Changing Your Insurance · 8 WoodmenLife Magazine WoodmenLife Magazine 9 Assets Dec. 31, 2017 Dec. 31, 2018 Bonds $7,473,523,682 $7,485,137,545 Preferred Stock — 8,338,082 Common

MAGAZINE

Spring 2019

Snowball Express Recap

2018 Annual Report

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

Changing Your Insurance

Let’s Make an Even Bigger Impact This Year

Throughout a lifetime of experience with WoodmenLife, there are many things I can always count on, including your willingness to step up when we offer new ways to help your local community. We’re about to launch one of our biggest opportunities yet, the WoodmenLife ImpactSM program. This online fundraising site will be a brand–new way for you to raise money for causes in your community.

You will be able to raise money for things like classroom supplies or uniforms for your child’s school and equipment for your local First Responders. Plus, WoodmenLife pays ALL fees.

Down the line, Impact will offer even more opportunities for fundraising. This will include a chance to give our National Community Focus of fighting hunger even more exposure. I personally think this will be our most successful year yet toward this effort! It’s going to be exciting to see how you are helping your communities in real time.

Sincerely,

Patrick L. DeesPresident & CEO

WoodmenLife Magazine 32 WoodmenLife Magazine

MESSAGE

PRESIDENT’S

Our Mission: WoodmenLife provides members with financial security while making a difference in your community.

Recruiting Sales Manager Carol Reed presents an American flag on behalf of members to the Disabled American Veterans in Evergreen. They maintain the Conecuh County Veterans Memorial.

Patrick L. Dees

Chapter 1896 Evergreen, AL

On the CoverDawson Bell, 13, and Hayden Bell, 11, of Florence, SC.

Cover photo by Ashley Nicole Photography

In This Issue03 President’s Message

10 Newsworthy

12 Scholarship News

13 A.M. Best Reaffirms Rating

14 “America Is...” Video Contest

23 Jurisdictional Convention Schedule

24 Chapter 722 ... Goes All Out

25 Earn Money For Your Community

26 Retirement Planning

28 Veterans Night Out

30 Golden Girl Group Home

39 Fun Zone

42 In Memoriam

44 Chapter Calendar

Volume 132 • Number 2 WoodmenLife, founded in 1890, is a not-for-profit life insurance company that also offers member benefits.Our nearly 700,000 members, who hold close to one million insurance and annuity certificates, belong to nearly 900 chapters throughout the United States. Local chapters 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.National Board of DirectorsPatrick L. Dees, Chairman, President & CEO, Omaha, NEDenise M. McCauley, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, Omaha, NEMatthew E. Ellis, Executive Vice President, Secretary & General Counsel, Omaha, NERobert T. Maher, Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Omaha, NE Daniel W. Rice III, Kinston, NCDr. James W. Bosler III, Louisville, KYDr. James W. Shaver, Landis, NCMichael C. Shealy, Lexington, SCWesley A. Dodd Jr., Cornelia, GADaryl J. Doise, Frisco, TXDanny E. Cummins, Troup, TXRonald H. Aldridge, Jackson, MSMark L. Schreier, Papillion, NEDwayne H. Tucker, Nashville, TNMagazine Staff Managing Editor: Dana SawyerContent Editor: Jim BushDesign Editor: Joe BavarescoWriters: Liz Perry, Gary Peterson, Samantha ChaneyDesigner: Janelle ArthurContributors: Carli Cominoli, Sarah Kilian, Jerry UnderwoodIf you have questions, comments or suggestions for articles, please direct them to [email protected]. Visit us at WoodmenLife.org.WoodmenLife Magazine (ISSN 1069-1790) is published quarterly for $2.00 per year by Woodmen of the World Life Insurance Society, 1700 Farnam St., Omaha, NE 68102. Periodicals postage paid at Omaha, NE, and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to WoodmenLife Magazine, 1700 Farnam St., Omaha, NE 68102-2025.Securities are offered through Woodmen Financial Services, Inc. (WFS), 1700 Farnam Street, Omaha, NE 68102, 877-664-3332, member FINRA/SIPC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Woodmen of the World Life Insurance Society (collectively “WoodmenLife”). Securities other than the WoodmenLife Variable Annuity are issued by companies that are not affiliated with Woodmen of the World Life Insurance Society. This material is intended for general use with the public. WFS is not undertaking to provide investment advice for any individual or any individual situation, and you should not look to this material for any investment advice. WFS has financial interests that are served by the sale of these products or services.Products that are not issued by WoodmenLife 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 World Life Insurance Society (”WoodmenLife“). These products are issued by carriers that are not affiliated with Woodmen of the World Life Insurance Society.Products are not available in New York and all products may not be available in all states. Not all Representatives are licensed to sell all products.Equal Access PolicyWoodmenLife is an Equal Access membership organization that promotes a culture of inclusion. It is the policy of WoodmenLife to seek qualified members on a non-discriminatory basis and to provide all members with equal access to and allow their participation in WoodmenLife’s chapter system, chapter events, fraternal benefits, and all other fraternal activities on a nondiscriminatory basis. Membership is open to all individuals who share the values of family, community and country regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, military or veteran status, and/or any other classification or factor protected by federal, state or local law.

It is also WoodmenLife’s policy that any form of harassment of any member for any reason, not just on the basis of any factor or protected status listed above, will not be tolerated.


6 Annual Report 31 Mounted Patrol Unit

16 Insurance Updates Made Easy

20 Snowball Express14 WoodmenLife ImpactSM 32 Fraternal Spirit

Financial HighlightsWoodmenLife’s financial performance in 2018 included income of more than $1 billion. Life insurance in force continued to climb, reaching $38.7 billion. WoodmenLife has total assets of nearly $11 billion, and $115 of assets for every $100 of liabilities, further indication of our strong financial position. Benefit payments to customers and beneficiaries totaled $753.2 million, while customers received $38.5 million in refunds.

Visit WoodmenLife.org to view a complete version of the 2018 WoodmenLife Annual Report.

Community ReportThrough 15,799 chapter community events in 2018, WoodmenLife members continued to celebrate their shared commitment to family, community and country. Our chapters made a meaningful impact in the cities and towns they love with service projects, disaster relief work and patriotic activities, as well as by supporting our National Community Focus of fighting hunger. In addition, in the second full year of the new WoodmenLife Member Benefits Program, members saved money with the Life’s Perks® discount program and planned for the future with the WoodmenLife Focus Forward Scholarship®.

Sources of Income Dec. 31, 2017 Dec. 31, 2018

Payments received from members for insurance and annuities $570,241,991 $587,333,757

Interest, dividends and rents, less investment expenses and taxes 404,258,443 395,526,174

Other income 25,719,351 29,117,695

Total $1,000,219,785 $1,011,977,626

How Income Was Used Dec. 31, 2017 Dec. 31, 2018

Death benefits $224,078,276 $228,318,886

Endowment benefits 1,239,586 1,141,786

Annuity benefits 310,706,372 378,064,356

Disability and hospital benefits 10,244,134 10,716,868

Payments to members and beneficiaries of monies previously deposited with WoodmenLife 39,461,953 41,898,223

Surrender benefits and withdrawals for life contracts 131,170,836 134,963,702

Refunds to members 42,818,466 38,500,680

Set aside for members and beneficiaries to guarantee payment of future benefits 69,368,197 10,762,266

Total paid to or set aside for members and beneficiaries $829,087,820 $844,366,767

Member benefits $1,958,296 1,919,799

Civic and community welfare, and fraternal expense 31,600,544 32,771,621

Federal, state and other taxes (insurance) 5,495,271 5,616,508

Compensation to Sales Force for fraternal activities and securing new members 33,394,940 33,909,989

Insurance expense 98,682,914 93,392,942

Total $1,000,219,785 $1,011,977,626

Member Benefits Quantity Benefit Amount

Shared Commitment 2,732 projects $1,024,500.00

United States Flags 252,200 $620,585.94

First Responders 1 $25,000.00

Natural Disaster 447 $297,972.12

Newborn 3 $30,000.00

Orphan's Care 15 $180,000.00

Youth & Senior Activities 29,687 people at 115 events $1,966,339.06

Member Discounts — $423,257.00

Scholarships 991 $553,500.00

NEWSWORTHY

GUIDED GOODBY

2018 WoodmenLife Annual Report

WoodmenLife Magazine 76 WoodmenLife Magazine WoodmenLife Magazine 7

ANNUAL REPORTANNUAL REPORT


Assets Dec. 31, 2017 Dec. 31, 2018

Bonds $7,473,523,682 $7,485,137,545

Preferred Stock — 8,338,082

Common Stock 529,027,557 406,562,172

Mortgage Loans 2,028,935,780 2,037,358,139

Real Estate 79,189,607 78,464,829

Other Invested Assets 38,216,054 85,956,552

Short-Term Investments & Cash 103,810,660 180,832,659

Certificate Loans 152,333,011 148,365,316

Data Processing Equipment 1,374,661 1,376,062

Other Non-Invested Assets 853,131 1,536,673

Due & Accrued Investment Income 74,521,106 71,071,714

Separate Account Assets 493,674,084 444,510,975

Total Admitted Assets $10,975,459,333 $10,949,510,718

Liabilities Dec. 31, 2017 Dec. 31, 2018

Certificate Reserves $8,485,945,271 $8,466,431,399

Certificate Claims 43,504,646 41,585,231

Certificate Refunds 274,591,726 264,837,063

Advance Payments 5,765,937 5,351,869

Asset Valuation Reserve 125,083,438 100,281,350

Other Liabilities 153,356,571 194,339,555

Separate Account Liabilities 493,674,084 444,510,975

Total Liabilities $9,581,921,673 $9,517,337,442

Special Reserve for Fluctuation of Assets, Mortality, Interest, Expense, & Fraternal Activities $1,393,537,660 $1,432,173,276

Total Liabilities & Special Reserves $10,975,459,333 $10,949,510,718

Dollars of Assets to Every $100 of Liabilities $115 $115

Insurance in Force $38,543,409,986 $38,707,811,338

Life Insurance Issued $2,984,629,986 2,780,149,760

Benefit Payments $677,439,204 $753,205,598

DOLLARS OF FACE AMOUNT IN FORCE (BILLIONS)

2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

$37.6$37.2

$36.7$36.4

$35.8$35.4

$34.9

$38$38.5 $38.7

Insurance in Force 10-Year HistoryAssets 10-Year History

$8.1$8.6

$9.3 $9.5$10.1 $10.4 $10.7 $10.85 $10.98 $10.95

2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018DOLLARS IN ASSETS (BILLIONS) DOLLARS OF PREMIUM INCOME (MILLIONS)

DOLLARS OF FACE AMOUNT IN FORCE (MILLIONS)

2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

$639

$767 $793$726

$807$746$748

$800

$570 $587

DOLLARS OF FACE AMOUNT IN FORCE (BILLIONS)

Premium Income 10-Year History

Distribution of Assets

Preferred & Common Stock 3.79%

Other Non-Invested Assets 0.67%

Separate Account Assets 4.06%

Other Invested Assets 4.51%

Bonds 68.36%

Mortgage Loans 18.61%

ANNUAL REPORT ANNUAL REPORT

NEWSWORTHYNEWSWORTHY

WoodmenLife has reopened the California Region, which was previously part of the Western Region, effective Jan. 1. This market has a diverse population across California, Hawaii, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Washington. The California Region has multiple Recruiting Sales Managers and a strong chapter presence.

California Reopens

Join WoodmenLife in supporting our First Responders. Honor law enforcement and

fire and rescue personnel with Thin Blue Line and Thin Red Line American flags.

Contact your WoodmenLife Chapter for more information.

New Flags Available

10 WoodmenLife Magazine

Hutto Named Regional Director in Southern AlabamaMike Hutto has been promoted to Alabama South Regional Director, effective Jan. 1. A native of Marianna, FL, Hutto began his career with WoodmenLife in August 2013.

He earned Super Star status in 2015 and was promoted to Recruiting Sales Manager in June 2016.

Hutto holds a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice and a minor in psychology from Florida State University, where he

was a scholarship athlete. He joined the Leon County, FL, Sheriff’s Office as a Mounted Posse volunteer member in 2008 and currently serves as a Reserve Deputy in Jackson County, FL.

Hutto has been active with various chapters across the state. He said some of the most memorable events he’s helped with are ones that support First Responders, veterans and children with special needs.

Hutto and his wife, Kelley, have three children: Mitchel, Nickolas and Jillian. They are proud grandparents of Emma, daughter of Mitchel and Brittany.

Wiley Named Regional Director in Southern GeorgiaTodd Wiley has been promoted to Georgia South Regional Director, effective Jan. 1.

A native of Cornelia, GA, Wiley began his career with WoodmenLife as a Sales Representative in May 1990. During his tenure as a Sales Representative and Recruiting Sales Manager, he earned Club status 26 times.

Wiley was promoted to Recruiting Sales Manager, Georgia North in September 1993. He is a member of Chapter 565 in Cleveland, GA. Wiley remains active in chapter fundraising

activities, working with local schools to raise money for sports teams and bands to buy equipment.

Wiley also volunteers with Masonic lodges, the Fire Department and donates his time preparing meals for Fishers of Men, a Christian outreach program for outdoorsmen.

He and his wife, Kay, have two children: Eric and Laura. They are proud grandparents of six grandchildren and one great-grandchild and are expecting another great-grandchild in early 2019.

In his spare time, Wiley enjoys golfing, hunting and cheering on the University of Georgia Bulldogs.

Todd Wiley

Lear Named Regional Director in Northern AlabamaRonnie Lear has been promoted to Alabama North Regional Director, effective Feb. 1.

Lear joined WoodmenLife as a Sales Representative in 2001 and was promoted to Recruiting Sales Manager, Kentucky West, in 2009. His background includes military service in the U.S. Army and Kentucky National Guard, and 16 years in local law enforcement.

Lear received the Top Hat award as a Representative in 2007

and was named Top Hat Recruiting Sales Manager for 2016. He has earned Super Star or Super Star Elite status 17 of the 18 years he’s been with WoodmenLife. In addition, he has ranked as one of the top recruiters for WoodmenLife the past two years.

Lear, who has helped with many chapters’ activities, said serving others has contributed a lot to his success. In addition to being a member of WoodmenLife Chapter 115 in Mayfield, he also is a member of the local Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion.

Lear and his wife, Dina, have two children: Laken, 25, and Logan, 22. In his spare time, Lear enjoys boating on Kentucky’s lakes.

Ronnie Lear

Mike Hutto

Lawrence Named Regional Director in CaliforniaWoodmenLife has appointed Tyler Lawrence Regional Director for the California Region, where he will oversee and grow the Sales Force and membership in California, Hawaii, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Washington.

A native of Syracuse, NY, Lawrence began his career with WoodmenLife as a Representative in October 2012 in Roanoke, VA. In August 2015, he was promoted to Recruiting Sales Manager for the Virginia Region, first in Williamsburg and then in

Charlottesville in May 2018. Lawrence earned Cabinet status in 2018 as a Recruiting Sales Manager.

He is a member of Chapter #279 in Charlottesville. Lawrence’s chapter activities include creating events such as the Mission to Raise a Million Pounds. The charity weightlifting competition invited members of the community to lift 1 million pounds in one day, raising more than $6,000 for the Wounded Warrior Project.

He also works with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

Lawrence and his wife, Amy Kitts Lawrence, have a 7-month old daughter, Taylor Leigh. In his spare time, Lawrence enjoys running, cycling and spending time with his family.

Tyler Lawrence

WoodmenLife Earns Superior Rating Once AgainA.M. Best, an independent financial rating agency, has once again affirmed WoodmenLife’s A+ (Superior) financial strength rating, reflecting its independent opinion of the organization’s financial strength and ability to meet ongoing insurance and contract obligations.

Out of 15 possible ratings, “A+” is A.M. Best’s second-highest rating. The agency bases this rating on a comprehensive and qualitative evaluation of WoodmenLife’s balance sheet strength, operating performance, business profile, and enterprise risk management capabilities.

“This rating from A.M. Best confirms that we are making the decisions that are best for our members,” said Patrick L. Dees, WoodmenLife President & CEO. “We continue to plan for the future with this focus, and are structuring the organization to ensure we will be just as strong many years from now.”

A.M. Best is a full-service credit rating organization dedicated to serving the financial services industries, including the banking and insurance sectors. Policyholders and depositors refer to Best’s ratings and analyses as a means of assessing the financial strength and creditworthiness of risk-bearing entities and investment vehicles. To learn more about A.M. Best, visit ambest.com.

NEWSWORTHY

WoodmenLife Off to a Great Start at Her Dream SchoolWoodmenLife Focus Forward Scholarship® Recipient Excelling in the Classroom, Still Giving Back

S arah Freese, who received the top WoodmenLife Focus Forward Scholarship in 2018, is thriving during her first semester as a student at UCLA.

“UCLA was always the school that I wanted to go to all throughout high school, so just being here in itself is so surreal,” Freese said.

WoodmenLife awarded her $25,000 last spring. That money is helping her to attend her dream school.

Sarah’s mother, Shelley Freese, said the scholarship was a huge help and has been a financial relief for the family. And she’s proud of her daughter.“She worked really hard, and she got rewarded for that,” Shelley Freese said.

Sarah Freese, of Fair Oaks, CA, said she originally

planned to major in public affairs and political science, but has since changed course, swapping out that double major for a major in public affairs with a planned minor in either entrepreneurship or education.

The 19-year-old is interested in pursuing business long term; she ran her own business in high school offering swim lessons. She’s also exploring an interest in working in education. Her dream job is to be a school superintendent. Regardless, Sarah is excelling academically, concluding her first semester with a 4.0 GPA.

“You’re in an environment with people that lift you up and support you, which you in turn do for them as well,” she said

Sarah stays busy outside of academics, too. She’s joined Chi Omega sorority, as well as the Student Alumni Association and Bruin Belles Service Association, a student-run organization that emphasizes community service and women’s leadership. She’s also embarking on a brand new organization with a friend; it’s called Build On and will help to provide sustainable aid abroad by helping to fund the construction of schools in other countries.

“I’m so thankful that I got this scholarship from WoodmenLife so that it’s been easier for me to be able to attend here,” she said. “It has definitely helped a lot. Every day I just wake up and I can’t even believe that I go here.”

WoodmenLife Scholarship Helps Fuel Student’s SuccessTalent, determination and smarts will take a student places. Member Dylan Carpenter, who won the first $25,000 WoodmenLife Focus Forward Scholarship® in 2017, is a perfect example. The Carthage, MS, student graduated from the University of Mississippi in just two years. WoodmenLife is honored to have been a part of Carpenter’s success story. We look forward to similar stories in the future.

Member Highlights

Sarah Freese

Chapter 339

Fair Oaks, CA

Member since 2006


“UCLA was always the school that I wanted to go to all throughout high school, so just being here in itself is so surreal.”

— Sarah Freese WoodmenLife Focus Forward

Scholarship® Recipient

MEMBERNEWS

Coming Soon:

Free, Easy Fundraising for Your Community

Keep your eyes peeled for the WoodmenLife “America Is…” video contest. This contest is a chance for you to support your local schools and share your patriotic spirit with the next generation. What could be better?

Any elementary school in the nation can submit up to a 60-second video about what America means to their kids. Students are encouraged to be creative, be patriotic and — above all — have fun!

Be sure to follow and like Facebook.com/WoodmenLife

so you can catch all the details. There is a tab where you can learn about essential dates, the top three prizes and the official rules. The winning class, based on public voting on Facebook, will win $2,500 to do as they’d like. Get out your camera and your red, white and blue to help your school today! For inspiration, head over to the WoodmenLife YouTube channel to see last year’s winners.

Why start a fundraiser with WoodmenLife Impact?Help ManyWoodmenLife Impact focuses on hosting fundraisers that help communities on a larger level. In helping schools, fire departments and other community groups, you touch the lives of many.

In turn, this can create a ripple effect. Those you help may pass it on, continuing to make an impact in their communities.

Start with $50Your fundraiser will launch with a $50 donation from WoodmenLife. We want your efforts to be successful, so we go the extra step to help you get started.*

No FeesWoodmenLife covers 100% of the fees, so every dollar you donate goes directly to the cause you choose to support.

Filling a NeedWhen you donate to a campaign on WoodmenLife's Impact, you'll have the confidence of knowing your donation is supporting a great community cause.

WoodmenLife is bringing you a new benefit to help build up your community later this spring. What if you could help your child’s school raise money for uniforms? Or help your local volunteer fire department buy new equipment? With WoodmenLife ImpactSM, you can! This online fundraising tool for local giving empowers you to support causes that matter to you. Plus, WoodmenLife will kick off your fundraiser with $50*!

Setting up your fundraiser is easy. Simply fill out the fundraiser application at WoodmenLife.org/Impact. Our staff will work with you to get everything set up and approved. Once your fundraiser goes live, it will run for 45 days. Be sure to share your efforts on social media to attract as much awareness and involvement as possible.

Help by DonatingYou can also support your community by donating to a fundraiser on WoodmenLife Impact. WoodmenLife chapters will be using Impact as a new way to further their community efforts. Be on the lookout for fundraisers you can support in your area this spring.

Here's How:1. Go to WoodmenLife.org/Impact. Choose the campaign

you want to support. You can search by state or by type of project (community or country, with more categories coming throughout the year).

2. There’s no need to create an account. Just choose how much you’d like to donate and enter your name and email address to receive a receipt. It’s that easy. WoodmenLife covers all fees, so every dollar you donate will go toward accomplishing the goals of the campaign.

3. Be sure to check back for updates from the fundraiser organizer and to see how the project is progressing toward its goal.

Win $2,500 for your school


MEMBERNEWS

*Seed funds are granted as available on a first-come, first-served basis and are not guaranteed to all campaigns.

Approval of campaign proposals is dependent upon certain conditions and requirements as determined by WoodmenLife.

WoodmenLifeGIVES $50*

100% IMPACT

FEES FILL

ING A NEED

GIVE BACK

LO C A LLY$

“AmericAis...”

Video Contest is Back

COMING SPRING 2019 WoodmenLife.org/Impact

CI0036 3/2019

Florence, SC

WoodmenLife Magazine 17

Insurance Updates Made EasyKelly Bell of Florence, SC, is a teacher

for children who have low vision or

no vision. She guides them through

what otherwise might be a challenging school

day. After her day of teaching ends, she heads home

to teach her own son and daughter. Her days are full, and often

there isn’t much time to think about her or her family’s future needs,

let alone insurance coverage.

The Right Products at the Right Time

Three years ago, the Bells were researching permanent insurance

products online and landed on WoodmenLife.org. They searched

for a Representative in their area and noticed that WoodmenLife

Representative Ashley Klynstra was right in their neighborhood.

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Member HighlightsKelly & Stephen Bell Florence, SC Chapter 52 100% WoodmenLife Family

1. There may be tax implications for policies recognized as modified endowment contracts (MECs). Distributions, including loans, from a MEC are taxable to the extent of the gain in a policy, and may also be subject to a 10% additional tax if the owner is under age 59½. 2. Member benefits are not contractual, are subject to change and have specific eligibility requirements. 3. Member benefits are available to members. An individual becomes a member by joining our shared commitment to family, community and country, and by purchasing a WoodmenLife product. 4. Loans against the cash value of your certificate will accrue interest, reduce the death benefit and may be a distribution taxable to the extent of the gain. Withdrawals of more than 10% of the surrender value each certificate year will be subject to a surrender charge during the surrender charge period. If you are under age 59½ at the time of any withdrawal a 10% IRS penalty tax may apply. 5. Qualification for the guaranteed insurability rider is dependent upon underwriting and approval by WoodmenLife. All contractual provisions apply and may vary by state.

Forms ICC17 8678 1-17; 8678 1-17 (XX), 261-XX0409 Form 03-XX-0409

Here are some benefits of permanent coverage:

» Lifetime coverage

» Payments that are guaranteed not to increase

» Access to cash value that can help pay for later costs,4 such as college

» Money to help ease the financial burden for family members after the insured dies

Plus, you can add the Guaranteed Insurability Rider5 at additional cost, which allows you to purchase additional insurance at certain times without a medical examination.

Contact your WoodmenLife Representative today.

Did you know that you may have the option to convert your Term insurance to permanent coverage?

Kelly and husband, Stephen Bell, sat down with Klynstra to review the term life coverage they had through employers, and she recommended they purchase two 20-Pay Whole Life1 certificates. They were in their 30s and in good health — and could afford the monthly premium. Purchasing Whole Life certificates would mean that they would have coverage for a lifetime, at a rate that would never increase. Klynstra

also recommended buying 20-Pay certificates for Hayden, 11, and Dawson, 13, since they were young.

Soon after, they got a call from Klynstra, who had realized that for a monthly premium they could afford they also could add two $10,000 Term certificates for Hayden and Dawson. Doing this would increase their coverage on top of the 20-Pay certificates they currently owned. The Bells

felt secure in their decisions based on Klynstra’s recommendations, because she had similar coverage for her own kids. “I feel like Ashley has made it easy for us and keeps our best interests in mind. I always ask what she would do for her own kids,” said Kelly Bell.

More Than InsuranceThe Bells now take full advantage of being WoodmenLife members and use its benefits,2 attending family events at Pirates Voyage and Medieval Times at discounted prices. They also have purchased two TVs and six DNA kits for relatives, all at incredible savings3 through Life’s Perks®. “The money we’ve saved through Life’s Perks has allowed us to attend events and purchase items that may have otherwise not been affordable,” said Kelly Bell.

As a part of a 100 percent WoodmenLife family, Hayden and Dawson will be eligible for the WoodmenLife Focus Forward Scholarship® when they graduate high school.

A Trusted GuideKlynstra keeps in close communication with the Bells and always recommends options that are consistent with their specific needs and financial objectives, while saving them money. The Bells consider her a friend, as well as a trusted guide, to help protect their family for life.

Klynstra’s motto has always been, “I tell my clients that if they can think of a product and amount of coverage they want, I’ll find a way to provide that for them.” She has certainly done that for the Bells, helping them find the right coverage at a price they can afford.

Just as Kelly Bell serves as a guide for her students and own children every day, Klynstra serves as a guide for the Bells, educating them through life’s stages, making it easy to provide the protection and benefits they need at each stage.

18 WoodmenLife Magazine WoodmenLife Magazine 19

“I never had coverage like this when I was their age, and this gives us peace of mind, knowing our children are protected for life.”

— Kelly Bell


The Garden of Flags was Like 800 Soldiers Standing at Attention

E ight hundred American flags formed a walkway in the Fiesta room of Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort.

Every flag stood for a fallen military hero, and contained his or her name, rank and branch of service. The memorial Heroes’ Garden was a central part of the Gary Sinise Foundation Snowball Express event at Walt Disney World in Orlando, FL.

The annual event, which took place in December, brought together more than 1,750 children of the fallen and their surviving parent or guardian for five days of inspiration, unity and healing.

“When I walked into what was to become the Heroes’ Garden, I got the feeling, ‘This is going to be good,’” said Bernadine Stanaland, Florida Jurisdictional President for WoodmenLife. “After our volunteers ironed all 800 flags, put them in the stands and in the walking path order, I got the feeling, ‘This is going to be great.’ But when the nametags were put on the flagpoles, the room came to life. It was like 800 soldiers from all branches and ranks were standing before us at attention.”

Stanaland was one of nearly 75 WoodmenLife volunteers who gave her time to the Snowball Express.

She and other volunteers have special memories from the event.

“On the first day, I was leading a young lady and her son, William, to their loved one’s flag,” Stanaland said. “The young lady said thank you, and I walked away. I noticed that they both put their arms around the flag and then lay down next to the flag. The son was given a memory book to write his thoughts down.

They both wrote messages and left them at the bottom of the flag. This was happening all over the room.”

Mickey Pennington, Florida Community Outreach Manager, said he will cherish the memory of two little girls, who had each tragically lost parents.

“I was able to meet one little girl who lost both parents,” Pennington said. “Thirty minutes later, there was another little girl who lost three people – her father, mother and stepfather. There were so many raw emotions. We cried with them, took photos for them and gave hugs when appropriate.

“No event could have aligned with our values any more than the Snowball Express. It was a perfect blend of WoodmenLife’s shared commitment to family, community and country.”

Volunteers See Room Come to Life as Families Find Healing

Nearly 75 WoodmenLife volunteers, including member Denise Oldaker of Apopka, FL, and Representative Johnny Johnson of Lakeland, FL, contributed hundreds of hours to make sure the flags were ready for the garden.

“There were so

many raw emotions.

We cried with them,

took photos for

them and gave hugs

when appropriate.”

— Mickey Pennington Florida Community Outreach Manager

MEMBERNEWS


Stanaland and Pennington volunteered alongside Regional Director Wes Stocks, Recruiting Sales Manager Neal Roberts and Fraternal Coordinator Charlotte Roberts.

On top of the approximately 1,000 volunteer hours members and associates gave, WoodmenLife provided the 800 3-by-5-foot flags, flagpoles and bases for the Heroes’ Garden.

The Roberts family took delivery of the items and stored them at their home in Florida before the event.

“A lot of logistics had to be accomplished beforehand,” Pennington said. “Wes, Neal and Charlotte were instrumental in those efforts.”

Several volunteers met at the Roberts’ home to assemble flagpoles and fill bases with sand. It took about 10 hours and 20 volunteers one Saturday to prepare the flags for the Heroes’ Garden, he said.

Pennington recruited one group of high school junior ROTC members to help with setting up and another to help with tearing down the flags. A rental truck was used to haul the flags, flagpoles and bases to the resort.

“It was a big team effort,” Pennington said. “We had people from across Florida and the nation, as well as from the Home Office, working to make it happen.”

Stocks, Pennington and Neal Roberts are veterans, and Stanaland’s husband is, too.

“We’ve served our country, and now we have the opportunity to serve these families,” said Pennington, who was in the Marine Corps. “These servicemen and servicewomen have paid the ultimate price that we didn’t have to. I would encourage anyone who can serve to serve.”

About the event, Neal Roberts added: “I recommend everyone do it. I think it’s a heartfelt way to help people. I had the chance to walk through (the garden)

before the families did. It was heart-wrenching.”

No matter the individual reasons for helping with this year’s Snowball Express, it's clear that these WoodmenLife volunteers found the experience meaningful and worthwhile.

“I still get chill bumps and tears when I think about it,” Stanaland said. “It was wonderful to give back to these families. I would encourage others to volunteer. Just beware, your eyes are going to get a good washing out — not just once, but many times. But don’t worry, there are plenty of tissue.”

Volunteers assembled the flagpoles and filled bases with sand ahead of the event, and then each of the 800 flags had to be ironed before being put in the garden. Member Donna Wilson of Lakeland, FL, right, was there to help.

ScheduleWoodmenLife members volunteered approximately 1,000 hours

MEMBERNEWS

AlabamaMarch 22–24 | Montgomery, ALEmbassy Suites by Hilton Montgomery Hotel & Conference Center

Arkansas (includes the MO counties of Boone, Cass, Clay, Greene, Howell, Jackson, Livingston, and Platte)

March 29–31 | Hot Springs, ARThe Hotel Hot Springs & Spa

California (includes AK, HI, ID, NV, OR, MT, UT, WA, and WY)

April 12–14 | Stateline, NVHard Rock Hotel & Casino Lake Tahoe

FloridaMarch 29–31 | Jacksonville, FLHyatt Regency Jacksonville, Riverfront

GeorgiaMarch 21–24 | Augusta, GAAugusta Marriott at the Convention Center

Great Lakes (includes IL, IN and MI, and the MO counties of St. Charles, St. Louis and Audrain)

March 29–31 | Champaign, ILHilton Garden Inn

Iowa (Includes MN and WI)

April 26–28 | Johnston, IAStoney Creek Hotel & Conference Center

Kentucky (includes Dunklin County, MO)

April 12–14 | Louisville, KYHyatt Regency Louisville

LouisianaMarch 28–31 | Lafayette, LADoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Lafayette

Mid-Atlantic (includes MD, DE and D.C.)

April 5–7 | Hagerstown, MDRamada Plaza Wyndham Hagerstown

MississippiMarch 22–24 | Jackson, MSHilton Jackson Hotel

Nebraska (includes CO, ND and SD)

April 5–6 | Ashland, NEThe Swanson Center

New Mexico (includes AZ and the TX counties of El Paso and Hudspeth)

March 15–17 | El Paso, TXBest Western Plus El Paso Airport Hotel & Conference Center

North CarolinaApril 26–28 | Durham, NCSheraton Imperial Hotel

Northeast Territory (includes CT, ME, MA, NH, NJ, NY, RI, and VT)

April 12–14 | Glens Falls, NYQueensbury Hotel

OhioApril 5–7 | Wooster, OHBest Western Wooster Hotel

Oklahoma-KansasApril 26–28 | Midwest City, OKSheraton Midwest City Hotel at the Reed Conference Center

PennsylvaniaMay 3–5 | Indiana, PAPark Inn by Radisson

South CarolinaMarch 29–31 | Myrtle Beach, SCMarriott Resort Myrtle Beach at Grande Dunes

TennesseeMarch 22–24 | Nashville, TNNashville Airport Marriott

Texas (except for El Paso and Hudspeth Counties)

April 12–14 | Houston, TXHilton Americas-Houston

VirginiaApril 26–28 | Williamsburg, VADoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Williamsburg

West VirginiaApril 26–28 | Morgantown, WVLakeview Golf Resort & Spa

This spring, 23 WoodmenLife Jurisdictional Conventions are being held across the country, with thousands of members and guests attending. Convention reports and photos will be published in the summer issue of WoodmenLife Magazine.


Get Involved! Help Your Community, Chapter, FamilyMaking a difference in your community has never been so simple with the WoodmenLife Five-Star Common Bond Reward Program.

Each chapter has the opportunity to earn $2,500 for its community and Five-Star status in one swoop. By participating in quarterly chapter events, you can help reach this goal! Your participation could be anywhere from helping plan the activity to just showing up.

Bonus — all the events are family friendly. Grab your kids and grandkids and show them how important it is to volunteer in their community. Youth can make a huge impact, and there’s no time like the present to teach them about helping others.

Each quarter has a different shared commitment theme and different events. Take a look:

To learn more, contact a chapter officer or your Community Outreach Manager. Find more information on the back of this magazine, too.

In 2019, see what you can gain by giving!

W oodmenLife Chapter 722 went above and beyond expectations last year. Although it’s

recommended that chapters complete just one event that qualifies for Common Bond Reward Dollars each quarter, the West Liberty, KY, chapter completed every one.

Amanda McNew, Community Outreach Manager for Kentucky East, praised Chapter 722’s success.

“This chapter decided why stop at just one of these events, let’s strive to do all of them,” McNew said. “They’re all great events that would be worthwhile

One and Done? Not for Kentucky Chapter 722

Members assembled and delivered care packages to DOVES, a domestic violence emergency shelter in their area.

Chapter HighlightsChapter 722

West Liberty, KY

1,031 members

Founded 1957

Chapter Founded

in the community. And they stepped up to the plate.”

The chapter’s busy year featured donations to DOVES shelter, a school supply drive and a highway cleanup. They organized a flag retirement ceremony and a Memorial Day ceremony, and even a Family Volunteer Day. The chapter also hosted a teacher appreciation day where they provided cookies for all the teachers and staff within Morgan County.

WoodmenLife Representative Michelle Vance said staff appreciated the generosity. “They are still thanking me for last year’s cookies,” she said.

They kept energy up by continuing to work.

“Once you start engaging people and they feel like they’re doing something worthwhile and giving back, then it makes them want to participate and want to be active and involved,” said Cheryl McGraw, chapter treasurer.

Chapter 722 plans to continue this challenge and complete every task on the Five-Star Common Bond Reward Program list in 2019.

Representative Mikey Whisman said Chapter 722 members care about their community and each other. “It isn’t just a chapter,” he said. “It’s a family.”

FIVE-STAR COMMON BOND REWARD PROGRAM

Quarter 1 (January - March)Community Activity• School Supply Drive

• Park/Highway Cleanup

• Homeless Shelter Volunteering/Care Kits

• Teacher Appreciation Event

Quarter 2 (April - June)Patriotism• Flag Day or Memorial Day Ceremony

• Veterans Appreciation Event

• Flag Retirement Ceremony

• First Responders Appreciation Event

Quarter 3 (July - September)Fighting Hunger• Community Food Drive

• Backpack Food Stuffing Event

• Hunger Program Volunteering

Quarter 4 (October - December)Family• Organized Shopping (ex., Toys for

Tots, Shop for a Cop, Angel Tree)

• Care Package Assembly or Delivery (ex., nursing homes, military hospitals, children’s hospitals)

CHAPTER

NEWS

Earn $2,500 for your

community!

I t’s springtime. College graduates will be tossing their mortar boards into the air and heading out into the

real world. Soon, hopefully, they’ll be taking their first job, joining the ranks marching toward retirement.

Is it too soon for them to think about retirement planning? No. In fact, thinking about retirement planning is something everyone in the workforce should be doing. While it’s never too early to start retirement planning, it’s also never too late.

Right now, paying back college loans or climbing out of debt may be top of mind. New and seasoned professionals alike may not think there’s enough paycheck left to look at retirement planning. However, letting current concerns and everyday demands prevent looking forward can be detrimental to anyone’s financial future.

It’s Good to Be YoungHere’s the good news of retirement planning: A little can go a long way. Saving as little as 1 percent of one’s income in an employer’s 401(k)1 or some other retirement account can pay off big down the road. “That’s because you’re letting time work for you,” said WoodmenLife Senior Sales Manager Daniel Darling, “and money can add up nicely over 20, 30 or 40 years.”

An extreme example, perhaps, supporting retirement planning at a young age comes from a time.com/money2 story that stated investing $5,000 a year for 10 years starting at age 25 could become $1.5 million by retirement. By comparison, investing similarly at age 35 likely would never bring the same amount at retirement.

WoodmenLife Vice President of Human Resources Karla Gochenour also emphasized the importance of letting time work in an investor’s favor.

“It is a generally accepted principle that someone waiting until around age 40 to invest will need to contribute 3 to 4 times more monthly to get to the same amount by age 60 as someone who started around age 25,” she said.

Regardless of how much time a worker has until retirement, though, Gochenour added that it’s imperative to take advantage of an employer’s 401(k) program.

“Never turn down free money,” she said. “Contribute at least the amount that provides you with the maximum employer match.”

If retirement planning still seems unaffordable, Gochenour has more insight.

“I would strongly recommend at least trying to contribute 1 percent to 3 percent for a couple of pay periods,” Gochenour said. “Then you can see the impact to take-home pay. Most plans offer the flexibility to change your deferrals frequently, so you can reduce or stop your contribution if the impact to your take-home pay is more than your budget can tolerate.”

She also suggested young professionals, as an option, roll their 401(k) funds into an IRA if and when they change jobs. Doing this could save money on fees and allow access to a wider range of investments.

Look Into the Crystal BallThe key, Darling said, is that workers’ present selves need to look at their future selves and determine what they want life to be like when the workdays end. Questions they should ask include: What do I want to be doing? Where do I want to be going? Where will I be living?

Retirement planning now — no matter where they are along their career timelines — can help ensure workers have the nest eggs they need to give them the best answers to these questions at the end of their careers.

1.401(k) not offered as a WoodmenLife product. Products offered are IRA variable annuities, IRA fixed annuities and IRA mutual funds. 2. Updegrave, Walter. “This Is the Simplest, Most Successful Way to Save Enough Money for Retirement.” Money.com. March 21, 2018. Jan. 21, 2019.

It’s Never Too Early to Think

About Retirement

Saving as little as 1 percent of one’s income in an employer’s 401(k)1 or some other retirement account can pay off big down the road.


MEMBERNEWS

V ietnam veteran Roy Hall looks forward to Chapter 3040’s annual Veterans

Night Out. The event, hosted each November in Seguin, TX, draws between 200 and 300 guests. Veterans and their families from Guadalupe and surrounding counties attend, some traveling from as far as New Braunfels and San Marcos. More than 22,000 veterans live in Guadalupe County.

“This is an amazing event, and a lot of us veterans really appreciate the work that goes into making it happen,” said Hall, a retired teacher, journalist and pastor. Hall has attended the event nearly every year for the past seven it has been hosted.

Unlike other Veterans Day events, Veterans Night Out is the week prior to Veterans Day and is meant for the whole family, not just the veteran. In addition to veterans and their families, city, county and state officials are invited, as well as First Responders.

“This is a great community outreach event,” said Texas West Community Outreach Manager and six-year Army veteran Doug Wessels, who puts the whole event into action.

“I organize a committee to find and manage volunteers, vendors, donors, mailings, and event day pickup,” he said. Nearly 25 volunteers and 50 community partners come together to make the night a success.

The Southwest Texas Fraternal Corporation furnished the meat last year and a local vendor provided side dishes, bread, beans, and potato salad. Nursing homes, senior organizations and other community partners donate door prizes and other items. WoodmenLife Recruiting Sales Managers, Sales Representatives and members recruit volunteers and furnish other items as needed.

Hosted at the Jackson Park Student Activity Center on Texas Lutheran University’s campus, the local Disabled American Veterans Honor Guard posts colors to open the event. Attendees enjoy food, music and camaraderie. Wessels said, “This is a laid-back event for the whole family. John Hanson with The Legend of Times Band plays at the event, and we provide a small dance area.”

Hall added, “I enjoy visiting with as many people as I can. You don’t get to talk with everyone, of course, but it’s good to catch up and see everyone enjoying themselves.”

Hall appreciates that the event makes veterans feel included. He said, “Our whole community is very patriotic minded, and this

annual event is important for the veterans in our community because so many feel like they’ve been left out. This event makes them feel like somebody appreciates them.”

Community Mobilizes for Veterans Night Out

Chapter HighlightsChapter 3040 Seguin, TX 1,165 members Founded 1914


Dozens of volunteers and even more community partners pitch in to honor veterans and their families at the annual Veterans Night Out on Texas Lutheran University’s campus.

The night is about food, including barbecue; music, with a DJ and dance floor; and patriotism, with a 16-by-24-foot flag that people line up to take pictures in front of.

Chapter Founded

More than 22,000 veterans live in

Guadalupe County

CHAPTER

NEWS

Meet Blue & Valor

L ast year WoodmenLife donated $15,000 to the Omaha Police Department Mounted Patrol Unit to buy much-needed horses, just like our

organization did for Nashville in 2017 as a gift to the city for hosting the National Convention. Thanks to this donation, the Omaha unit has two new strong, confident recruits who are sure to get the job done this summer on the streets of WoodmenLife’s hometown.

Blue, a 6-year-old blue roan Quarter Horse gelding, hails from Malvern, IA, where he worked local cattle feedlots and sale barns by day and was a hit at roping competitions by night. He is a local favorite who has a willingness to please his rider. Omaha Police Sgt. Joe Svacina says he’s just a little stubborn, too, which could be useful when he works with other horses. The unit expects he’ll be a hit on the streets of Omaha by the time baseball fans flood downtown for the College World Series in June.

Valor, a 5-year-old gray Quarter Horse gelding, came from Minden, NE, and had a short career as a roping horse. He was a hobby horse before joining the police force, but don’t let that label fool you. According to Svacina, he’s confident under pressure and pushes through challenging tasks as he works hard to please his rider. He has an obstinate streak like his classmate Blue. Svacina expects that to play to his benefit when the stakes are high. Valor will also be out and about by this summer.

We look forward to seeing these two newcomers serving the community of Omaha soon.

Nashville Mounted Patrol UpdateTwo horses the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department’s Mounted Patrol purchased with help from WoodmenLife, Orozco and Zeus, continue to be crowd favorites. They and their crew have a hefty Facebook following and are met with smiles nearly everywhere they go.

Orozco, who was named for an Omaha Police Detective who was killed while on duty, has a new rider, Officer Amanda Martin. The unit is still looking for a third horse. The physical and mental challenges patrol horses must navigate are intense, and finding just the right horse is an enormous challenge. And so the search goes on.

To learn more about WoodmenLife’s support for First Responders and veterans, visit WoodmenLife.org/lead-and-give/patriotism.cfm.

Vision for Girls: New, Happy MemoriesCall for Help Answered with Plenty of Generosity

D onations from WoodmenLife Chapters in Ohio and West Virginia are making positive

firsts possible for some young women recovering from trauma.

Nikki Thomas is the advancement director for the Golden Girl Group Home, which helps girls and teens who have been sexually abused, neglected or abandoned. She reached out to WoodmenLife to support an annual fundraiser hosted by Huntington, WV, restaurant Midway Drive-In.

The money raised helps fund outings for the girls, including an overnight trip to Kentucky Kingdom, a Louisville amusement park, and a camping trip.

“They quickly grasped hold of the vision that we had to help our girls and helped us get all those donations,” Thomas said.

Russ Fox, WoodmenLife Community Outreach Manager for the region, challenged each chapter in West Virginia and Ohio to donate. He was met with overwhelming support — every chapter opened their hearts.

WoodmenLife Chapters collectively raised $4,600.

“The cause is huge, and we’re fighting to give these girls a voice,” Fox said.

In addition to recreation, Golden Girl provides therapy, a safe home and educational support for girls ages 12 to 18.

Tamara Bennett, the President of Chapter 66 and Senior Administrative Assistant at the West Virginia/Ohio Regional Office, has personal experience with Golden Girl. She grew close to and nearly fostered a girl who lives in the home. It felt especially meaningful when Fox approached her to talk about donating.

“I can’t stress enough how much work this agency does for the abused girls in our area,” she said.


Community Outreach Manager Russ Fox, right, presents a check to the Golden Girl Group Home and Advancement Director Nikki Thomas on behalf of all the chapters in West Virginia and Ohio.

The Omaha Police Department Mounted Patrol Unit is two horses stronger thanks to WoodmenLife's donation. At left is Valor and Officer Kyle Crick, his rider, as well as WoodmenLife President & CEO Patrick L. Dees and Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert.

Blue is paired

with Officer

Rich Stickney.

CHAPTER

NEWS


March 31 April 14–21 May 4 May 27

Deadline for chapters to submit July, August & September events to Community Outreach Manager

National Volunteer Week Join Hands Day Memorial Day (Home Office Closed)

Chapter 382Gastonia, NC

Chapter members donated toys to the United Way of Gaston County’s Christmas Wishes Program

Fraternal Spirit

UPCOMING

March - MayDATES

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Members presented baby supplies to The Nest, A Women’s Center, which offers free services to those facing unplanned pregnancy.

Recruiting Sales Manager Rick

Price, left, and Representative

John Billiot, right, delivered three boxes

of toys collected by members to the Children’s Hospital

New Orleans.Chapter 664Raceland, LA

Members delivered about $250 worth of food and other items to the Lower Elk River Ministerial Association (LERMA).

Chapter 158Statesboro, GA

Members presented Pastor Tim Huffingham and Emit Grove Baptist Church with a new flag.

Chapter 3Jacksonville, FL

Chapter 254Charleston, WV

Members presented a check for $100 to New Beginnings Transitional Shelter in Marlboro County for Make a Difference Day. Gloria Lewis, second from right, is pictured with shelter employees.

Chapter 966Wallace, SC

Answer key from word search on page 39

H W C J F G A V J X M C A Q H E U I M SA C G F L O W E R S Q G H B F Y K M Q HL P Q Y R Z A Z B T T C E Y N U R S O OY W L W A T E R I N G C A N C J O V L RU G Y A G R E E N H O U S E K M O E U TD P A J N K Q W O R M S Q K E B T P S IH G B K B T G Q H G L P T Y X L S H Y CV W I V B E S N V A F E R T I L I Z E UJ D B U D G P S U E G K V Y U A P D B LK V V A G Q J N T I Q H L Q Z X X Q S TS W P L W E N P L M H X P P Q S U T K UE S H R K A A A V E F G M E T E C L S RY J B E H O F N T T N Z J R F E Q F O EF X M S E O B A U I V G O E S D Y Z R GS N V B C L N N R C Y T K N Y L U Q G XO V W U J I B P P F A P I N U I Y T C GI V W P M G S A Q O S P V I D N K F X RL W J R E H A D R P L G Z A G G E M Y EY O E G P T D B I R T L T L R S V T I EB G C D G U A M Q G O S I S W R F T J NL T B V J C N L K W G W D N Q M R O V TP R Y X F V P C S B S I I H A X A L U HM O T B J A J B R Y P Q N P I T S D M UJ W G A R D E N H O S E J G S L E C Y MS E B V W E E D I N G B U D S N D X J BF L L I Q N F F C O M P O S T V N F M SP E S H J Z U C F A Y L D B C S W Z S MK D S C U P E W F T N I J L O U K Y M Z

Answer key from Sudoku on page 41

4 1 5 7 2 9 3 8 63 2 8 5 6 1 9 4 76 7 9 8 4 3 5 1 22 9 1 6 3 7 4 5 85 6 4 9 8 2 7 3 17 8 3 4 1 5 2 6 99 5 6 1 7 4 8 2 31 4 2 3 9 8 6 7 58 3 7 2 5 6 1 9 4

Members hosted a charity golf tournament to help supply food for the Waterloo Schools’ weekend backpack program. From left are Principal Sabrena Malone, Representative Rocky Beck, Bobby Robertson, and Representative Adam Beck.


Members assemble care packages for delivery.

Chapter 14Louisville, KY

FRATERNALSPIRIT

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Chapter 8Florence, AL

Members purchased bikes, toys and clothing for 120 students to help with the Wewoka Public School’s Angel Tree.

Chapter 266Wewoka, OK

Members presented 224 pounds of food to the Bear Essentials food pantry on the University of Central Arkansas campus. From left are pantry volunteer Jacob Charistie, Representative Michael West, Chapter Treasurer Deloise Mowdy, and member Bethany West.

Chapter 35Conway, AR

Chapter Vice President Juanita Gaza and Secretary Melinda Colmenero work at a food drive for the Coastal Bend Food Bank.

Members handed out flags in honor of Veterans Day.

Representative Charles Brown presented a new American flag and flag code handbooks to Kelly Smith and Collins-Riverside Middle School in Northport.

Chapter 3668Orange Grove, TX

Chapter 2126Corpus Christi, TX

Chapter 1893Tuscaloosa, AL


Members presented a check for $500 to The Ark, a ministry that provides a safe, drug-free environment for families and individuals who need emergency or transitional housing.

Chapter 105Elkin, NC

Members donated 14 children’s coats and six large boxes of diapers to the Carl Perkins Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse.

Chapter 50Savannah, TN

Chapter 115Mayfield, KY

Members delivered presents to the Mayfield Independent School District and Graves County Schools Family Resource and Youth Service Centers.

Members rode in the Point Pleasant Veterans Day Parade.

Chapter 302New Haven, WV

Chapter 966Wallace, SC

Members hosted a food drive for the Cheraw Soup Kitchen and collected about 250 pounds of food and nearly $300. From left are Beverly Thompson, Glenn Previtte, Chad Lewis, and Tina Thompson.

In the Winter 2019 issue, a photo on page 38 from Oklahoma was misidentified. Members of Chapter 154 volunteered at the Food & Shelter in Norman for their 3rd quarter Common Bond Reward Program.

TAKE A PHOTO AT YOUR NEXT CHAPTER EVENT AND UPLOAD IT AT WoodmenLife.org/contact/email-photo.cfm

FRATERNALSPIRIT

FRATERNALSPIRIT

FRATERNALSPIRIT

Annuals

Buds

Compost

Digging

Fertilize

Flowers

Garden hose

Germinate

Greenhouse

Green thumb

Horticulture

Insects

Perennials

Petals

Plants

Pollinate

Roots

Seedlings

Soil

Spade

Spring

Trowel

Watering can

Weeding

Wheelbarrow

Worms

Roll up your sleeves and dig into this spring planting word search. Look high and low before getting your real gardening gloves grubby. (The answers are on page 35.)

Can You Dig It?


Members teamed up with the Tennessee American Legion and presented an American flag to Caywood Elementary School. Pictured, from left, are Principal Angela Blankenship, Representative Gayle Parrish and Legion Historian Rex McBee.

Chapter 49Lexington, TN

Representative Rubie Casupang, left, and Dominic Casupang, center, presented a $200 check to Pastor Farley Bayudan for the City of Joy Assembly of God Church food pantry.

Chapter 1Honolulu, HI

Donna Miller and other members shopped for prisoners’ children this holiday season.

Chapter 196Hornbeak, TN

Bob Reavis, center, chief of Hornbeak’s Volunteer Fire Department, received his 50-year member pin from Representative Spencer Minyard, left, and John Swope, former Community Outreach Manager.

Chapter 6099Cleveland, OH

Three generations of members bought fabric and tied blankets for Mill Manor Nursing Home residents in Vermilion.

Chapter 347Grottoes, VA

Word Bank

Fun Zone


FRATERNALSPIRIT

Unscramble these plant names while you daydream about a beautiful garden of your very own. (The answers are below.)

1. r s b a n a z t g i l B _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

2 . s a m a i l l e c C _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

3 . m l r y o e h r b s c o s C _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

4 . e e c r m e l t r p y C _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

5 . g s e n i r a a d G _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

6 . e n a h d g r y a H _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

7. i g a a o l m n M _ _ _ _ _ _ _

8 . d e n e a r o l O _ _ _ _ _ _ _

9 . e w o s r n u l f S _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

10 . a p e s e t e w S _ _ _ _ _ _ _

11. l b e u t s n t x e o n a e b T _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

12 . i w i a r e t s W _ _ _ _ _ _ _

1) Blazing star 2) Camellias 3) Cherry Blossom 4) Crepe myrtle 5) Gardenias 6) Hydrangea7) Magnolia 8) Oleander 9) Sunflower 10) Sweet pea 11) Texas bluebonnet 12) Wisteria


Sudoku Puzzle

(Find answers on page 35.)

Did March Come in Like a Lion or Lamb?

Let’s worry about that later — after a few funnies.

Q: What happened when the lion ate the clown?A: He felt funny.

Q: What do you get when you cross a lion and a snowman?A: Frostbite

Q: What do you call a lamb covered in chocolate? A: A candy baa.

Q: What do you call a lamb that is always quiet? A: A shhhheep!

In Full Bloom

1 5 7 8

3 5 1

7 8 1 2

2 1 6

6 3

5 2 9

9 5 4 2

3 8 5

3 6 1 9

As your family grows, your life insurance needs change. Make it easy on yourself and let us help.

Life is hard. Making changes to your life insurance isn’t.

Life insurance and annuity products are issued by Woodmen of the World Life Insurance Society (WoodmenLife); Home Office: Omaha, Nebraska. D1521 3/1942 WoodmenLife Magazine

In Memoriam

Gerald BurchettAge 78 | Chapter 674Luka, KY

Georgia Earline BurkettAge 81 | Chapter 1872Atmore, AL

Lynda CoxAge 67 | Chapter 117Benton, KY

Zee EnixAge 95 | Chapter 592Murray, KY

John Richard FisherAge 83 | Chapter 19Somerset, PA

Mildred FitzhughAge 81 | Chapter 488Alamo, TN

Ray GoodwinAge 87 | Chapter 16Omaha, NE

Preston JewellAge 84 | Chapter 117Benton, KY

Robert LassiterAge 88 | Chapter 49Hampton, VA

Helen LitchfieldAge 85 | Chapter 117Benton, KY

Raymond LottsAge 75 | Chapter 347Grottoes, VA

Raymond McGaugheyRetired RepresentativeAge 79 | Chapter 7Monticello, AR

Arthur McKinleyAge 87 | Chapter 199Barnesville, GA

Larry MonkAge 77 | Chapter 1163Elmer, LA

Mary Jho Davis Muckleroy StokerAge 92 | Chapter 210Nacogdoches, TX

Connie PeedAge 69 | Chapter 871Germantown, KY

Gene PhillipsAge 88 | Chapter 117Benton, KY

Martha PulleyAge 92 | Chapter 117Benton, KY

Robert RogersRetired Area ManagerAge 74 | Chapter 323Mocksville, NC

Robbie RussellAge 88 | Chapter 117Benton, KY

Gerald "Jerry" Irwin SmithAge 52 | Chapter 1Albuquerque, NM

Daletta SmothersAge 65 | Chapter 117Benton, KY

Deborah StinnettAge 67 | Chapter 674Luka, KY

Tugger TaylorAge 86 | Chapter 117Benton, KY

Galen “Tripp” Thurman IIIAge 66 | Chapter 117Benton, KY

James “Jack” TuttleAge 90 | Chapter 26Greensboro, NC

Guy Gene VaughnAge 88 | Chapter 68Searcy, AR

Annie Mae WittAge 96 | Chapter 7Lynchburg, VA

Jesse Larry WrightRetired Area ManagerAge 67 | Chapter 3Jacksonville, FL

Norma WyattAge 88 | Chapter 117Benton, KY

Floyd Wilson Brantley Chapter PresidentAge 81 | Chapter 2Suffolk, VA

Bobbie Redden Age 92 | Chapter 115Mayfield, KY

Spring 2019PERIODICALS

Please note: If members in your household belong to different chapters, the magazine will be sent to the oldest member and will feature events for his/her chapter of record. You can access other chapters’ events on WoodmenLife.org. Information concerning events and activities is subject to change. Visit your chapter’s website for the most current information.

Woodmen of the World Life Insurance Society (WoodmenLife) is an Equal Access fraternal benefit society. It is the policy of WoodmenLife to seek qualified members on a nondiscriminatory basis and to provide all members with equal access to and allow their participation in WoodmenLife’s chapter system, chapter events, fraternal benefits, and all other fraternal activities on a nondiscriminatory basis. If you would like an additional calendar printed, please contact your Community Outreach Manager.

Annuals

Buds

Compost

Digging

Fertilize

Flowers

Garden hose

Germinate

Greenhouse

Green thumb

Horticulture

Insects

Perennials

Petals

Plants

Pollinate

Roots

Seedlings

Soil

Spade

Spring

Trowel

Watering can

Weeding

Wheelbarrow

Worms

Roll up your sleeves and dig into this spring planting word search. Look high and low before getting your real gardening gloves grubby. (The answers are on page 35.)

Can You Dig It?

Word Bank

Fun Zone


Documents

Changing Your Insurance · 8 WoodmenLife Magazine WoodmenLife Magazine 9 Assets Dec. 31, 2017 Dec. 31, 2018 Bonds $7,473,523,682 $7,485,137,545 Preferred Stock — 8,338,082 Common