More for Your Family - WoodmenLife.org · Carroll was promoted to Recruiting Sales Manager on Jan. 1, 2011. He was Virginia Recruiter of the Year in 2011 and 2013 and had the number

MAGAZINE

Summer 2018

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ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

More for Your Family

WoodmenLife reaches its 128th anniversary this year. In general, we tend to celebrate the big milestones, like 50, 100 or 125 years. We did celebrate all of those in big ways, but it’s important to recognize the milestones in between, too.

Every year we move forward is another year we’re taking care of our members. We’ve outlasted the majority of American businesses in place when we were founded in 1890, and many who were established long after. That’s because we’ve never wavered in our commitment to taking care of our members and their communities.

It’s also because we recognize that our members’ needs change over time, and we rise to meet those needs. The expansion of family activities last year was well received, and I encourage you to consider attending the activities available in your area.

Thank you from all of us here at WoodmenLife for helping us reach our 128th year.

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.

Members of Chapter 5 in North Little Rock, AR, donated $1,000 to the Sylvan Hills High School Robotics Team. From left are Briley Rogers, Andrew Ponder, Tim Espejo, WoodmenLife member Elaine Simmons, Jacob Ponder, and WoodmenLife member Ian Simmons.

Patrick L. Dees

Happy Birthday, WoodmenLifeChapter 5

North Little Rock, AR

On the CoverThe Kinvi family of Greenville, SC, appreciates all of the life insurance options available with WoodmenLife to help protect their family’s future.

Cover Photo by Courtney Price Photography

In This Issue03 President’s Message

06 Newsworthy

16 Fraternal Spirit

28 Omaha’s Mounted Patrol

33 National Community Focus

36 WoodmenLife, USO Join Forces

38 Community Outreach

39 Fun Zone

42 In Memoriam

44 Chapter Calendar

Volume 129 • Number 3

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, Christian Rush, Carmen SteeleDesigner: 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.orgWoodmenLife 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.Not all products are 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.


34 Graceful Acres

14 Eagle Scout Project30 2017 Scholarship Winner

10 More for Your Family

26 Family Fun15 Members Go to Washington

6 WoodmenLife Magazine WoodmenLife Magazine 7

Chuck Driffill was promoted to Vice President, Sales, effective March 1, 2018.

In this new role, he oversees training and development for Sales Representatives and Recruiting Sales Managers, as well as Sales Operations.

“Having Chuck participate in the operational side of Sales will definitely help us unify the teams and stay properly positioned moving forward,” said Kyle McMahan, Senior Vice President, Chief Distribution & Marketing Officer.

Driffill began his WoodmenLife career in April 2005 as a Sales Representative. He was promoted to Recruiting Sales Manager in February 2007 and won Recruiting Sales Manager of the Year honors in 2009 and 2010. Driffill was named Texas West Fraternalist of the Year from 2007–2009. In April 2011, he was

promoted to Regional Director of Texas Southeast and later served as Regional Director of Texas West. On Oct. 1, 2016, he was promoted to Director, Sales in the Home Office.

Driffill is a Financial Advisor with Woodmen Financial Services and has earned the Fraternal Insurance Counselor Fellow (FICF) designation. He has served as President of the Southeast Texas Youth Association, Northwest Texas Youth Camp Corp. and Southwest Texas Fraternal Association.

He and his wife, Jamie, have two sons, Gavin and Colin. In his free time, Driffill enjoys watching and helping coach his boys at baseball, football and basketball.

Kyle McMahan has been appointed Senior Vice President, Chief Distribution & Marketing Officer effective March 1, 2018.

In his role, he works to align the Sales, Fraternal and Marketing Divisions, making sure everyone is on the same track to meet WoodmenLife’s growth objectives for the future.

McMahan began his WoodmenLife career as a Representative in October 1989 and was promoted to Recruiting Sales Manager in January 1991. He was appointed Florida South Regional Director in July 2009 and named Regional Director of

Tennessee East, effective Jan. 1, 2014. He was then promoted to Director, Sales in the Home Office on Oct. 1, 2016.

A multi-year Superstar and Cabinet Incentive Trip winner, he was named Outstanding Recruiting Sales Manager of the Year for 18 years. He was also Florida Fraternal Insurance Counselor (FIC) of the Year.

McMahan is a Financial Representative with Woodmen Financial Services and a member of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA). He also is Past President of the Florida Fraternal Insurance Counselors.

A graduate of the University of Florida, Kyle and his wife, Amy, have six children and five grandchildren. In their free time, they enjoy sporting events, golf and travel.

Driffill Promoted to VP, SalesMcMahan Moves Into New Role

Chuck Driffill

Kyle McMahan

Jeremy Carroll has been appointed to Director, Sales effective April 1, 2018.

In this role, he will work closely with the Vice President, Sales and the Senior Vice President, Chief Distribution & Marketing Officer to help lead the Sales Force and grow our organization.

Carroll started his WoodmenLife career with a part-time contract during his senior year of college. He graduated in 2009 and began his full-time WoodmenLife career. He continued as a Representative until Dec. 31, 2010. As a Representative, he achieved Incentive Trip status each year and received the Virginia Horizon Award.

Carroll was promoted to Recruiting Sales Manager on Jan. 1, 2011. He was Virginia Recruiter of the Year in 2011

and 2013 and had the number one team in Virginia in those years. Carroll was among the Top 20 Recruiting Sales Managers in 2012, and his area led the nation in applications for Woodmen Insurance Agency in 2011. He was named Regional Director of Pennsylvania, effective Jan. 1, 2015, and received the 2016 Regional Director Rising Star award. He was then appointed Regional Director of North Carolina West, effective Feb. 1, 2017.

A WoodmenLife member since birth, Carroll started out as a member of Chapter 208, Bladenboro, NC. He is a third-generation Regional Director.

Carroll received his Bachelor’s degree from Virginia Tech University. In his free time, he enjoys sports of all kinds, hunting, and spending time with his family.

Carroll is married to Briana, and they have a 3-year-old son, Jace Scott, and a 10-month-old son, Easton Wayne.

Jeremy Carroll

Carroll Promoted to Home Office Position

The WoodmenLife Home Office is pleased to announce that it was selected as a 2018 Greater Omaha Chamber Business Excellence Award winner for its philanthropy efforts throughout the year. WoodmenLife joined a select group of other businesses in several categories who received awards during the Chamber Business Excellence Awards celebration in May.

The awards celebrate companies — innovators, givers and leaders — who dedicate themselves to excellence and help make Greater Omaha a more vibrant place to do business, work and live.

WoodmenLife is especially grateful to all its members who have shown, through their philanthropic efforts, what WoodmenLife stands for — family, community and country. Countless hours are spent volunteering

and donating to those in need, not only in the Omaha community, but also throughout the country via the nearly 900 chapters who serve the needs of others.

President & CEO Patrick Dees commented, “Even though this award is being presented in Omaha, we are proud because it represents hard work and dedication from members all across the country. Giving back is at the heart of all we do, and our hats go off to WoodmenLife members for carrying on our mission in communities throughout the nation.”

WoodmenLife Receives 2018 Business Excellence Award for Philanthropy

NEWSWORTHYNEWSWORTHY


Spencer Owen serves WoodmenLife as Regional Director of North Carolina East. Previously, he has served as Senior Vice President, Sales; Vice President, Sales; and Director, Sales Management in the Home Office.

Owen began his WoodmenLife career as a Representative in November 1995 and was promoted to Recruiting Sales Manager in 2000. He was named Rookie Recruiting Sales Manager for Texas Southwest in 2000, Recruiting Sales Manager of the Year for Texas Southwest in 2005 and Recruiting Sales Manager of the Year for Texas in 2006. In July 2009, Owen became Texas Southeast Regional Director and was named Rising Star Regional Director for 2010. He later served as Nebraska/Iowa Regional Director from April 2011 until October 2012.

Owen is a Financial Representative with Woodmen Financial Services. He is a member of the National Association of

Fraternal Insurance Counselors (NAFIC) and has earned his Fraternal Insurance Counselor Fellow (FICF) designation. He is also a member of General Agents and Manager Association (GAMA) and serves on the Board of the Fraternal Field Managers’ Association (FFMA).

Owen is eager to continue his involvement with chapter activities in North Carolina. In his free time, he enjoys golf, spending time with his family and traveling.

He and his wife, Shelly, have three daughters, Tiffanie (husband Sergio Zamora), Deborah and Alaney, and one grandson, Carter Zamora.

Owen Named Regional Director for NC E

Spencer Owen

Travis Lowe serves as Regional Director of North Carolina West, effective April 1, 2018.

He began his career as a Representative in Sparta, TN, in 2003. He was promoted to Recruiting Sales Manager in 2006, and has won RSM of the Year and Fraternalist of the Year for the Region multiple times. Lowe has also earned membership in the President’s Club and Cabinet multiple times, as well as Super Star status. He was appointed Regional Director of Pennsylvania/Maryland Feb. 1, 2017.

Lowe is a Financial Representative with Woodmen Financial Services. He has earned his Fraternal Insurance Counselor Fellow (FICF) designation, is Past President of the Tennessee FIC and is a member of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA). In addition, he is the former Vice President of the East Tennessee Fraternal Corporation.

He graduated from Tennessee Tech University in 1996 with a finance degree and later earned a state contractor’s license. Prior to joining WoodmenLife, he owned his own businesses: T&L Construction, Lowe Contracting, Log Home Solutions, and Woodcare Enterprises Inc.

A lifetime member of Chapter 1110 in Sparta, Lowe has held every chapter office, including President. He is a member of Chapters 879, 900, 1110 in Tennessee and Chapters 1, 6, 8, and 364 in Pennsylvania/Maryland.

He and his wife, Kelli, have two daughters, Myka Elizabeth and Maci Raelynn. In his free time, Lowe enjoys camping, golfing and spending time with his family.

Lowe Named Regional Director for NC W

Travis Lowe

Farris Bondurant serves as Regional Director of Mississippi North, effective May 1, 2018.

Bondurant began his career with WoodmenLife in 1998 as a Sales Representative. He was the Top Hat Sales Representative in 2006. He also finished #1 in Sales with WFS in 2006. Bondurant was promoted to Recruiting Sales Manager in 2008.

He is a lifetime member of the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT), with three of those years earning Court of the Table. He also was named Fraternal Insurance Counselor (FIC) of the Year in 2008. Bondurant was responsible for chartering Chapter 906 in Milton, FL, in 2002.

He is married to Jeanie, a native of North MS. Farris has two grown children: Adam (wife, Ashleigh) and Hunter, and one grandson, Campbell.

Bondurant’s favorite activities outside of working for WoodmenLife include boating, water-skiing, singing, church activities, and traveling.

Bondurant Named Regional Director for MS N

Farris Bondurant

Michaele Geibel serves as Regional Director of Pennsylvania, effective April 1, 2018.

Geibel started her WoodmenLife career as a Representative on June 1, 2014. During her tenure as a Representative, in 2015 she received the Pennsylvania Horizon Award, the Fraternal Contribution to Youth Award and the Pennsylvania Rising Star Award.

She was promoted to Recruiting Sales Manager in September 2016. Also that year, she was Pennsylvania Recruiter of the Year and was appointed to the Pennsylvania Jurisdictional Board. In 2017, Geibel received the Pennsylvania Outstanding Accomplishment Award and was named to the Sales Fraternal Advisory Committee. She is currently a member of Chapter 8 in Butler, PA, and Chapter 696 in Clarion, PA.

Geibel attended Bradford Business School, where she

graduated with honors and received a degree in business management. In addition, she earned a certificate in entrepreneurship from Butler Community College and is an active member of the finance committee with her local church and school.

In her free time, Geibel enjoys attending her children’s activities, spending time with her grandchildren, cooking, hosting large family events, and hiking.

Geibel is married to Patrick, and they have four children, Chelsea (married to Dalton Covert), Jacob, Mariah, and Nicholas. In addition, they have two grandchildren, Kammren and Rylie Covert.

Michaele Geibel

Geibel Named Regional Director for PA

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NEWSWORTHYNEWSWORTHY

WoodmenLife Magazine 1110 WoodmenLife Magazine10 WoodmenLife Magazine

When it comes to protecting their family’s future, Mensan and Gwendolyn Kinvi of Greenville,

SC, don’t believe in cutting corners.

That’s why they worked with Representative Evans Agagah to make sure they have the right life insurance coverage for their family.

“We are so thankful for our Representative,” Mensan said. “He does not miss a beat! He keeps us informed and keeps our coverage updated as our family needs change.”

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More for Your Family

CI0033 6/2018

Additional Coverage

Helps Meet Family’s Needs

Member HighlightsMensan and Gwendolyn Kinvi Chapter 3 Greenville, SC Members since 2006 and 2014

Mensan and Gwendolyn Kinvi are thankful WoodmenLife has products to fit their family’s specific needs.

Forms 261-XX-0409, ICC10 264 6-10, 264 6-10(XX), O-264 6-10(XX), 264-XX-0409 1. Qualification for the guaranteed insurability rider is dependent upon underwriting and approval by WoodmenLife. 2. All contractual provisions apply and may vary by state. 3. Benefit payments may affect eligibility for public assistance programs. 4. Not all riders are available on all plans.

The Guaranteed Insurability Rider gives the insured the ability to purchase additional insurance coverage in the future without a medical exam. These purchases may take place at specific ages or when certain life events occur, such as marriage and the birth or adoption of a child. There is a $50,000 limit for all certificates, and the maximum amount cannot double the base amount of the insurance.

The Guaranteed Insurability Rider is available with all permanent life insurance products (except No Lapse Guaranteed Universal Life), and may be purchased for individuals age 0 – 37. And in a case like the Kinvi family’s, this rider will give their young boys the opportunity to purchase additional life insurance coverage in the future, without proof of insurability or having to apply again.

In addition, the Accelerated Death Benefit Rider is included with life insurance certificates at no additional cost (unless you opt out). With this rider, individuals with a terminal condition can receive a portion of their life insurance benefits2 while still living.

For more information on riders and additional insurance options, contact your local WoodmenLife Representative.

If you’re a parent or grandparent purchasing life insurance for a young member of your family, many of our products offer the opportunity to personalize the insurance coverage with “riders,”4 or additional insurance at an added cost. Depending on the type, these riders may include a variety of benefits.


Changing Needs And the Kinvi’s needs did change. When they were married, the couple made sure to add life insurance for Gwendolyn, as Mensan was already a WoodmenLife member.

Then with the birth of their sons, 4-year-old Gideon and 2-year-old Gael, they added additional coverage for themselves, along with certificates for the children.

“WoodmenLife offers a variety of products that cater specifically to my family’s needs,” Mensan said. “And Evans made sure we got the right products to ensure our boys will be covered in the future.”

A Family History Ensuring that the Kinvi children can be covered down the road required more than a basic certificate. Mensan and his father have both been denied additional insurance coverage due to a pre-existing medical condition. So the Kinvis wanted to make sure this didn’t happen to their boys.

“Evans recommended adding the Guaranteed Insurability Rider1,2 to the boys’ 20 Pay Whole Life

certificates because of our family health history,” Mensan said. “It gives us peace of mind knowing they can increase their coverage down the road without more health screenings.”

By adding the Guaranteed Insurability Rider to their children’s certificates, the Kinvis feel confident their children will be taken care of. It’s a great plus for families that may have pre-existing health issues. “It lets us sleep more and worry less about the future,” Gwendolyn said.

Additional CoverageIn addition to the Guaranteed Insurability Rider, the boys’ certificates and Gwendolyn’s 20 Pay Whole Life certificate were also issued with the Accelerated Death Benefit Rider.2,3 With this rider, they could all receive a portion of their life insurance benefits

while still living if they are diagnosed with a terminal condition.

“We are so happy to be part of the WoodmenLife family,” Mensan said. “We always recommend them because of the great benefits, our great experience and how they’re helping secure our family’s future.”

Get More From Your Life Insurance Knowing they have the right insurance for their family’s needs helps the Kinvis “... sleep more and worry less about the future.”

Political advocacy for its members is one of the most important things the American Fraternal Alliance (AFA) does. These efforts include

retaining the services of a federal advocacy “eyes and ears” group, along with grassroots efforts to recruit co-sponsors for congressional resolutions and to build relationships between member societies and congressional representatives.

Joining the EffortRecently, WoodmenLife was invited to participate in the AFA’s trip to Washington, D.C. These trips are organized so members can meet with their congressional representatives and tell the fraternal story first-hand. In early March, two WoodmenLife members joined the AFA’s group for meetings on Capitol Hill.

“With the increased talk about not-for-profits and our tax exemption, I was very excited to speak on behalf of fraternal organizations and the great things we do in our communities,” said Kaysi Bell, a lifetime WoodmenLife member and current Community Outreach Manager for Texas Southeast. “I was able to come in with a broad perspective of what we bring to the table through our fraternal programs, specifically focusing on our disaster relief efforts in the wake of Hurricane Harvey.”

Philip Cunningham, a member of the National Fraternal Committee and Chapter 36 in Bowling Green, KY, also was eager to participate in the meetings. “One of my favorite talking points was how fraternal organizations stand in the funding gap of what is requested by those in need. We help fill the gaps to help people and groups improve lives.”

Takeaways From the HillAfter meeting with congressional members from their respective districts, both Bell and Cunningham are very happy they made the trip.

“It was great to learn how other fraternal groups are serving their communities and reaching out. I was motivated to see how I can use my relationships to further WoodmenLife’s efforts,” Cunningham said.

For Bell, the trip reignited her passion for what WoodmenLife does for the communities we serve. “It was inspiring to hear the things others are doing to give back. I was honored to speak on WoodmenLife’s behalf,” she said. “I want members to know that what we do fraternally matters! We really do make a difference through the programs and projects we complete.”

WoodmenLife Members Go to Washington

W oodmenLife has helped American communities recover from natural disasters since the Galveston, TX, flood of 1900.

These efforts again came full circle when young Eagle Scout Hudson Spencer helped Puerto Rican students following Hurricane Maria. RedBasket.org, the crowdfunding site powered by WoodmenLife, helped him raise the money he needed to make it happen.

“Shortly after Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico, our family spent an afternoon packing food boxes for the island. On the drive home, Hudson remarked that he wished he could use his Eagle Scout project to benefit the Puerto Rican people, too,” said Hudson’s father, Brandon.

Hudson and his family chose to collect money for school supplies and personally take them to Puerto Rico. “It didn’t take long to find some motivated collaborators from the Puerto Rican Department of Education and their local

Boy Scouts of America,” Brandon said. While planning the project, they enlisted support from RedBasket.org, who recently formed a partnership with the National Eagle Scout Association to support Eagle Scout projects like Hudson’s.

This partnership means projects youths must complete to get the Eagle rank have already been

verified and do not require additional vetting. Because of this, projects post faster and scouts receive 100 percent of donations raised.

Over Christmas break, Hudson and his family traveled to Puerto Rico, having raised more than $3,400 on RedBasket.org. “RedBasket.org made it so easy for Hudson to share his story,” Brandon said. “He was able to take 204 backpacks full of school supplies to some very deserving children.”

The Spencers received an overwhelming response upon their arrival. “Hudson’s Puerto Rican contacts said that only a couple teachers and administrators would be available to accept the delivery of the backpacks,” Brandon said. “When he arrived in the small, remote town of Castañer, that was still without power after almost four months, he found almost 200 members of the community waiting for him. It was extremely humbling to watch Hudson give a backpack and school supplies to each child and to see their smiles.”

Eagle Scout Project Soars


Support other Eagle Scout projects at RedBasket.org

NEWSWORTHY NEWSWORTHY

The entire AFA group that traveled to Washington, D.C., in March posed in front of the U.S. Capitol.

Hudson Spencer made many new friends while delivering supplies to Puerto Rico for his Eagle Scout project.


June 14 June 30 July 4 July 30 August 1 September September 3

Flag Day Deadline for chapters to submit fall quarterly events to Community Outreach Manager

Independence Day (Home Office closed)

Reporting for April, May & June events due

Chapters can begin holding elections

Hunger Action Month

Labor Day (Home Office closed)

UPCOMING

Chapter 917 Farmville, NC

Members presented school supplies to the teachers and staff at Falkland Elementary School.

Fraternal Spirit

June - Sept.DATES

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Members collected about 400 pounds of food for the Christian Service Center. At the donation were Charla Casey, Loretta Baldwin, Vanessa Flowers, and Freda Auxier.

Chapter 254 Charleston, WV

When members learned Scenic Elementary needed recreational equipment, the chapter donated basketballs and other gym supplies.

Chapter 35 Kent, WA

Members showed their appreciation for the dedicated first responders in their community by donating and delivering pizzas to the York-Poquoson Sheriff’s Office for lunch.

Chapter 49 Hampton, VA

Members skipped the gift exchange at their holiday party and collected food instead. They ended up with 55 pounds of food to deliver to a local pantry. Dropping it off were members Fred and Margie Joseph.

Chapter 1932 Elba, AL

Chapter 6092 Fremont, OH

Members presented the Zion Chapel High School with $2,500 to buy a new sound system for the football stadium.


Members pulled out all the stops for their teacher appreciation event at Woodville Elementary in Habersham County. They laid out a feast for the educators – chicken tenders, a variety of salads, rolls, and desserts (so many desserts). Beyond the food, the chapter wrote thank you notes for all the teachers do for the children, brought goodie bags and decorated with a spring theme. Member Kathy Pruitt said it was wonderful interacting with the teachers, and they were thrilled to be there. The most popular dish was the chapter president’s apricot salad. It got so much praise that Virginia Tyre, the president, placed a special order at the grocery store for apricot Jell-O and delivered it later with her recipe.

Chapter 143 Clarkesville, GA Chapter 518

Shelby, NC

Members collected and delivered school supplies to the Boys & Girls Club of Cleveland County.

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Chapter 709 Columbia, MS

Members presented an American flag to Columbia High School.

The Center Point Senior Center was in need of a new American flag and Alabama flag for their activity hall, and the chapter was happy to help. On hand for the presentation were, from left, Community Outreach Manager Phillip Robertson, Representative Sheila Finkley, Director Shameika Coleman, and Carol Anderson, chapter president.

Chapter 4 Gardendale, AL

2017 Fraternalist of the Year Carol Anderson, left, with Mary Anderson at the chapters’ awards dinner.

Chapters 339 & 399 Sacramento, CA

Members presented 600 WoodmenLife presidential rulers to Nashville Elementary School.

Chapter 86 Nashville, AR


Chapter Secretary Sherri Curry, right, presented hygiene kits to the 7 Hills Homeless Shelter. She made the cloth bags and gave them to Kristina Andoozla, the shelter’s engagement coordinator.

Answer key from word search on page 39

Chapter 47 Toccoa, GA

Nora Waters presented American History Awards to, from left, member Craig Thurmond II, Sailor Ott and Micah Burkhart at Stephens County Fifth Grade Academy.

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Chapter 12 Fayetteville, AR

Members donated school supplies and WoodmenLife backpacks to Gibson Elementary. Pictured are Principal Julissa Segovia, left, and member Laila Torres.

Chapter 2126 Corpus Christi, TX

Janna Binder presented an American History Award to Macy Person. With them is Jeff Alfrey, the principal at Millard’s Anderson Middle School.

Chapter 16 Omaha, NE

Caption

Chapter 1115 Gallatin, TN

Chapter 444 Church Point, LA

TAKE A PHOTO AT YOUR NEXT CHAPTER EVENT AND SUBMIT IT TO

[email protected]


Members collected school supplies throughout March to donate to the Freeport Elementary School.

Chapter 1850 Cullman, AL

Chapter 1428 Plymouth, NC

Members displayed a large American flag at the Herring Festival in Jamesville.

Members donated a flag to the Douglass Chapel Church. Pictured are Renee Hunter and Keith Bohanan, chapter treasurer.

Members delivered valentines to the Southwest Louisiana Veterans Home in Jennings. They also delivered fruit and supplies donated by local schools.

Chapter 1483 Hampstead, NC

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Chapter 10 Freeport, FL

Chapter officers served cookies and snacks to the teachers at Good Hope Elementary School. As a bonus, they added thank you notes for their hard work and included brochures about WoodmenLife member benefits and RedBasket.org.

Chapter 28 Bainbridge, GA

Representative Bryan Scarborough, left, presented a flag to the Miller County Courthouse in Colquitt, GA.

Members packed dozens of cloth bags with toiletry items for Safe Haven, the Pender County domestic violence shelter. Working with them was Spencer Owen, Regional Director.

Chapter President Randy Cunningham presented a check for $380 to Diane Simmons, director of the Bradford Senior Activity Center.

Huntington City Mission Director Mitch Webb, left, accepted care packages from three WoodmenLife Representatives. They were, from left, Jon Nelson, Jason Harris and Kevin Hall.

Chapter 157 Bradford, TN

Chapter 66 Huntington, WV

Chapter 1075 Loris, SC

Members hosted a patriotic ceremony at Green Sea Elementary School for 40 students to learn about the American flag and the Pledge of Allegiance. Each child got a hand-held flag, and the school got a larger flag.

Recruiting Sales Manager Jason Foster presented the El Dorado, AR, Boy Scouts of America group with a new American flag.

Members hosted a pizza supper for and presented an American flag to the Cool Springs Boy Scout Troop 658.

Member Larry Strohm presented Judy Longo with a check for $250 for Seashore Missions, which works for the hungry, the homeless and others in need.

Henrietta Landry, right, and other members showed teachers at Elton Junior High School they cared with a table full of treats.

Chapter 19 Camden, AR

Chapter 105 West Elkin, NC

Chapter 1446 Gulfport, MS

Chapter 1135 Elton, LA


FRATERNALSPIRIT

FRATERNALSPIRIT

FRATERNALSPIRIT

Baseball games, crawfish boils, bus trips, and outings to amusement parks. These are

just a few of the exciting family and senior activities scheduled for WoodmenLife members this year.

From New York and North Carolina, to Louisiana and Kentucky, regions across the country have been busy planning events for families and seniors (those age 55+) in support of our shared commitment to family.

These activities bring individuals together to form new friendships, celebrate differences and share experiences – all at an affordable cost for members and their guests.

Mississippi South got things started in April with two family baseball events. “Mississippi is blessed with two AA major league baseball teams, the Mississippi Braves and the Biloxi Shuckers,” said Community Outreach Manager Steve Kowalski. “Both teams operate in beautiful stadiums, and they both typically draw great crowds. Last year, between the two games we sponsored, we welcomed close to 650 WoodmenLife attendees.”

Unfortunately, Mother Nature didn’t fully cooperate this year. At the first game of the season on April 7, 77 hearty folks braved the cold and rainy weather to attend the event, including Martha Brady, treasurer of Rankin Chapter 1443. “I enjoyed the game, you just had to wrap up good,” she said. “I felt bad that not many people were there. I know our members really appreciate all of the events WoodmenLife provides.” The

second game, which was scheduled for April 14, was cancelled due to inclement weather.

Spreading the Word For Kowalski, getting the word out about his region’s events has been a key part of their success.

“Last year was our first year for family events and we had a great turnout for all of them,” he said. “I use our postcard system, social media and I send flyers to all of my chapter secretaries to share with members. I also rely on the Sales Force to get the word out and invite members and potential members to all of our events.”

Don’t Miss OutTo make sure you don’t miss out on the family and senior activities scheduled in your area, talk to your Sales Representative, Community Outreach Manager or search online at WoodmenLife.org/lead-and-give/family-activities.cfm.


Activities Planned for Members of All Ages

“Last year was our first year for family

events and we had a great turnout for all

of them.”— Steve Kowalski

Community Outreach Manager

MEMBERNEWS

More than 260 members and guests enjoyed Louisiana’s first Crawfish Boil Family Day.

Here’s a sample of some of the awesome family and senior events our regions have planned for 2018.

Alabama North: • Mallard Waterpark outing• Birmingham Barons

baseball game• Senior event at Lake Guntersville

State Park

Alabama South: • Family day at OWA

amusement park• Montgomery Biscuits

baseball game• Senior Day at Turtle Point

Science Center

Florida:• Family days at Wild Adventures

& Shipwreck Island

Georgia North: • Family days at Stone Mountain

& White Water • Blue Ridge senior trip

Kentucky West: • St. Louis Cardinals baseball game• Discovery Park of America outing

Kentucky East• Ark Encounter trip • Cincinnati Reds baseball game

Louisiana: • Family crawfish boil • National Hunting & Fishing Day

event• Senior Appreciation Day

Nebraska/Iowa: • Kansas City Royals baseball game• Family day at Adventureland

Park • Senior bus trip to Missouri

New York:• Finger Lakes getaway• Great Escapes family day • Senior weekend in

Southbridge, MA

North Carolina East: • Great Wolf Lodge family trip• Busch Gardens (VA) trip • Senior bus trip to Lancaster, PA

Pennsylvania:• Hershey Park family day• Senior cruise to Bermuda

Tennessee East: • Family day at Dollywood • Senior retreat at Dollywood Dream

More Resort

Virginia: • Family day at Great Wolf Lodge• Trip to Pigeon Forge/Smoky

Mountains

West Virginia: • Trips to Cedar Point & Kings Island

amusement parks • Senior bus trip to Nashville

Check Out The Fun!

Members from Chapter 142 in Cleveland, OH, enjoyed last year’s Family Day at Cedar Point Shores.

MEMBERNEWS

In 2017, WoodmenLife donated $12,000 to the City of Nashville to add three horses to its mounted patrol unit. The gift was a thank you to the community for hosting the WoodmenLife National Convention. The first of three horses purchased is named Orozco, in honor of an Omaha police detective who was killed in the line of duty in 2015.

The Nashville PD reports that Orozco is doing great and the community has embraced him. A second horse, Zeus, is in training and has worked at community events and parades and done school demonstrations. Both are doing exceptional around children.

A third horse may not be far away. Like Omaha, they are looking for a versatile animal with excellent conformation.

From the Classroom to the StreetsThe officers do as much as possible to ensure the animals are confident in the face of uncertainty. The horses are gently guided and reassured that nothing bad is going to happen in the ring. It is a safe space where strong bonds are built.

Those bonds are essential for mounted patrol success. Svacina and his peers take time to assess each animal’s strengths through the training process and partner them with officers who can maximize their talents.

In the arena, the officers work tirelessly to make sure their animals are ready to encounter uncertainty on patrol. That means walking through flapping ribbons, uneven spaces and even road flares. Each challenge mimics something on the streets and helps the animals build confidence.

Self assurance is essential when the animals are used to push back crowds. The police department has learned from experience that people are more apt to back up for a horse than a patrol car. Some Omaha Police horses have a knack for pushing and seem to enjoy it. Eastwood, who has been with the force for five years, is especially good at it. He is their best crowd-control horse.

Adding to the RanksIn the coming months, Omaha’s mounted patrol will add to its ranks, thanks to a $15,000 donation from WoodmenLife. The unit has looked at dozens of contenders since last fall – both around Omaha and in other states – but no animals fit the bill. About 90 percent of the horses that come for a trial fail out.

T he Omaha Police Department’s Mounted Patrol Unit opened its stable to WoodmenLife earlier this year. During that visit, the members of the

unit introduced visitors to the confident, dependable and endearing animals that make the officers’ duties so enjoyable and rewarding.

The Mounted Patrol Unit has six officers and one sergeant who ride; there is also a stable manager who is not a sworn officer, says Sgt. Joe Svacina. They are dedicated full-time to the care and schooling of four patrol and two training horses. Ultimately, members of the unit would like to have nine to 11 horses, so

that each officer can be assigned a horse and there are a few in reserve.

The animals have to learn to be versatile and composed to work a wide variety of events. They are regulars for the College World Series crowds, serve as ambassadors of sorts at community events and navigate unpredictable protests.

Stable Students Get Street Smart

The mounted patrol unit is looking for the right investment: an animal with excellent conformation, confidence, health, and versatility.

The honor of naming the first horse went to WoodmenLife, which hosted a Facebook contest to decide on the winning name.

Blue, we can’t wait to meet you.

Visit the WoodmenLife corporate blog, RealWoodmenLife.com, for video of the horses in the training arena.

Mounted Patrol Unit


Updates out of Nashville

Join Us for a Few Lessons From Omaha’s Mounted Patrol Unit

Omaha officers use a large ball

to teach horses to push crowds back.

The Nashville Mounted Patrol has 10 Tennessee walking horses, including Zeus, left, and Bear.

In the arena, the officers work tirelessly to make sure their animals are ready to encounter uncertainty on patrol.

MEMBERNEWS

MEMBERNEWS

MEMBERNEWS

Congratulations to Our 2018 Top Recipients

For a full list of scholarship recipients, visit WoodmenLife.org/congrats.

In the fall issue of WoodmenLife Magazine, we’ll share more about some of the 2018 recipients and details about the 2019 scholarship season.

2017 Scholarship Recipient Still Excelling, Giving Back

two groups on campus. One, LuckyDay Scholars, strives for an exceptional amount of community service while maintaining the members’ high GPAs. Another is RebelTHON, where he served on the Emerging Leaders Committee. This yearlong fundraising project ends with a 12-hour dance marathon that raises money for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. This past year RebelTHON raised $265,912 for the local children’s hospital.

Apart from all his service initiatives, Carpenter is currently a biology major, minoring in chemistry and psychology, with a concentration in nursing. He is on track to graduate in 2021 with his

Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Then he wants to enter the Nurse Anesthesia Doctor of Nursing Practice Program and eventually become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist.

In his limited free time, Carpenter has developed a love for the outdoors. During the weekends, you can find him and his friends at Sardis Lake hiking or just hanging out.

Looking back at his application process for the WoodmenLife scholarship, Carpenter recommends anyone to apply, regardless of GPA, test scores and resumé.

“Complete the application with confidence. After all, if you don’t have confidence in yourself why would the scholarship committee invest in your future?” Carpenter says. “My best advice to applicants is to be yourself! Someone will win the scholarship. Why could it not be you?”

O ne year ago, a young man from Carthage, MS, received news that would change his life. Dylan

Carpenter always held the University of Mississippi close to his heart as his dream school to attend, but it was financially out of reach. With hard work and a little faith, dreams do come true.

“Receiving the WoodmenLife Focus Forward Scholarship® was a monumental moment in my college experience,” Carpenter says. “I will never forget opening up the mail and seeing that I received the $25,000 scholarship. Immediately, I fell to my knees, tears dripping down my face, thanking God for this opportunity.”

Carpenter, well-deserving of the scholarship, led and raised money for numerous service projects in his hometown. Now, with one year of college under his belt in Oxford, he continues to serve his new community.

Always looking for a way to bring smiles to people’s faces, Carpenter joined


Commitment to Serving Others Continues at Ole Miss

$25,000 Winner• Sarah Freese

Carmichael, CA

$20,000 Winner• Amy Edwards

Kinston, NC

$10,000 Winner• Luke Fox

Piney Flats, TN

$1,000 Winners• Daniel Jarman

Snow Hill, NC

• Kimberlin Arnold Lufkin, TX

• Brooke Thompson Summerville, SC

• Christian Colson Locust Grove, VA

• Brittney Decoux Claremore, OK

• Katy Dinkins San Antonio, TX

• Rachael Klueppel Eddyville, KY

• Calvin Nester Waynesboro, VA

• Daniel Park Anaheim, CA

• Alexandra Walker Fredericksburg, VA

“My best advice to applicants is to be yourself! Someone will win the scholarship. Why could it not be you?”

- Dylan Carpenter2 0 1 7

WoodmenLife Focus

Forward Scholarship

$25,000 Recipient

Dylan Carpenter

Member Highlights

Dylan Carpenter

Chapter 330

Carthage, MS

WoodmenLife Focus Forward Scholarship®

ScholarshipRecipient

MEMBERNEWS

MEMBERNEWS

A s an employee for the Department of Corrections, Jessy Braden has always felt a connection with people who work in law

enforcement. “I’ve been friends with everyone in our local sheriff’s department for years,” he said. “It’s kind of a brotherhood.”

So it should come as no surprise that when Braden, who is president of Chapter 843 in Abbeville, GA, learned the local department was in need of new bulletproof vests, he wanted to find a way to help.

“Our chapter was having a meeting last year, and we were talking about redistributing some funds,” he said. “I made the suggestion about helping the sheriff’s department, because I had talked to them and I knew how much they needed to get new vests.”

After Braden brought up the idea, Sheriff Robert Rodgers spoke at a chapter meeting. The members then voted and handed him a check for $2,000. Representative Martha Ann Mullis then presented the idea to Rochelle, GA, Chapter 1853, and they also pitched in $2,000 for the vests.

“I asked Martha Ann to do that since both chapters are in the same county the sheriff’s department serves,” Braden said. “First responders are some of the most important people in any area, and you never know when you’ll need their help. I knew I’d sleep better knowing the members of the sheriff’s department were protected with the vests.”

With the chapters’ combined donation of $4,000 picking up what wasn’t covered by other outlets, the department was able to purchase 11 new bulletproof vests.

“Safety is my top priority, and getting these expensive vests can be a challenge, especially for smaller departments like the Wilcox County Sheriff’s Office,” Sheriff Rodgers said. “I can now rest easier knowing that the deputies will have the protection of brand new vests.”

WoodmenLife’s National Community Focus of fighting hunger connects towns and cities across the nation for a common cause. In Fort Payne,

AL, Chapter 436 is connecting with local schools to do their part. They help sponsor a backpack program for kids in need at the elementary school and a garden at the high school, which helps teach the students about growing fresh food.

“It makes you very thankful for what you have,” said Chapter President Melissa Smith. “You realize the need is out there, even in our small community.”

The chapter has worked closely with school staff. “We heard about what the schools were doing, and with our National Community Focus, we reached out to see what we could do to help,” Smith said.

Between the two programs, the chapter is able to help year round. With the backpack program in particular, they send more food home with children around the holidays when they may need more help.

“I have a 12-year-old daughter, and she’s old enough to understand what we’re doing,” Smith said. “It means a lot to me for her to see that giving back to people around you is important.”

Hunger Lives in Every Town

WoodmenLife chapters have

made a huge impact since the

National Community Focus

launched in 2015. More than

600,000 pounds of food have

been collected and monetary

donations have topped

$1 million. But the fight is

far from over. Members

have planned scores of

activities to fight hunger

in the third quarter

(July–September). Check the

back of this magazine or

contact your chapter for more

information on how you can

get involved. Take pictures,

share them and spread the

word that everyone can

make a difference.

“It makes you very thankful for what you have. You realize the need is out there, even in our small community.”

— Melissa SmithChapter President


Melissa Smith

Member Leads Effort to Support Law Enforcement

Chapter Highlights

Chapter 843

Abbeville, GA

285 members

Founded 1917

Chapter Founded

Members of Georgia Chapters 843 and 1853 with members of the Wilcox County Sheriff’s Department and their new bulletproof vests.

Chapter Highlights

Chapter 1853

Rochelle, GA

393 members

Founded 1975

Chapter Founded

Get Involved

Chapter HighlightsChapter 436 Fort Payne, AL 1,823 members Founded 1908

Chapter Founded

CHAPTER

NEWS

CHAPTER

NEWS

Sometimes the pieces fall into place to make a dream a reality. The need is there, there are

volunteers ready and willing to help, and others pitch in to make it work. That’s the case for Jon Mattis, who never imagined when he launched his therapeutic horse riding program in Halifax, PA, five years ago, the amount of support he’d receive, including from the WoodmenLife chapter in Hershey, PA.

“It’s a dream that became a reality,” Mattis said. After working with local schools, he realized he had a knack for working with children with special needs. “My gift is to help those with extraordinary needs.”

He wanted to do more to help, as most of the resources available were half an hour away in Harrisburg, a much larger city. “There was nothing in this area for children with special needs,” he said. With a therapeutic

riding program, the horses are soothing, and help riders with everything from hand-eye coordination to speech.

Mattis began the riding program on his grandparents’ farm, naming it Graceful Acres after his grandmother. “Grandma was always helping others,” he said. “She gave that love and kindness to me.”

After his grandparents provided the land for his organization, more and more people jumped in to help with his cause. All 10 of

the horses were donated, and 60 volunteers have stepped in to help. WoodmenLife Chapter 364 got involved when one of its members learned about Graceful Acres. They provide quarterly donations and have now sponsored five of the organization’s 55 riders. They also helped sponsor the Graceful Acres fall festival and donated a flagpole.

“We help with whatever they need,” said chapter Secretary Sara Bender. “He (Jon) is fantastic with those little kids.”

Support from WoodmenLife and others in the community has helped Mattis accomplish his goal of helping all who need it. “We don’t turn anyone away because of money,” he said. “People believe in us, and it’s worth it to see the kids’ smiles. They really enjoy their time.”

In addition to helping children with a wide range of physical, mental and emotional needs, Mattis focuses on raising awareness. “They’re not so much different than you and I,” he said.

Though both his grandfather and grandmother have now passed away, Mattis is proud to continue the mission they helped him launch. “I’m blessed to be able to work on my grandparents’ farm, and work with horses and kids,” he said. “I chose to chase the dream, and I wouldn’t change it.”


Community Rallies Around RidersChapter Highlights

Chapter 364

Hershey, PA

719 members

Founded 1929

Chapter Founded

WoodmenLife has helped Graceful Acres sponsor five young riders. Support from WoodmenLife and others in the

community has helped Jon Mattis accomplish his goal of helping all who need it.

Therapeutic riding helps children with a variety of special needs.

Graceful Acres is home to 10 donated therapy horses.

CHAPTER

NEWS

Happy 128th

Birthday, WoodmenLife! A lot has changed since June 6, 1890. Stroll down memory lane with us and test your WoodmenLife IQ. (Find answers on page 41.)

Members are now organized into “chapters.” What were such groups called in 1890 when our organization was founded?A. CampsB. Clusters

C. RegionsD. Troops

What did WoodmenLife call youth members in the 1970s?A. Lads and LassesB. Little Woodmen and WoodettesC. Rangers and RangerettesD. Whippersnappers

In what year did the WoodmenLife Tower start giving peregrine falcons a place to live?A. 1978B. 1988

C. 1998D. 2001

For more WoodmenLife history, visit WoodmenLife.org/about/history.cfm

The USO and WoodmenLife have a lot in common: connecting families, celebrating

America, recognizing our military members, and making a difference on a local level. All are key to their missions. So it makes perfect sense when the two connect, just as Chapter 84 in University Place, WA, has with the Northwest branch of the USO.

Chapter President Joe Rosado is a military veteran, as are the chapter’s two past presidents. Rosado describes USO centers on military bases as a “home away from home,” like the one at the nearby Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) military base, where more than 40,000 troops are stationed. “Our centers provide hospitality to active duty service members,” said USO Northwest Communications Manager Gabe Bowman. “We provide a lot of different programs, but our primary goal is to keep military members connected to their families.”

The chapter, and many of its

members who also are military, are on hand to help three nearby USO Northwest locations. “When the USO needed flags to hand out to families returning home from overseas, we were

there. When they needed teddy bears for the kids to hold while waiting long hours for the servicemen to return at the airport, we were there, and donated hundreds of teddy

bears,” Rosado said. “When they needed flags, we presented them to each location and attended the grand opening at USO Northwest Camp Lewis Center on JBLM.” The chapter also helped raise more than $1,600 to support this newest USO location in the area.

Like WoodmenLife, volunteers carry out local efforts by the USO Northwest. “There’s a lot of overlap in what our two organizations do,” Bowman said.

Rosado also sees a lot of similarities. “Ask any military retiree, active duty or military spouse who has moved their families around the world, the USO was and still is a blessing,” he said. “Some say duty, honor, country; with the USO it’s family, community and country. It’s a small world when the USO is nearby.”

Family, community and country are also the commitments all WoodmenLife members share. In that spirit, Chapter 84 strives to help however they can. “We are always looking for ways to do more than just pass out flags,” he said. “Our chapter looks forward to changes in the community and looks for different venues to increase WoodmenLife exposure while doing good.”


WoodmenLife, USO Join Forces to Help West Coast Families

“When the USO needed flags to hand out to families returning home from overseas, we were there.”

— Joe RosadoChapter President

Chapter Highlights

Chapter 84

University Place, WA

719 members

Founded 1978

Chapter Founded

Chapter 84 President Joe Rosado and Chapter 35 (Renton, WA) Greeter Cheryl Johnston-Carr celebrated the grand opening of a new USO facility in Washington.

Chapter 84 members support local military families with a donation to the Shali Center.

CHAPTER

NEWS

It’s About the People for BeckendorffWorking with people. It’s one of the things that

attracted Chris Beckendorff to his current career as a Community

Outreach Manager (COM) in Texas Northeast, and it’s one of the things he enjoys most about his job.

“I was a college recruiter for a small private Christian school earlier in my career, and I really enjoyed it,” he said. “Both jobs are about working with people.”

Among the people he works with are members in the 21 chapters Beckendorff oversees in his region. “We have a wide range of ages and abilities within these chapters,” he said. “They’re very generous to organizations and people in need, and they’re very supportive of their Representatives. These chapters are a joy to work with.”

In addition to chapter members, Beckendorff loves working with Representatives. “I love that I’m helping Representatives leverage outreach to find new members, while also helping their chapters be a presence in the community,” he said.

Making a ConnectionOne activity that has been successful in promoting WoodmenLife in Beckendorff’s region is flag presentations.

“We’ll go into the fire stations to present the flags, and then tell them about RedBasket.org and the first responders benefit,” he said. “Because of this initial

contact, we’ve been asked to come back and make formal presentations to firefighters and other first responders in monthly meetings. Other times, we’ve had individual firefighters ask Representatives to come back and talk to them about their financial needs.”

Focus on Family With the shift in focus to family activities the past few years, Beckendorff says they’ve had great turnout for these events.

“Our family events at Six Flags and Medieval Times consistently draw in about 500-600 members each year,” he said. “Being at these events, seeing all our members together having a good time and enjoying their families in an entertaining venue is one of my favorite things.”

These events also provide a great opportunity for Representatives to reconnect with members. “People will register for the event with their T-shirt sizes, and then we’ll have their Representatives deliver them,” Beckendorff said. “When they deliver the shirts, they can review a member’s certificate and possibly get referrals.”

campfirebikinghikingsmoresfishingswimmingarchery flashlighttenttrailerswimsuitsuntan lotiontelescopescavenger hunttic tac toeclimbingswingingcoolergrillheadlampsunglassesshortsrepellantgogglescanoe

Let’s go camping!Summertime is time to get in the RV with the family and go camping. The weather is perfect, the time is right for hiking, exploring, swimming, and campfires. If you’re ready for fun, find these RV/camping-related words in the word search below: (Find answers on page 20.)


Chris Beckendorff

Word Search Word Bank

Summer funFun Zonein

the

“Our family events at Six Flags and Medieval Times consistently draw in about 500-600 members each year.”

— Chris BeckendorffCommunity Outreach Manager


























COMMUNITYOUTREACH

1. A Chapters were known as “camps” and grouped by regional areas into “head camps.”

2. CWoodmenLife youth were known as “Rangers” and “Rangerettes” in the 1970s.

3. BFalcons have nested on the 28th floor of WoodmenLife Tower since 1988. Mintaka and Chayton live there now. See them and their babies, known as eyasses, at WoodmenLife.org/falcons/falcon-cam.cfm.


Have a good joke?Make your fellow members laugh. Please send contributions to [email protected]

Sudoku Puzzle

WoodmenLife birthday quiz answers from page 37.

See if you can solve this Sudoku puzzle. Good luck! (Find answers on page 23.) Q: If you are on a hike and find a fork in the road, what do you do?

A: Stop for lunch!

Q: How do you start a fire using two pieces of wood?

A: Make sure one is a matchstick.

Q: Why did the teepees have to go to the doctor?A: They were too tense (two tents).

Q: Why don’t grizzlies wear shoes?A: They like to walk around in their bear (bare)

feet.

Q: What side of a tree does moss grow on?A: The outside.

Q: If we are in the forest and a bear chases us, how do we outrun it?

A: I don’t know. I only have to outrun you.

Q: What has antlers and sucks blood?A: A Moose-quito.

Q: What did the slug say as he slipped down the wall?

A: How slime flies.

Q: Chris was hard at work with the broom in his family’s tent. His mother said, “That’s nice. Are you sweeping out the tent?”

A: “No,” answered Chris. “I’m sweeping out the dirt.”

Q: A man walked into the Old Forge Camping Resort. “Can you give me a cabin with a bath?”

A: “I can give you a cabin,” the clerk said. “But you’ll have to take a bath yourself.”

Time for some outdoor fun-nies!

© 2013 KrazyDad.com

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Book 1: Hints Easy Sudoku Puzzles by KrazyDad

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Whole Life with a whole lot more If you’re considering permanent coverage, there’s something you need to know. Our new Chronic and Terminal Illness Accelerated Benefit Rider1 offers individuals with a terminal condition or a chronic illness a portion of their life insurance benefits while still living – at no additional cost.

For more information, visit WoodmenLife.org/insurance/whole-life.cfm or contact your WoodmenLife Sales Representative.

Forms ICC17 8690 1-17, 8690 1-17 (XX) 1. All contractual provisions apply and may vary by state. Benefit payments may affect eligibility for public assistance programs. Certain eligibility requirements apply. This rider is not long term care insurance, nor is it intended to replace long term care insurance. Not available in CA or NY. D1478 4/18 Woodmen of the World Life Insurance Society, Omaha, NE

42 WoodmenLife Magazine

In Memoriam

Chester M. BaileyAge 90Chapter 1229Okemah, OK

Elizabeth Jean CordyAge 89Chapter 1Lexington, KY

Jeffrey CottingameAge 45Chapter 1228Allen, OK

Ted DoomAge 73Chapter 674Grand Rivers, KY

Herbert Engel Age 110Chapter 40Berrien Springs, MI

Marty FairclothCommunity Outreach ManagerAge 60Chapter 31Hosford, FL

Joe Ralph GreenAge 85Chapter 117Benton, KY

Peggy June GregoryAge 83Chapter 117Benton, KY

Frances HastyAge 92Chapter 406Panama City, FL

Robert E. HendersonAge 81Chapter 117Benton, KY

Jeffrey Allen HendersonAge 52Chapter 117Benton, KY

R.B. Holsclaw Jr.Age 94Chapter 95Lenoir, NC

Howard JohnsonAge 91Chapter 61Blountstown, FL

Jesse Troy JudyAge 93Chapter 11Eglon, WV

Daphne McGregorAge 91Chapter 117Benton, KY

Daphne O’BanionAge 80Chapter 124Conway, SC

Robert OverbyAge 80Chapter 117Benton, KY

Jane OwenAge 70Chapter 6091Providence Forge, VA

Norma PowellAge 88Chapter 117Benton, KY

Rodney RieksAge 88Chapter 382Gastonia, NC

Maxine ScottAge 73Chapter 31Quincy, FL

Mary Eulene SloanAge 97Chapter 117Benton, KY

Mattiee Jo SmithAge 99Chapter 117Benton, KY

Charles StoneAge 85Chapter 117Benton, KY

4/9/2018 The Norman Transcript | Obituaries | Print Preview

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The Norman Transcript Obituaries

Billy (Bill) Gordon ThurmanOctober 05, 1929 - March 20, 2018

Billy (Bill) Gordon Thurman, 88, of Norman passed away Tuesday, March 20, 2018. He was

born October 5, 1929 in Claremore, OK to William and Ollie Ellen (Horner)Thurman.

Bill grew up on a farm in Claremore, OK. He worked daily with his mother, father, Clyde (his

brother) and Zella Mae (his sister) throughout their grade, middle and High School days. Bill

attended the University of Oklahoma. He earned a Bachelors Degree in Industrial Arts from

OU in January of 1956. His dream was to become a High School Shop Teacher.

He met Betty Jo Nixon from Blanchard, Oklahoma, in November of 1949 and got married on

July 15, 1950. Bill and Betty made their home in Norman, with brief moves to Colorado and

California.

Bill was drafted into the United States Army in January of 1952. He served in the Korean war.

Bill was stationed in Opicina, Italy about 30 miles north of Trieste, Italy. He was responsible

for the parts house for the Military vehicles in the region.

Jack D. ThompsonAge 87Chapter 117Benton, KY

Billy ThurmonAge 88Chapter 154Norman, OK

Alice WalkerAge 65Chapter 674Smithland, KY

Juanita WallaceAge 71Chapter 82Milan, TN

Francis Lucille WardAge 94Chapter 117Benton, KY

Louetta WhiteAge 83Chapter 117Benton, KY

Summer 2018PERIODICALS

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.

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Let’s go camping!Summertime is time to get in the RV with the family and go camping. The weather is perfect, the time is right for hiking, exploring, swimming, and campfires. If you’re ready for fun, find these RV/camping-related words in the word search below: (Find answers on page 20.)

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More for Your Family - WoodmenLife.org · Carroll was promoted to Recruiting Sales Manager on Jan. 1, 2011. He was Virginia Recruiter of the Year in 2011 and 2013 and had the number