiliated with Woodmen of the World.
in this issue
Summer 2014
Sections
4
On the Web
5
Community
Connection
6
with you
through LIFE®
8Fraternal Spirit
18Member Spotlight
28 Member News
32 Chapter News
36Fun Zone
38In Memoriam
Representative Chris Bohach (left) presented a flag to Parkersburg, WV, Fire Station #5.
Feature Stories
5 A Lasting Memorial
18 A Tribute to Veterans
On the Cover
Chapter 61 in Blountstown, FL, dedicated an
attractive, permanent memorial to both their
local first responders and the heroes and victims
of Sept. 11, 2001.
Since January 2013, Woodmen of the World
has demonstrated our pride in veterans by
leading more than 360 veterans’ or military
appreciation events. Turn to page 20 to read
more about a few of them.
28 The Chips Are Up
30 R etiring Flags the Right Way
Member Ben Boutwell contributed to a fanfavorite Super Bowl commercial for Doritos®
and won a share of $1 million.
Community Outreach Manager Steve KellyKowalski and several chapters in southern
Mississippi have developed a unique way to care
for old flags until they can be properly retired.
Col. Ben Purcell (dec.)
endured years as a
Prisoner of War in
Vietnam. On the home
front, his wife raised their
five children by herself,
not knowing if he was
alive or dead. Theirs is a
story of love and duty.
Woodmen of the World Magazine 3
Cooking Up on the web
Some Fun
Search: WOWInsurance
Society to ‘like’ our page.
To celebrate Woodmen of the World’s 125th anniversary
in 2015, we are producing a commemorative cookbook!
We want to feature recipes from you, our members. Do
you have a favorite holiday meal tradition you’d like to
share? A favorite dish that feeds a crowd at your chapter
meetings? Maybe a much-loved dessert that your family
always requests?
Share your recipes with us
at woodmen.org/recipes.
Simply type it in, and it will be considered for inclusion in
the upcoming cookbook! We will do our best to include
as many as we can, but due to space limitations, we cannot
guarantee that all recipes submitted will be printed.
Look for more information later this year on when and where
the cookbook will be available.
Want to see your
chapter pictured?
Email photos of your chapter
members and events to
[email protected].
4 WOODMEN LIVING
Board of Directors
Larry R. King,
Chairman, President & CEO, Omaha, NE
Patrick L. Dees,
Executive Vice President, Fraternal,
Omaha, NE
Pamela J. Hernandez,
Executive Vice President, Operations & Secretary,
Omaha, NE
Robert T. Maher,
Executive Vice President, Finance & Treasurer,
Omaha, NE
Daniel W. Rice III, Kinston, NC
Dr. James W. Bosler III, Louisville, KY
Dr. James W. Shaver, Landis, NC
Michael C. Shealy, Lexington, SC
Wesley A. Dodd, Cornelia, GA
Daryl J. Doise, Sunset, LA
Danny E. Cummins, Troup, TX
Patricia L. Metheny, Durant, OK
Ronald H. Aldridge, Jackson, MS
Mark L. Schreier, Omaha, NE
Follow us on Twitter at:
WOWInsurance
 Local Chapter Calendars
Your local chapter’s calendar can be found by searching the Find My
Local Chapter page and clicking on the link to your chapter’s website.
woodmen.org/Members/lodge-search.cfm
 Fun Zone Answer Key
Find the answer key to the Woodmen Living Fun Zone puzzle from the
home page of woodmen.org under Special Interests. woodmen.org/
about/fun-zone.cfm
 Natural Disaster Benefit Form
Qualified members whose homes are damaged or destroyed by natural
disasters, such as hurricanes, tornadoes, wild/forest fires, or earthquakes,
may be eligible for up to $500 to help with home repair costs. The Natural
Disaster Benefit form and many other fraternal forms are available on
woodmen.org. Download the form, fill it out entirely, print it, and mail it to
the Home Office. woodmen.org/contact/online-forms.cfm.
Magazine Staff
Managing Editor: Angie Schendt
Content Editor: Andy Oerman
Design Editor: Joe Bavaresco
Writers: Liz Perry, Carmen Steele
Designer: Jerry Underwood
Contributors: Janelle Arthur, Carli Cominoli,
Sarah Richart
Marketing & Fraternal
Team Vice President: Steve Jones
If you have questions, comments or
suggestions for articles, please direct
them to [email protected].
visit us at: woodmen.org
email us at: [email protected]
Woodmen Living (ISSN 1069-1790) is published
quarterly for $2.00 per year by Woodmen of the World
Life Insurance Society and/or Omaha Woodmen Life
Insurance Society, 1700 Farnam St., Omaha, NE 68102.
Periodicals postage paid at Omaha, NE, and
additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address
changes to Woodmen Living, c/o Woodmen of
the World Life Insurance Society and/or Omaha
Woodmen Life Insurance Society, 1700 Farnam St.,
Omaha, NE 68102.
Equal Access Policy
Woodmen of the World Life Insurance Society and/
or Omaha Woodmen Life Insurance Society is an
Equal Access fraternal benefit organization. It is the
policy of Woodmen of the World to seek qualified
members on a nondiscriminatory basis and to
provide all members with equal access to and allow
their participation in the organization’s chapter
system, chapter events, fraternal benefits, and all
other fraternal activities on a nondiscriminatory basis.
Community Connection
Monument Honors
Local Heroes
Members of Chapter 61 dedicated a monument
at the Calhoun County Courthouse in
Blountstown, FL, on Sept. 11, 2013.
F
ew Americans will ever forget
Sept. 11, 2001. One way
Woodmen of the World chapters
across the country remember the heroes
and victims of 9/11 – and the ideals
many of them died to uphold – is by
hosting In Honor and Remembrance
ceremonies in their local communities.
On Sept. 11, 2013, Chapter 61 in
Blountstown, FL, chose to honor their
local heroes and remember the events of
9/11 by dedicating a monument outside
the Calhoun County Courthouse.
“When we were discussing what to do, we thought we should
do something for our local first responders, law enforcement,
EMTs, and firefighters because many of these positions are
volunteer now,” said chapter Past President Howard Johnson.
“We thought we should do something that was ongoing to
remind people of how fortunate we are to have these people
give their time to care for us.”
The chapter decided to construct a special monument to
honor these groups, and Johnson went to work. He got
approval from the chairman of the County Commission
to present the idea to the full Commission, and that group
approved construction of the monument outside the county
courthouse. Then, Johnson worked with a local funeral home
to order and install the actual monument.
“The funeral home let us purchase the monument for cost, and
they even delivered and installed it at no cost,” he said. “So we
made sure to thank them during the ceremony and we gave
the funeral home a contribution to say thank you, as well.”
On the day of the dedication, more than 150 members, local
officials and community residents attended the ceremony
outside the courthouse. Also present were State Manager
Blountstown, FL
Bryan Carroll, Area Manager Lance Mayers, Representative
Carol Dixon, and Community Outreach Manager Marty
Faircloth.
“The monument was well received by the community
because it ties in nicely with the existing monuments that
honor deceased veterans from World War I, World War II,
Korea, and Vietnam,” Johnson said. “And the inscription
expresses our appreciation for our First Responders’ efforts in
the past, present and future. It’s a lasting and ongoing tribute.”
A Woodmen of the World member for 60 years, an educator
for more than 36 years and a WWII veteran, Johnson
believes it is beneficial to all chapters to conduct ceremonies
like this in their communities.
“When someone does something for you, you ought to
appreciate it,” he said. “These individuals save a lot of lives, and
that’s why ceremonies like this are so important. To say thank
you, and to promote the values of Woodmen of the World.”
If you have an idea for, or would like to be involved with,
an In Honor and Remembrance ceremony in your area
this fall, contact your chapter officers or your Community
Outreach Manager. ::
Woodmen of the World Magazine 5
with you through LIFE
Members David E. Holifield and David W. Holifield meet with
Area Manager Brad Jones at their business in Jackson, TN.
Single Premium Fits for
Father and Son Business
E
ver since they opened Excel Machine and Welding
together in 1988 in Jackson, TN, father David E.
Holifield and son David W. Holifield have relied on
each other to make their business a success.
“If one of us doesn’t go to work, it definitely alters the day-today business we’re able to do,” said David Jr. “There’s only two
of us here, so we need both of us to keep it going.”
CI0023WOW 4/14
6 WOODMEN LIVING
Luckily, since opening their doors, there have only been a
few occasions when it wasn’t “business as usual” for the pair.
In 1999, David Jr.’s house was damaged by a storm, and he
didn’t work for a week. Then in 2003, the shop was destroyed
by a tornado.
“We laugh that we didn’t make any money that year, but
luckily, we didn’t lose any either,” said David Jr. “We’re a very
Photos by Mitch Carter
®
small business that’s been supplying income
to both of our families for a long time.”
The pair has also been working with their friend
and Area Manager Brad Jones for many years to
plan and make sure
the business and
their families will
be taken care of in
the future.
person insurance, but in this case it seemed
to fit, and it offered a one-time premium and
no ongoing payments,” Jones said. “In their
business, since it’s only the two of them, if one
of them passes
away, the other
has a problem.
If something
should happen,
this money can
help Dad keep the
business going
while he looks to
fill the gap of the
person he’s lost.”
“I was talking to
them both a few
years back because
they’re friends of
mine, and they
asked how things
were going,” Jones
David Jr. had
said. “I mentioned
already purchased
the concept of
life insurance
Single Premium
on his Dad a few
Whole Life to
years ago, and
them, thinking
this seemed like
they might be able David W. Holifield and his father, David E. Holifield, rely on
a logical next step
to recommend
for them to take.
each other to spark their two-man business.
someone I could
“We’re not in the
talk to about it. I never expected them to ask
situation where we’d need money tomorrow,
me about it and one day become customers of
but we run a business and things would
that product.”
change without one of us here,” said David Jr.
David Sr. had been consistently working with
One reason the Holifields knew this was a good
Jones and making increases each year to an
option for their families and their business was
Adjustable Life product, but then last year his
because of their longtime relationship with
health changed.
Jones and Woodmen of the World.
“When I went to see him last year, I knew he’d
“The most important thing in anything we
had a health issue and things weren’t going
do in business or who we’re dealing with is
his way when it came to increasing the benefit
that we trust them and don’t worry about
to leave for his son. So, I started talking about
problems,” said David Jr. “My wife has asked
other options for the money he had been
me about what insurance we have, and I
setting aside each year,” Jones said.
told her she didn’t have to worry about it,
One option Jones mentioned was utilizing
because Brad would be calling her as soon as
Single Premium Whole Life as “key person
something happened.” ::
insurance” that David Sr. could purchase on
his son. “This product isn’t always used for key
What is
Single
Premium
Whole
Life?
It offers a single premium
payment option with
fast accumulation. Cash
value growth and death
benefits are guaranteed.
»» Money grows taxdeferred until received
»» Income tax-free death
benefit for beneficiaries1
»» Access to a portion
of cash value, if the
need should arise2
»» Guaranteed to be paid up
for life, with no changes to
the face amount of coverage
»» Good option for final
expenses or estate planning
For more information about
Single Premium Whole Life,
contact your local Woodmen
of the World Representative.
1. May be subject to estate tax
2. Loans against the cash value of your certificate
will accrue interest, reduce the death benefit and
may be a distribution of taxable gain.
Certificate Numbers: 04-XX-0409 & 253-XX-0409
Woodmen of the World Magazine 7
fraternal spirit
S UBMIT PHOTOS TO:
[email protected]
Chapter 244 Atkinson, NC
Representative Kenny Barnhill presented an American flag to UNC Wilmington Police Officer James Watkins.
Chapter 452 Breaux Bridge, LA
President Addie A. Boyer (right) presented a flag to Sidney
Trahan, Sergeant at Arms of American Legion Post 294
in Cecilia.
8 WOODMEN LIVING
Chapter 136 Abilene, TX
State Manager Buddy Pace (left) and Representative Larry
Thompson presented a $500 check to Jody Houston,
Executive Director of the Food Bank of West Central Texas.
Chapter 223 Milton, WV
Chapter 7 Palatka, FL
Member Brie Crouse helped out with disaster relief efforts
following the chemical spill in West Virginia.
Members Gene Mills and Sharon Kilgore (right) delivered
turkeys to the Heart of Putnam Food Pantry. Executive
Director Sheila McCoy helped unload the car.
Chapter 196 Hornbeak, TN
Members Emily Moore (left), Frieda Moore and Richard
Dugger helped pack food baskets with Obion County
Chimes for Charity.
Chapter 8 Florence, AL
Chapter 130 Tupelo, MS
2014 chapter officers posed for a photo following installation.
Representative Billy Crumpton presented a check to the
Northeast Mississippi Chapter of the Red Cross. Fund
Development Lead Specialist Erica Hines accepted the donation.
Woodmen of the World Magazine 9
Fraternal Spirit
Chapter 369 Thibodaux, LA
Chapter members proudly sponsor a Biddy Basketball team.
Chapter 143 Clarkesville, GA
Member Woodrow Free (right) presented flags to Pastor
Brion Williams of Oakey Mountain Baptist Church.
Chapter 70 Athens, TN
Members hosted a Valentine’s Day meal for the homeless
and needy at Cooke Ministry.
10 WOODMEN LIVING
Chapter 1075 Loris, SC
2014 chapter officers posed for a photo following installation.
Chapter 1483 Hampstead, NC
Member Chuck Johnson with one of many speckled trout
he caught to feed members of the chapter at their March
meeting meal.
Chapter 3 Phoenix, AZ
Chapter 3 Jacksonville, FL
Members presented nine Fido Kits, which are first aid kits
for pet rescues in a fire, to the Phoenix Fire Department.
Emma the dog gratefully accepted the donation.
Members Caitlin (left) and Alana Anderson, and Martha
Johnson, participated in the JDRF Walk for Diabetes Cure.
Chapter 254 Charleston, WV
Chapter 20 Cadiz, KY
Chapter officers were installed at the February meeting.
Members presented 312 American Patriot’s Handbooks to
the fifth- and sixth-grade classes in Trigg County.
Chapter 1558 Leeds, AL
Representative Tim Youngblood presented a flag and helped dedicate a flagpole at Shades Mountain Academy on opening
day of baseball season.
Woodmen of the World Magazine 11
Fraternal Spirit
Chapter 1180 Blairsville, GA
Representatives Jesse Jorgensen (left) and Brad Hutson
(second from right) presented a $250 check to Sabrina
Garret, Towns County FFA Director, and FFA students.
Chapter 621 Carlisle, AR
Members presented a donation to Chambers Nursing
Home, to be used for Christmas gifts for residents.
Chapter 20 Fairmont, WV
Members spent the day at Wisp Resort snow tubing.
Chapter 698 Salyersville, KY
Members presented a donation to Magoffin County
Senior Citizens.
Chapter 56 Weldon, NC
Chapter 1145 Jena, LA
Members presented an American flag and a North Carolina
state flag to Belmont Elementary School in Roanoke Rapids.
Area Manager Lisa Grant (left) and Representative Morgan
Crooks presented two American flags and two Louisiana
state flags to the Summerfield-Rosefield Fire Departments.
12 WOODMEN LIVING
Chapter 373 Ackerman, MS
The Ivy family participated in Take Pride in America cleanup day at the Choctaw Lake and Camping Area.
Chapter 111 Greeneville, TN
Representative Jim Davis presented the Fraternal Spirit
Award to Margie Gunter.
Chapter 3 Greenville, SC
Community Outreach Manager Randy Barnett and
Debbie Lee worked on MyFraternalWeb.org at an officers
training session with Chapter 344.
Chapter 193 Falkville, AL
Members presented a flag and flagpole to Gill Park.
Chapter 885 Dillard, GA
Representative Emma B. Chastain presented flags for the
five branches of the military to Boy Scout Troop 6.
Woodmen of the World Magazine 13
Fraternal Spirit
Chapter 251 Royston, GA
Chapter 7 Hamburg, AR
Secretary Evelyn York (right) presented a flag to Hart Care
Center Administrator Kathryn McCurley.
Members presented a $100 check to staff of the Belle View
Estates Care Center to help make baskets for their residents.
Chapters 879 & 961 Cookeville, TN
Chapter 714 Maurice, LA
Members presented a $2,250 check to Putnam County
Project Graduations.
Chapter 28 Hattiesburg, MS
Representative Eddie Jenkins presented 36 classroom flags
to Assistant Principal Sandy Griffin (left) and Principal
Donna Hopkins from Clara Elementary School, which
burned to the ground in 2012 and has since been rebuilt.
14 WOODMEN LIVING
Representative Scott Menard (left) presented a state flag to
Bertha Mire (second from left), President of the Vermillion
Chamber, Lance Savoie from the Abbeville Rotary Club, and
Anita Chiasson from the Abbeville Kiwanis Club.
Chapter 2572 Austin, TX
Representative Sonny Ware (left) presented a 50-year
membership pin to Dan Ojeda, who has actually been a
member for 55 years.
Chapter 592 Murray, KY
Chapter 889 Franklin, NC
Members presented a flag to City Hall in Murray.
Russ O’Dell (left) and Trustee Dearl Ledford (right) and
other members helped put a roof on Bill Gibson’s house,
and furnished water to all the volunteers.
Chapter 406 Panama City, FL
Representative Mickey Pennington (right) presented a flag to the Rutherford High School women’s softball team for their
Sports Complex.
Woodmen of the World Magazine 15
Fraternal Spirit
Chapter 1150 Bluff City, TN
Students from the East High School HOSA, an
organization for future health professionals, accepted a
check from the chapter.
Chapter 4155 San Juan, TX
Members presented a flag to the Edinburg Regional
Medical Center Auxiliary.
Chapter 308 Houma, LA
Members presented the state flag to staff and residents of
the Heritage Nursing Home.
Chapter 251 Royston, GA
Representative Gary McCurley and member Sandie
Norman presented a flag to fifth-grade students at Royston
Elementary School.
16 WOODMEN LIVING
Chapter 92 Princeton, KY
Santa Claus visited the chapter’s hall to hear the
children’s wishes.
Chapter 560 Sylva, NC
Representative Bill Moore (left) presented a flag to John
Thompson from the Qualla Fire Department in Whittier.
Chapter 4 Natchez, MS
Members presented a flag set to Adams County
Christian School.
Chapter 116 Carrollton, AL
Community Outreach Manager Philip Robertson (left),
American Legion Post 104 Commander Joe Estano,
Carrollton Mayor Joe Lancaster, and Area Manager Randy
Simpson participated in a Veterans Day ceremony.
Chapter 502 Conway, SC
Representative Jody Squires (left) presented Larry Rabon
with a $1,000 Catastrophic Illness fraternal benefit check.
Chapters 35 Renton & 84 University Place, WA
Members made a $2,500 donation to the Lakewood Youth
Skating Foundation.
Chapter 1945 Blairsville, PA
Members partnered with Blackleggs Trout Nursery to
sponsor a “Kids Fish for Fun Day” at a local park.
Woodmen of the World Magazine 17
member spotlight
Liberty Through Bravery
Some veterans experience so much
during their time of service they can’t
wait to share it with the people they
come home to. Others can barely
speak of what they heard and saw.
Some return to a hero’s welcome. For
some, the homecoming was – and is –
bittersweet. Many don’t come home
at all, and gave their lives for duty and
love of country.
It is Woodmen of the World’s
obligation and privilege to honor and
remember the courageous sacrifice of
these brave men and women – living
and dead – who helped earn the
freedoms we so often take for granted.
Chapter 1163 Elmer, LA
Alpha Chapter 16 Omaha, NE
Chapter President Pete Perkins,
General Claude Patterson and G.
Eddie Figueron attended the Veterans
Appreciation ceremony at Masonic
Lodge 482.
18 WOODMEN LIVING
Every day, in chapters across the
country, our members hold events to
support veterans and current members
of the military, because it is ingrained
Representative Dustin Johnson (left)
and Home Office associate Laura
Sparks (right) presented a flag at the
New Cassel Retirement Center on
Veterans Day.
in our culture. Many of our members
are themselves veterans. We applaud
their bravery. We express our thanks.
We share their stories, so that the
nation may never forget.
If you know a veteran you think we
should feature in an upcoming article,
please send submission ideas to
[email protected]. ::
Chapter 58 Kerrville, TX
Members presented a donation to
90-year-old WWII veteran Fred E.
Dietel to help him participate in an
Honor Flight to the WWII memorial
in Washington, D.C.
Chapter 2126 Corpus Christi, TX
Chapter 8 Butler, PA
Members, including Bianca Salazar (left) and Melton
Sherwood (right), handed out about 1,000 handheld flags to
veterans at a restaurant on Veterans Day.
Members teamed with the American Cancer Society at the
Butler Veterans Hospital for the Veterans Walk. Veterans
enjoyed fresh air and each received a handheld flag.
Chapter 1446 Gulfport, MS
Chapters 130 & 1088 Cerro Gordo & Evergreen, NC
Members honored veterans at a special dinner.
Chapter 436 Plaucheville, LA
Members attended their annual Veterans Day ceremony.
Chapters 764, 1086, 1087, 1097 Wilson, NC
Members sponsored a fish fry for veterans at the American
Legion building in Wilson.
Members gathered to honor veterans from various branches
of the armed forces. Attendees enjoyed a meal, and each
veteran received a desk flag.
Chapter 406 Lytle, TX
U.S. Air Force Major Wanda Sparks and President Dan Pitts
placed a wreath during the Veterans Day program in Natalia,
TX. Nearly 500 people attended the event.
Chapter 436 Ft. Payne, AL
Members presented U.S. flags and American Patriot’s
Handbooks to veterans in Menlo, GA.
Woodmen of the World Magazine 19
Member Spotlight
Five
Years
From
Freedom
L
ater in his life, Ben Purcell often wore a baseball cap
with the words “Freedom isn’t free – a veteran paid for it.”
He knew that better than most. After all, he’d had plenty
of time to ponder the high price of liberty during the five years
he was a prisoner of war in Vietnam.
Captured while riding in a helicopter in February 1968 and
not released until March 1973, he spent agonizing months in a
cage, but it never broke him.
Col. Purcell, the highest-ranking Army POW ever, escaped
twice, only to be recaptured. “My father had to stay active.
He couldn’t sit still,” says his daughter, Joy Purcell. “Planning
escapes helped him cope. Even though he got recaptured, each
time he escaped, it re-invigorated him.”
Initially listed as “Missing In Action,” the long years without
word of his status were hard on his wife, Anne, who had to raise
five children by herself. “Mom raised us on her own,” Joy said.
“It’s a story of patriotism, but also of love: love of God and love
of each other.”
Even though they weren’t sure whether Ben was alive or dead,
Anne still sent him letters and packages. “Maybe somebody
got them and enjoyed them,” she said. Hope and faith got her
through, while those same traits buoyed her husband half a
world away.
20 WOODMEN LIVING
Passing on the Legacy
Anne Purcell still vividly remembers the day her husband
came home. President Nixon had sent orchids to each of their
daughters. Their oldest child, David, who had been 13 when his
father was taken captive, was then a cadet at West Point. Anne
recalls David wasn’t sure, upon seeing his father again, if he
should hug him first or salute him first. (He opted to salute.) “It
was a real Kodak moment,” she said.
Some time after Purcell’s return, he and his wife wrote a book
together. It is called Love & Duty and was published by St.
Martin’s Press. A unique aspect of the book is its structure of
alternating chapters: one will tell of his Vietnam experiences,
and the next will relate her struggles on the home front.
Joy says her father was always very open about his captivity; it
helped him readjust. “He spent 40 years talking about how
God got them through that time.”
Joy herself served as emcee at an event sponsored by
Woodmen of the World at the Habersham County
Veterans’ Wall of Honor in Cornelia, GA. “Woodmen of the
World put together a wonderful tribute to 9/11 heroes and
the troops who have and continue to fight the war on terror.”
The event was open
to the community,
and about 200 people
attended, including
many veterans and
local school students.
“If we think freedom
just happens, we risk
losing it,” Joy said.
“Young people don’t
know the history and
we need to pass on
the legacy.”
Woodmen of the
World Representative
Ricky Pruitt got to
know the Purcells
when they became
members – he in 1997,
she in 2005. “Ben was
a true gentleman and
patriot. It’s hard to put
into words the person
he was … he did so
much for people.”
Joy Purcell, daughter of Ben Purcell,
speaks at an event sponsored
by Woodmen of the World at the
Habersham County Veterans’ Wall of
Honor in Cornelia, GA. The event honored
the heroes and victims of Sept. 11, 2001, as
well as American troops in the war on terror.
About 200 people attended, including many
veterans and local school students.
Anne said she and her husband thoroughly enjoyed the
members of Chapter 143 in Clarkesville, GA. “They’re some
of the finest people you’ll find,” she said, mentioning she and
Ben often discussed that they should have become members
40 years earlier than they did.
“Woodmen of the World does everything we can to support
veterans,” says Pruitt. “Young people need to know what
sacrifices those men and women have made for them and our
nation, and what it truly means to be a citizen of this nation.”
Letting Go, Moving On
After he retired from the Army in 1980, the Purcells bought
a Christmas tree farm. Joy says her father told her there was
no place he’d rather be than out there on his knees, raising
trees and praising
God. “He appreciated
the freedom he felt
outdoors on his tree
farm, enjoying the
beauty of the world
God placed around
him. As someone
denied freedom for
five years, it was a
fitting way to spend
his retirement.”
Purcell served as
a Georgia state
representative for two
terms. The Purcells
also travelled the
world, sharing their
experiences, assuring
that the sacrifices of
our veterans are not
forgotten. Benjamin
Harrison Purcell passed away
on April 2, 2013, at the age of 85.
Twenty years earlier, in 1993, Purcell went back to Vietnam
with other POWs as part of a documentary film shoot. He
visited the old prison camps. Many of the cells had been torn
down; the return trip was as cathartic as it must have been
unnerving. He even met one of his former interrogators and
shook his hand on a street in Hanoi. Joy says her father felt
no bitterness. “He said ‘we were both just soldiers doing our
duty.’ That taught me a lot about forgiveness.”
It is that faith and forgiveness that armed Purcell to come
back from that time of torture and deprivation and move
beyond it, Joy said. “The time as a POW was a turning
point but not a defining point. He took those five years of
imprisonment and turned them into a 40-year ministry.” ::
Woodmen of the World Magazine 21
Member Spotlight
A Legacy
of Service
J
ames E. Brown believes in the
power of positive thinking. It
guided him through hardships
and dangerous situations most of us
can only imagine. “You’ve heard of
people getting their butt shot off,” he
jokes. “That was me.”
person to approach was a military
policeman. He asked the pilot if
anyone was hurt and the reply was
no. He then saw Brown, pants soaked
with blood, crawling out of the plane.
“Why didn’t you tell me you were
hurt?” the pilot asked.
The retired Woodmen of the World
State Manager and World War II
veteran remembers being in the
heat of battle in the skies above the
Philippines on May 20, 1945. An
enemy target had been marked with
smoke bombs, and Brown and his
fellow airmen flew in low on a strafing
mission. His duties were to protect the
aircraft and observe other mechanical
parts of the plane.
“I didn’t want to bother you,” Brown
said. “You had enough going on.”
The bomber in which he served as
aerial engineer gunner had just taken
heavy damage; later, officials would
quit counting the shrapnel holes in
its fuselage when they reached 400.
Brown’s pilot called back to him
with “his heart in his throat.” On the
ground, the pilot told Brown he had
seemed so calm it settled him down
and helped him land the plane.
After the plane had made its
unscheduled but safe landing at
Manila Airport – with its landing
gear tires blown out – the first
22 WOODMEN LIVING
Some Gave All
Brown served in the Air Force 417th
bomb group, and was first stationed in
New Guinea. He remembers the men
stationed there looked odd to him
initially. The anti-malaria pills they’d
been taking for more than a year
turned their complexion very yellow.
He lived in a four-man tent and all
three of his “roommates” were shot
down and killed in different missions
during that time. Then Brown moved
on to the Philippines, but he never
forgot his friends’ sacrifice. “Their love
for the good ol’ U.S.A. gave them the
courage and willingness to give their
all for their country.”
After his ill-fated flight, Brown was
hospitalized for a month. The pilot
came to visit and told Brown later that
he was making some odd requests
under the influence of painkillers. “I
James and Betty Brown at his retirement
from Woodmen of the World in 1989.
Brown credits his wife for years of
fraternal and Field support.
was calling on General MacArthur to
send for backup.”
When he was released from the
hospital, Brown went to Okinawa.
His career ended while stationed
there, after the United States dropped
atomic bombs on Nagasaki and
Hiroshima, and Japan surrendered.
A Dying Breed
After his military service, Brown
got a job as an instructor with the
Veterans Administration. His brotherin-law, former State Manager Dean
Weatherford, talked to him about
starting part-time as a Woodmen of
the World Representative.
“I knew a lot of veterans and wrote
insurance on a lot of them,” Brown said.
“We had common backgrounds, which
gave me talking points.” He then took a
short detour to get his college degree via
the GI Bill, before starting full-time with
Woodmen of the World in Biloxi, MS.
“I knew so many veterans who helped
build Woodmen of the World to what
it is. They were a big inspiration to
me. We supported Woodmen of the
World 100 percent.”
Brown’s Woodmen of the World
career took him to his home state of
Tennessee, then to Texas Southeast
to become a State Manager, a position
in which he served for 23 years
until his retirement in 1987. He also
credits his wife, Betty (sister of Dean
Weatherford), for helping him so
many years with youth activities and
parties for members of his Field Force.
“She was my partner. She was positive
and encouraging.”
He believes it’s important for the
remaining veterans of World War II to
share their experiences with younger
generations. “We’re a dying breed. We’d
like to leave a legacy of people knowing
who we were and what we did. These
things fade fast, and most veterans
didn’t talk much until now.”
Brown says he is not unique. “Many
were wounded like me. Many
gave their all. We were doing
it for our country, and we
were proud to do it. We were
a patriotic group, trying to
do our best. I saw the same
aspiration at Woodmen
of the World. People
wanted to help it,
and wanted to help
people fraternally
and financially.” ::
James E. Brown served as Engineer Gunner with the
417th Bomb Group during World War II and earned the
Purple Heart, Air Medal and the Philippine Liberation Ribbon.
Woodmen of the World Magazine 23
Member Spotlight
Bad Days Set Standard
for Content Life
T
almadge Mitchell of Martinsville, VA, knows
what a truly bad day is. He fought on the front lines
of World War II for nine and a half months, battling
freezing temperatures and facing death every day. “All the
things that go on that are really bad are nothing to me
because of what I went through,” he said.
Mitchell, 95, who has been a Woodmen of the World
member since 1956, was drafted into the Army at 21 years
old. During training, his skill with weaponry quickly
became apparent and he was appointed a Gun Corporal.
“My grandfathers on both sides were mechanically minded
and I ran a repair shop for 40 years. That helped me with a
whole lot of things,” he said.
Tough Battles
Mitchell fought through an entire winter with no heat
and no fire. He remembers once driving for two days and
nights straight, with no sleep and hardly any light to avoid
attracting air fire. He and the other members of the 991st
Field Artillery went five months without a shower or change
of clothes.
Beyond the discomfort, danger was all around. “I came
within seconds of getting killed four or five times,” he said.
In one instance, a canteen lid took the brunt of shrapnel
that would have likely been fatal to Mitchell and four others
crouching in a foxhole just inches away.
Mitchell led 11 men in a tank that contained a gun with
a barrel 19 feet long. The gun was so powerful that a shot
intended to hit one building went through four, causing
the Germans to back down. “In less than one hour, 1,600
German soldiers surrendered,” he said.
The United States recognized Mitchell’s bravery with several
awards for his service, including the European Middle
Eastern Service Ribbon, American Defense Services Medal,
Good Conduct Medal, and the Bronze Star Medal.
24 WOODMEN LIVING
Life After War
After returning to Virginia, Mitchell ran his appliance repair
shop until retiring in the late 1990s. However, even after
retirement, he has never slowed down. He is continually
on the move, working outside and keeping his mind busy.
One of the ways he has done this is by compiling detailed
accounts of his four years in the Army. He remembers
each detail vividly and has preserved these memories for
generations to come. “He’s a fascinating person,” said his
Representative, Tyler Lawrence. “He’s sharp as a tack.”
In 2010, Mitchell had the opportunity to participate in an
Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. “I was the only one out
of 100 veterans who had my Army coat,” he said. “I loved
the trip.” In addition to visiting the city’s monuments, the
veterans received letters from elementary school children,
thanking them for their military service. “It was out of this
world,” Mitchell said.
Still Learning Today
Since Mitchell’s wife died several years ago, he decided
letting his mind get rusty was not an option. He began
learning to cook and do household chores, tasks that had
been performed by his wife.
He also took up a new hobby – genealogy. Mitchell was
named after his uncle, who died serving in World War I,
and he’d always had an interest in finding out more about
his family history. He began collecting information from
family members. “Everybody gave me everything they had,”
he said. “I’ve really enjoyed working with it.” So far, he’s
traced family back as far as 1066 in Scotland.
Though it’s been nearly 70 years since his time in the war,
he still remembers the experience vividly and said it makes
every day better. Whatever obstacles life may throw his way,
he says, “It’s no mind to me.” ::
Representative Tyler Lawrence and member
Talmadge Mitchell formed a friendship after
Mitchell shared some of his incredible past.
Woodmen of the World Magazine 25
Member Spotlight
McTier Family
Combines Love
of Art, Country
Member Lucy McTier is interviewed
for a local newspaper article while
completing a mural in Wrens, GA.
Together they are making a lasting
impression in the small town of
Wrens, GA, with their efforts to
recognize our nation’s veterans.
L
ucy McTier has been interested
in drawing since she was 3 years
old, and remembers when she
was 7 her mother promised her she
could attend college and pursue a
career in art. Later, while attending the
University of Georgia, she met David,
and the couple married during their
junior year. David’s father bought
them their first Woodmen of the
World life insurance certificate as a
wedding gift.
After graduating, the couple settled in
Wrens, where David owned a farm.
Lucy enjoyed painting portraits, and
studying and portraying horses on
canvas. When they had their sons,
Jace and Ty, the boys also became
Woodmen of the World members.
26 WOODMEN LIVING
Spanning Generations
One of Lucy’s shining moments as
an artist was when she was given the
opportunity to present President
Ronald Reagan with a portrait she
had painted of him. Jace, just a young
boy at the time, remembers it vividly.
“I realized it was something different
and special,” he said.
Both Jace and Ty are also skilled at
painting. Jace is a professional artist
like his mother, while Ty paints on
the side as he attends law school. In
addition to managing the farm, David
manages business aspects for Lucy
and Jace.
The boys have been exposed to art all
their lives, but it was when Jace was
commissioned to do his first painting
at 16 years old that he decided to
choose art as his career path. “I was
always running around under art
tables and getting paint spilled on
my head,” he said. “When one of my
mom’s former clients came back for
a new portrait and realized her prices
had risen, he asked me if I could paint.
When I did the portrait, it just came
naturally to me.”
Celebrating Veterans
As their respective careers progressed,
Lucy and Jace also began working on
murals together. Last summer they
completed a mural commissioned
by Wrens Better Hometown, Inc.
The mural, in the town’s Veterans
Park, celebrates men and women
from the area who have served in the
military over the decades, including
past and present Woodmen of the
World members. David’s family has
a Woodmen of the World history
dating back to the early 1900s, and
one of the marines featured in the
mural is David’s uncle, Hammond
McTier, who died in World War II.
Lucy designed the mural with a
clear vision in mind, celebrating the
service of local veterans. “When the
committee approached me about a
mural, I immediately had an idea,” she
said. “It turned out beautiful.”
The mural was officially unveiled
during a large dedication ceremony
attended by Georgia Congressmen
Paul Broun and John Barrow. “It
was really special to be involved,”
David said. “We were very blessed to
be a part of it. We really appreciate
everyone’s service and it was so well
received. We got to hear personal
stories from vets themselves; they
were coming up to us on motorcycles
saying, ‘Thanks for remembering.’ ”
Giving Back
In addition to involvement with
veterans, public art, and Woodmen of
the World, the McTiers are passionate
about youth sports.
One year, when David was coaching
girls’ high school basketball, the
McTiers approached Representative
Randall Jones about helping raise
money for the team’s warm-up outfits.
“I’ve always known if we needed
something in the community we
could call Randall. He went above
and beyond and was very helpful,”
David said. “One of the girls is now
playing for the College of Charleston,
and we’re so honored to have been
able to support the team.”
The McTiers continue to combine
their love of art, community and their
country. Earlier this year, the three
came to life once again on a mural in
Augusta, GA, featuring the American
flag and local points of interest.
“They are pillars in the community,”
Jones said. “There are just so many
things they do to help out.” ::
Woodmen of the World Magazine 27
member news
Member Wins Big
With ‘Time Machine’
N
OT MANY PEOPLE
can say they’ve worked
on a commercial that
aired during the Super Bowl
and won a share of $1 million.
But member Ben Boutwell can.
He was part of a small
team that created the fanfavorite commercial, “Time
Machine,” in the annual
Doritos® “Crash the Super
Bowl” online competition.
Growing up there, Boutwell
also knew a little about
Woodmen of the World. “My
earliest memory of Woodmen
of the World is from our Dixie
Youth Baseball League. They
sponsored a team every year,
but I really had no idea who
they were,” he said.
However, that changed when
Boutwell’s father, George,
became a Woodmen of the
World Representative. “Since
Shooting music videos, working with musicians, creating motion graphics my dad starting working for
Boutwell, who currently lives
Woodmen of the World, he’s
and many other projects keep Ben Boutwell busy.
in Nashville, TN, has entered
shown me the benefits of
the competition in the past
“When our spot aired early in the first
signing up for life insurance while I'm
with director Ryan Anderson, but
quarter of the game, we were excited to
still young,” Boutwell said.
they’ve never come close to winning.
know we were one of the two finalists,”
“My initial feelings when Ryan
Boutwell said. But the team didn’t know
And with life returning to normal after
contacted me were, ‘it’s that time of
they had won the big prize until the
the big game, Boutwell says he has no
year again,’” Boutwell said. But this year,
next morning. “It was amazing to see
big plans for his share of the $1 million
things would be different.
Ryan on Good Morning America as they
prize except to save and get back to work.
announced we won!”
“We actually made two spots for this
“I can’t say I’ve had any work as a direct
year’s competition,” Boutwell said.
But Boutwell knows the commercial
result of the commercial, but I’ve stayed
“I did visual effects on the first one,
team didn’t win the prize on their own.
very busy working with musicians,
and provided edit consulting on the
“I knew we had a chance, but when it
shooting music videos, creating motion
second one, which turned out to be the
comes down to fan votes, you never can
graphics, and lyric videos,” he said.
winning spot.” Leading up to Super
tell. I hope my daily posting to Facebook
Recently, the 2009 Louisiana Tech
Bowl Sunday, the team knew they had
didn't annoy anyone too bad,” he said.
graduate worked on a unique artist
a 40 percent chance of seeing their spot
“I know we had a lot of hometown love
announcement video for the 2014
during the broadcast.
pouring out of Winnsboro, Louisiana.”
CMA Music Festival. ::
28 WOODMEN LIVING
Member News
Patriotism Drives Awards Dinner
I
n April, Chapter 1473 in Holly
Springs, NC, honored local high
school students with an awards
night for the 16th consecutive
year. The chapter recognizes an
outstanding U.S. History student
from each of the Wake County area’s
29 high schools. Each student receives
an engraved plaque and enjoys a
catered dinner with his or her parents
and teacher.
“It promotes our country’s history and
gets the Woodmen of the World name
out there,” said Chapter Secretary
Martha Clement, who has helped
organize the event since its inception.
She has also been a Woodmen of the
World member for 50 years.
Chapter 1473 Holly Springs, NC
After the final submissions are
received, organizers have about two
weeks to secure a guest count through
RSVPs, finalize catering details, verify
names, and have plaques engraved. End
to end, it’s all worth it,
“We want people to Clement said. “Those
who come find the
see that Woodmen evening enjoyable and
we have gotten excellent
of the World cares.” feedback.”
Planning a dinner
for approximately 75
people requires a lot
of preparation. Each
year, the chapter works
with the county’s Social
Studies chair, who
passes the information
The event’s popularity
—
Martha
Clement
on to each individual
was especially evident
campus. Letters about
three years ago, when
the event go out in the fall when school
a tornado struck just two miles away
starts. “We send the information
and only an hour before the dinner.
early hoping students will be inspired
Following the storm, there was no
and excited about the possibility of
power at the church fellowship hall
winning,” Clement said. The chapter
where the dinner is held, but half of the
sends reminder letters in February, after
recipients still attended and enjoyed the
which schools start submitting their
event all the same. “We won’t forget that
nominees. Each school chooses one
day,” Clement said.
student, usually a junior, because that
In addition to reminding Wake
is when the majority of the district’s
County residents of the importance
students take U.S. History courses.
of celebrating America’s history,
Each year, Chapter 1473 coordinates with the
largest school district in North Carolina to
honor one outstanding student from each of
29 area high schools.
the annual event shows them that
Woodmen of the World exists to serve
the communities where our members
work and live. “We want people to see
that Woodmen of the World cares,”
Clement said. ::
Make it Happen Locally
Do you want to host an awards night in your
area, or volunteer at your chapter’s event?
Contact your chapter officers. You can find
out more about your local chapter events,
as well as officer information, at woodmen.
org. Click on the Customers & Community
tab, then Chapters & Community, then
Chapter Search.
Woodmen of the World Magazine 29
Member News
Paying Respect
to Old Glory
“The box itself was shipped directly
to the wrap shop and prepared for
installation,” Kelly said. “When it
was ready, we had our dedication at
the courthouse with members, local
veterans, city and county officials,
and the Boy Scouts participating in
the ceremony. We had a very positive
community response.”
With the success of the first flag
repository box, two more chapters
soon followed suit. A second box, with
identical wrap and plaque, was installed
and dedicated at the courthouse in
Brookhaven, MS, with Chapters 9 and
1355 picking up the tab.
Forest, MS
W
hile he was attending a
Boy Scout flag retirement
ceremony late last year, Steve
Kelly-Kowalski’s mind drifted to a shelf
of tattered U.S. flags in his office, sitting
there waiting to be properly retired.
Because one of the biggest things
Woodmen of the World is known for
is purchasing and donating U.S. flags,
the Community Outreach Manager
came up with an idea for his area in
southern Mississippi. “I thought we
needed to create a place where people
could leave their old, faded flags and
know they would receive a respectful
and proper disposal,” he said. “I knew
it had to be some kind of receptacle,
like a mailbox, with easy deposit
access that was also secure.”
So, after working through a few of the
details and getting some information
30 WOODMEN LIVING
online and from local vendors to
support his idea, Kelly presented it as a
project to Chapter 84 in Forest, MS.
“The initial response from members
was inquisitive enthusiasm,” he
said. “They were excited about the
uniqueness of the concept, but they
had a few questions, like where do we
get the box, how much will it cost and
how difficult will it be to place?”
Once he had the support of the
chapter and they had obtained
permission from the Scott County
Board of Supervisors, Kelly moved
forward. He worked with the
Supervisors to determine where the
box would be placed in the County
Courthouse foyer, and then he
placed the order for the box, wrap
design and plaque to be placed on
the finished product.
“We are thrilled and honored
Brookhaven adopted this project and
welcomed it with open arms,” said
Chapter 9 President Boots Hawkins.
“This box stands as a reminder to all
of how to properly respect and retire
Old Glory.”
The Brookhaven dedication took place
a month after the Forest one, and it was
well attended by city council members,
local dignitaries, an entire Boy Scout
troop, and nine World War II veterans.
A third box and dedication is currently
in the works with Chapter 624 in
Newton, MS.
After collecting flags in the boxes,
Kelly said the chapters will work with
local Boy Scouts to properly dispose
of the flags. “The Scouts conduct the
ceremonies a few times a year. They
invite our membership and the public
to attend,” he said. “It's a very respectful
and moving event.” ::
Member News
Traveling Flags Make
a Big Statement
I
s your chapter looking for a way to
make a big impact at an event or
in your community? Woodmen
of the World’s traveling flags can help
your chapter make a statement about
patriotism while attracting a lot of
attention for your organization.
Created in 2008, the Traveling
Flag Program gives chapters the
opportunity to rent one (or both)
of two oversized flags for any kind
of community event, parade, school
assembly, athletic contest, or other
patriotic celebration.
The current flags available measure
30-foot x 60-foot and 50-foot x 100-foot
in size. The rental cost is $450 for the
smaller flag, and $650 for the larger one.
“Many people have never seen a
flag this large, so it attracts a lot of
attention,” said Heather Gouker,
administrator of the program
in Fraternal Outreach. “And
the flags are a wonderful way to
illustrate Woodmen of the World’s
commitment to our communities, our
military and our country.”
But before your chapter decides to rent
one of these flags, make sure you have
enough volunteers to properly carry
and display it. “It takes 40 people to
carry the smaller flag and 70 people
for the large flag,” said Gouker. “So
Kinston, NC
chapters will want to make sure they
have all of their volunteers in place
when they receive the flag.”
Since the program’s beginning, the
flags have been displayed more than
30 times at various sites and events
across the country. Some of the most
notable include: the Strategic Air and
Space Museum in Ashland, NE, in
2008; a 9/11 Memorial at Shanksville
(PA) High School, which is near the
Flight 93 site, in 2009; and the Navy/
Air Force football game in 2011.
Later this year, the flags will be
appearing at some more special events:
the Salute Our Military baseball game
for the Creighton Bluejays in Omaha,
NE; the Boy Scouts of America
Veterans’ Breakfast in Omaha, NE;
and a home baseball game for the
Cincinnati Reds on Sept. 27.
For more information on the Traveling
Flag Program, contact Heather
Gouker in Fraternal Outreach at
1-800-225-3108, ext. 7258, or email
[email protected]. Or to
submit your request to rent a flag, follow
the instructions in the box below. ::
To put in a request
to rent one of the
Traveling Flags:
1. Go to woodmen.org
2. Select the Customers
& Community tab
3. Select the Patriotism tab
4. Click on the Traveling Flag
Request Form link, complete
the form & hit Submit.
Woodmen of the World Magazine 31
chapter news
Fraternally Speaking
Looking Ahead
It’s hard to
believe, but
it will soon
be time for
your chapters
to start
planning the
calendar and
Pat Dees
budgeting for
next year. I encourage you to look for
meaningful outreach opportunities
to support the communities where
you live and work.
Next year, we will celebrate an
important date in Woodmen of
the World history – our 125th
anniversary. When planning your
2015 chapter calendars, please set
aside Saturday, June 6, for a day of
celebration and service.
We have also organized new event
kits to make planning successful
chapter events even easier. Please
work with your Representative and
Community Outreach Manager
while brainstorming events for 2015.
They can show you what’s available,
which will give you a better idea of
items to include in your budget.
Another way to secure the future of
chapters is by keeping membership
strong. In 2013, we provided $553
million in beneficiary payments, and
helping families secure their loved
ones with money for the future is at
the root of everything we do. This
often begins with an introduction.
Did you know the majority of our
new members are referred by existing
members? Please introduce those
you care about to the positive aspects
you’ve enjoyed as a Woodmen of the
World member. Thank you in advance
for recommending Woodmen of the
World and sharing how we can serve
the needs of families.
Sincerely and Fraternally,
Lodge
Centennials
Chapter 16
Chapter 41
Eufaula, AL
June 8, 1914
Grantsville, MD
Aug. 10, 1914
Chapter 298
Chicago, IL
June 22, 1914
Chapter 481
Grantham, NC
July 31, 1914
Chapter 4
Pat Dees
Executive Vice President, Fraternal
Cleburne, TX
Aug. 10, 1914
Dates to Remember
June 6
Woodmen of the World Anniversary
June 14
Flags Across America Day (Flag Day)
July
Annual membership lists
mailed to chapter secretaries
August
Chapter officer elections begin
32 WOODMEN LIVING
Community Outreach Profile
Clark Connects
New York Chapters
Shortly after taking on
her role, Clark visited the
chapters in her region. A
visit to Glens Falls, NY,
for the chapter’s annual
corned beef and cabbage
dinner still resonates with
her today. “They made
me feel so welcome and
welcomed me into their
big family,” she said. “It was
my first insight into what
fraternalism really means.”
Elbridge, NY
W
oodmen of the
World’s New
York marketing
area is unique – its 14
chapters are spread out
over seven states and many
chapters are several hours
from each other. Despite
this challenge, these
chapters stay focused on
working together to help
their communities. “They
work so well together and
have great connections,”
said Community Outreach
Manager Hilary Clark.
Clark joined Woodmen of
the World in February 2013,
Community Outreach Manager
Hilary Clark enjoys a ski day with
her husband, Raith, and Chapters
1022 and 1025 in New York.
a drastic change from her
career as an Intelligence
Analyst with the Army. The
move was a much needed
and positive one, Clark said.
“I’ve always been interested
in helping people. I thought
it was great that there was an
organization so invested in
taking an interest in people
and making them happy.”
What a lot of members
don’t realize, Clark said, is
that Community Outreach
Managers are very involved
in their own chapters. Clark
serves as secretary of the
chapter in Elbridge, NY,
where the state office resides.
“A lot of us are or have been
in their positions,” she said.
“We are speaking from
experience to help members,
and we understand what
they’re going through.”
apologize. We’re here to
help you, and our job is
to help you understand
how everything works. I’m
glad when members come
to me with questions.”
An example of Clark and
chapters pulling together
to plan an event was a
trip to the Six Flags Great
Escape theme park in Lake
George, NY. More than
700 members joined in
on the fun. She attributes
the success of this event,
and others like a day at
Titus Mountain Family
Ski Center in Malone,
NY, to active chapters that
involve the whole family.
“There’s almost nothing we
plan, with the exception
of senior camp, that kids
can’t go to,” she said. ::
Clark also mentions that
members should never
hesitate to contact their
Community Outreach
Manager, even if it’s multiple
times within a day or week.
“Don’t feel you need to
Woodmen of the World Magazine 33
Chapter News
Family Events Attract
Thousands
Minor league baseball games attract thousands
of west Tennessee members, some of whom
invite Little League teams they've sponsored.
T
his summer, hundreds
of families from 41 west
Tennessee chapters will
gather for entertainment and family
fun. Members in the area have the
opportunity to choose one of three
events – one of two minor league
baseball games or a trip to the
Nashville Zoo.
The west Tennessee area has been
providing these events for Woodmen
of the World families since 2010
instead of youth camp. “We wanted
to think outside the box. The board of
directors of the fraternal corporation
played an instrumental role in this.
They had the vision and foresight
to navigate to previously uncharted
waters,” said Community Outreach
Manager Claudia Dowdell.
Attendees have opportunities to
participate in promotional challenges
between innings, and enjoy a fireworks
show following the game.
Previous years’ events included three
baseball games; the zoo event has
been added as a new option in 2014.
Last year, the events drew more
than 3,200 attendees. Each member
is allowed six tickets, bringing any
guests they wish. “Some chapters take
it as an opportunity to bring Little
League teams they have sponsored in
their communities,” Dowdell said.
The transition from camps to family
events four years ago has allowed
the west Tennessee area to reach
additional members at a cost of less
than $10 each. Though members
are able to attend these events free of
charge, the west Tennessee area still
spends less overall with the newer
family event format.
Admission includes a game ticket,
three concessions items and a
Woodmen of the World memento.
In addition to offering fun and
family time, the event shares the
Woodmen of the World story with
western Tennessee communities.
34 WOODMEN LIVING
“The exposure we get is phenomenal,”
Dowdell said. Opportunities have
included throwing out the first pitch,
banners in the outfield, thank you
messages on the digital scoreboards,
and radio interviews with State
Manager Roger Anderson.
“We open these events to our entire
membership, and they are really
appreciated,” Dowdell said. “They get
to choose which event they want to
go to, whether it’s right near home or
exploring the area a little more.”
To view upcoming events in your
area, search for your local chapter
on woodmen.org. ::
Fraternal Summits Bring
Members Together
topics of Lead Where You Live, Social
Media, Financial Best Practices, and
updates to the Fraternal Challenge.
In addition to the core topics, she also
made sure to cover two topics she gets
a lot of questions about: Involving
Youth in Chapter Activities and
MyFraternalWeb.org.
“In planning the event, it was important
to me that our volunteer members felt
it was worth their time,” Hatton said.
“A lot of ideas were shared and seeds
were planted at the Summit that I hope
will grow into big ideas. I’ve had several
people say they got useful information
from the event, so I’m happy they
thought it was a worthwhile way to
spend their day.”
Paducah, KY
S
ince January, members across the
country have gathered together to
share information and ideas at 59
Fraternal Summits. And as of press time,
there were still seven yet to be held.
Organized by Community Outreach
Managers (COMs), the Summits
were designed to encourage members
to engage with other members, while
coming together to learn new and
innovative ways to be involved with
their chapters and their communities.
“With the Fraternal Summits, the
COMs have really enjoyed interacting
with our members and seeing them so
willing to get involved and learn new
things,” said Mary Katherine Smith,
Chapter and Community Outreach
Liaison. “And overall, the COMs
reported that chapters are getting more
and more excited about sharing their
events and activities on Facebook.”
Members from 30 different chapters in
Kentucky and Illinois gathered together for
fellowship, education and to share ideas at
their Fraternal Summit on March 1.
One example of a successful Fraternal
Summit was held March 1 in
Paducah, KY, with more than 120
members, including two special guests,
representing 30 chapters from Kentucky
West and Illinois South in attendance.
“It was such an honor to have President
Larry King and his wife, Sandy, in
attendance at our Summit,” said
Angie Hatton, Community Outreach
Manager for Kentucky West. “They
jumped right in from the beginning
and were very helpful and friendly, as
all good Kentuckians are.”
For Hatton, the Summit was also a way
to bring together members in her large
marketing area. “We are so spread out
geographically between chapters, that
I think our members sometimes feel
like they are all alone,” she said. “But
the Summit was a chance for members
to come together and learn from one
another, while building a sense of
family and connection amongst them.”
With the majority of the Fraternal
Summits in the books, Smith
believes this year’s events have been
a success. “The Summits have been
very rewarding,” she said. “They’ve
given the COMs the opportunity to
continue to nurture their relationships
with our members, and support them
as they facilitate Woodmen of the
World’s fraternal mission in their
communities.” ::
For the event itself, Hatton based the
schedule off the Fraternal Summit
Resource Guide, and covered the core
Woodmen of the World Magazine 35
fun zone
Liberty & Laughs
HAVE A GOOD JOKE? Make your fellow fraternalists laugh.
Please send contributions to [email protected].
Q: What did one flag say to the other flag?
A: Nothing. It just waved!
Q: What dance was very popular in 1776?
A: Indepen-dance!
Q: Why did Paul Revere ride his horse
from Boston to Lexington?
A: Because the horse was too heavy to carry!
Q: What kind of drink did the American
colonists thirst for?
A: Liber-tea!
Q: How is a healthy person like the
United States?
A: They both have good constitutions!
Q: What protest by a group of dogs
occurred in 1773?
A: The Boston Flea Party!
Q: How is a flag like Santa Claus?
A: They both hang out at the pole!
Q: Why were the early American settlers
like ants?
A: Because they lived in colonies.
Q: What would you get if you crossed the
Stars and Stripes with a cookie?
A: A Flag Newton!
Q: Did you hear about the cartoonist
in the Continental Army?
A: He was a Yankee doodler!
Teacher: “Where was the Declaration of
Independence signed?”
Student: “On the bottom!”
36 WOODMEN LIVING
Q: What did the visitor say as
he left the Statue of Liberty?
A: Keep in torch!
1. house color 2. garage light 3. window screen 4. gate latch 5. baby's sweater color 6. military service bars 7. different sign 8. green grass 9. blanket color 10. jacket button
Review this Reunion
Woodmen of the World Magazine 37
Can you find the 10 differences
between the two pictures?
in memoriam
Colie Will Starling
Berryman
Age: 93
Chapter 15 Bastrop, LA
Lawrence “Don” Jones
Age: 77
Chapter 179 Jackson, TN
Carol H. Brock
Age: 80
Chapter 137 Whiteville, NC
Fay Pye Lee
Age: 77
Chapter 158 Brooklet, GA
James Leslie Cribbs
Age: 50
Chapter 78 Lakeland, FL
John Lee
Meris Dupre
Age: 73
Chapter 420 Ville Platte, LA
Weldon “Gene” Morris
Age: 75
Chapter 1571 Augusta, GA
Martin E. “Red” Fetterolf
Age: 76
Chapter 433 Pitman, PA
James “Wayne” Prine
Age: 71
Chapter 4 Cleburne, TX
Jurisdictional Past President
Lester “Loran” Gladden
Age: 63
Chapter 1076 Lugoff, SC
Age: 73
Chapter 101 Sevierville, TN
Austine Beard Filla
Age: 83
Chapter 4520 Houston, TX
National Representative
In Memoriam Submission Guidelines: The editors of
Woodmen Living want to give your departed loved ones the most
respectful and complete recognition possible. To aid us in doing
this, please include the following minimum information and send
it to [email protected]: your loved one’s full name as you
would like it printed, age, chapter number, and hometown. Also let
us know if he or she served as a Jurisdictional Officer, a National
Committee member, a State Manager, or a National Representative.
In addition, when including photos, please submit photos of the
highest possible quality to assure adequate printing. Thank you.
38 WOODMEN LIVING
Wondering what to do
with your money?
When it comes to our homes, cars, vacations, and even the foods we eat, we often aspire to something
bigger and better. Your savings should be no different.
Woodmen of the World’s Modified Endowment Life Insurance certificate, the Enhancer, may be a better
way to preserve your assets and help you save for your future and the future of your loved ones.
• Your cash may accumulate faster than in a CD
• Tax-deferred gain until received
• Avoid the hassles of probate
• Tax-free death benefit if paid to named beneficiary
Call your Representative today to find out if this could be your opportunity to set aside money and save
on income taxes.
Accumulation Universal Life Certificate ICC11 8307 5-11, 8307 5-11 (XX)
Single Premium Whole Life Certificate 04-XX-0409
D1005WOW 11/12
PERIODICALS
Coming
Next Issue…
In this very space in the next issue of Woodmen
Living, you’ll be able to see your chapter’s
calendar listings for the fourth quarter of
2014. The issue will be in your mailbox in
September, and listed right here will be your
October, November and December events!
This will give your chapter officers a
way to plan events on a quarterly basis
and it will give you a more immediate
view of the calendar, so you can work
it into your family’s busy schedule!
To view your chapter’s activities
for the year, or to see neighboring
chapter activities, you can view
calendars 24/7 on woodmen.org.
The back page of Woodmen Living
will be the new permanent home
of your chapter calendar. You
won’t receive an annual calendar
anymore – instead, in every
issue you’ll see the next three
months of chapter activities, plus
your chapter officers and your
Representatives listed right here.
Your Cha
Your Towpter
n, ST
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Upcomin
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Winter 20
14
■ Donatio
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10/16/2014 Collection Day
Woodmen 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
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Make plan
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to help with
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Woodmen 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Building,
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Regional Po - 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
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Give teddy e Stations
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Woodmen 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM
Building,
Your Town,
ST
Youth will
mak
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■ Annual
Ch
12/6/2014 ristmas Party
Woodmen 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Building,
Your Town,
ST
Family Chris
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Chapter to
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furnish mea ith Santa.
drinks. Offi
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After one ye Illness Benefit
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Lung Canc
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Tumor, Tube Leukemia, Brain
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