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Special Tribute to Veterans
Single Premium Whole Life p. 6
Fraternal Spirit p. 8
Fraternal Summits p. 35
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o by
Ran
dy C
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learn more at: woodmen.org
Summer 2014
W O O D M E N O F T H E W O R L D M A G A Z I N E
This year marks the 13th anniversary of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.
Many people, myself included, still get emotional each year as we honor and remember those who lost their lives on that tragic day.
That day produced many heroes, and it’s important that they are not forgotten. The first responders who ran into burning buildings to rescue the trapped and the injured. The passengers who took back control of their hijacked airliner over Pennsylvania. Even those who donated blood because it was all they could do. We, as Americans, set an extraordinary example for the rest of the world that day.
I believe that we, as members of Woodmen of the World, also set an example in communities across the country. By hosting events such as Flags Across America, In Honor and Remembrance, and recognition ceremonies for first responders and members of the military, we honor our country and pay tribute to our national heroes. Those who have given their lives, and those who risk their lives every day, make the life we live possible.
One national hero I’ve had the pleasure of meeting is Medal of Honor recipient
Woodmen of the World/Omaha Woodmen, founded in
1890, is a not-for-profit insurance company that also offers
customer benefits.
Our more than 700,000 members, who hold nearly one million
insurance and annuity certificates, belong to approximately
1,000 chapters throughout the United States. Local chapters
sponsor family activities and conduct community projects. These
projects include presenting U.S. flags to civic and community
organizations; donating equipment to police, fire and rescue
units; providing assistance to senior citizens, the physically
impaired and orphans; and providing monetary assistance.
Life insurance and annuity products are issued by Woodmen
of the World Life Insurance Society and/or Omaha
Woodmen Life Insurance Society (Woodmen of the World),
a Nebraska corporation that is licensed as Woodmen of the
World Life Insurance Society in all states and the District
of Columbia, except CA, CO, ID, MT, NV, OR, UT, WA, and
WY. In those states, Woodmen of the World is licensed as
Omaha Woodmen Life Insurance Society (Woodmen). Not
all products are available in all states. Not all Woodmen of
the World Representatives are licensed to sell all products
offered through Woodmen of the World and its subsidiaries.
Securities are offered through Woodmen Financial Services,
Inc., 1700 Farnam Street, Omaha, NE 68102, 877-664-
3332, member FINRA/SIPC, a wholly owned subsidiary of
Woodmen of the World Life Insurance Society and/or Omaha
Woodmen Life Insurance Society. Securities other than the
Woodmen Variable Annuity are issued by companies that
are not affiliated with Woodmen of the World Life Insurance
Society and/or Omaha Woodmen Life Insurance Society. Not
all products are available in all states.
Products that are not issued by Woodmen of the World
or offered and processed through Woodmen Financial
Services, Inc., may be offered through Woodmen Insurance
Agency, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Woodmen of the
World Life Insurance Society and/or Omaha Woodmen Life
Insurance Society. These products are issued by carriers that
are not affiliated with Woodmen of the World.
Sergeant Sammy L. Davis Jr. When he recently spoke at the Home Office and shared his stories of the hardships and sacrifices he and his fellow soldiers faced while serving in Vietnam, I don’t think there was a person in attendance who wasn’t moved by his powerful message. And in case you didn’t know, Sgt. Davis’ military career and his heroic actions in Vietnam served as inspiration for the movie Forrest Gump.
Sgt. Davis is just one of the millions of national heroes who deserves recognition, and who continues to inspire action today. While we can’t all be decorated military heroes like Sgt. Davis, we can work together to make a difference in our communities. I encourage you to talk to your fellow chapter members and your Community Outreach Manager, and look for ways you can pay tribute to the heroes in your community.
For all these reasons, the theme of this issue is honoring veterans. It’s important these heroes get the respect they so rightly deserve, and that they know Woodmen of the World is thankful for their service to our communities and our country.
Sincerely and Fraternally,
Larry R. KingPresident & CEO
Heroes Deserve Our Honor and Respect
Larry R. King
Our Mission: Woodmen of
the World exists to benefit
our members through every
stage of life.
President’s Message
2 WOODMEN LIVING
5 A Lasting MemorialChapter 61 in Blountstown, FL, dedicated an attractive, permanent memorial to both their local first responders and the heroes and victims of Sept. 11, 2001.
18 A Tribute to VeteransSince January 2013, Woodmen of the World has demonstrated our pride in veterans by leading more than 360 veterans’ or military appreciation events. Turn to page 20 to read more about a few of them.
28 The Chips Are UpMember Ben Boutwell contributed to a fan-favorite Super Bowl commercial for Doritos® and won a share of $1 million.
30 Retiring Flags the Right WayCommunity Outreach Manager Steve Kelly-Kowalski and several chapters in southern Mississippi have developed a unique way to care for old flags until they can be properly retired.
Feature Stories
Sections
4 On the Web
5 Community Connection
6 with you through LIFE®
8 Fraternal Spirit
18 Member Spotlight
28 Member News
32 Chapter News
36 Fun Zone
38 In Memoriam
On the CoverCol. Ben Purcell (dec.)endured years as a Prisoner of War in Vietnam. On the home front, his wife raised their five children by herself, not knowing if he was alive or dead. Theirs is a story of love and duty.
Summer 2014
Woodmen of the World Magazine 3
in this issue
Representative Chris Bohach (left) presented a flag to Parkersburg, WV, Fire Station #5.
Board of DirectorsLarry R. King, Chairman, President & CEO, Omaha, NE Patrick L. Dees, Executive Vice President, Fraternal, Omaha, NE Pamela J. Hernandez, Executive Vice President, Operations & Secretary, Omaha, NERobert T. Maher, Executive Vice President, Finance & Treasurer, Omaha, NEDaniel W. Rice III, Kinston, NCDr. James W. Bosler III, Louisville, KYDr. James W. Shaver, Landis, NCMichael C. Shealy, Lexington, SCWesley A. Dodd, Cornelia, GADaryl J. Doise, Sunset, LADanny E. Cummins, Troup, TXPatricia L. Metheny, Durant, OKRonald H. Aldridge, Jackson, MSMark L. Schreier, Omaha, NE
Magazine Staff Managing Editor: Angie SchendtContent Editor: Andy OermanDesign Editor: Joe BavarescoWriters: Liz Perry, Carmen SteeleDesigner: Jerry UnderwoodContributors: Janelle Arthur, Carli Cominoli,
Sarah RichartMarketing & Fraternal Team Vice President: Steve Jones
If you have questions, comments or suggestions for articles, please direct them to [email protected].
visit us at: woodmen.orgemail us at: [email protected]
Woodmen Living (ISSN 1069-1790) is published quarterly for $2.00 per year by Woodmen of the World Life Insurance Society and/or Omaha Woodmen Life Insurance Society, 1700 Farnam St., Omaha, NE 68102.
Periodicals postage paid at Omaha, NE, and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to Woodmen Living, c/o Woodmen of the World Life Insurance Society and/or Omaha Woodmen Life Insurance Society, 1700 Farnam St., Omaha, NE 68102.
Equal Access PolicyWoodmen of the World Life Insurance Society and/or Omaha Woodmen Life Insurance Society is an Equal Access fraternal benefit organization. It is the policy of Woodmen of the World to seek qualified members on a nondiscriminatory basis and to provide all members with equal access to and allow their participation in the organization’s chapter system, chapter events, fraternal benefits, and all other fraternal activities on a nondiscriminatory basis.
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Email photos of your chapter
members and events to
4 WOODMEN LIVING
Cooking Up Some Fun
Local Chapter CalendarsYour local chapter’s calendar can be found by searching the Find My
Local Chapter page and clicking on the link to your chapter’s website.
woodmen.org/Members/lodge-search.cfm
Fun Zone Answer KeyFind the answer key to the Woodmen Living Fun Zone puzzle from the
home page of woodmen.org under Special Interests. woodmen.org/
about/fun-zone.cfm
Natural Disaster Benefit FormQualified members whose homes are damaged or destroyed by natural
disasters, such as hurricanes, tornadoes, wild/forest fires, or earthquakes,
may be eligible for up to $500 to help with home repair costs. The Natural
Disaster Benefit form and many other fraternal forms are available on
woodmen.org. Download the form, fill it out entirely, print it, and mail it to
the Home Office. woodmen.org/contact/online-forms.cfm.
To celebrate Woodmen of the World’s 125th anniversary in 2015, we are producing a commemorative cookbook!
We want to feature recipes from you, our members. Do you have a favorite holiday meal tradition you’d like to share? A favorite dish that feeds a crowd at your chapter meetings? Maybe a much-loved dessert that your family always requests?
Share your recipes with us at woodmen.org/recipes.Simply type it in, and it will be considered for inclusion in the upcoming cookbook! We will do our best to include as many as we can, but due to space limitations, we cannot guarantee that all recipes submitted will be printed.
Look for more information later this year on when and where the cookbook will be available.
Search: WOWInsurance Society to ‘like’ our page.
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on the web
Community Connection
Few Americans will ever forget Sept. 11, 2001. One way Woodmen of the World chapters
across the country remember the heroes and victims of 9/11 – and the ideals many of them died to uphold – is by hosting In Honor and Remembrance ceremonies in their local communities.
On Sept. 11, 2013, Chapter 61 in Blountstown, FL, chose to honor their local heroes and remember the events of 9/11 by dedicating a monument outside the Calhoun County Courthouse.
“When we were discussing what to do, we thought we should do something for our local first responders, law enforcement, EMTs, and firefighters because many of these positions are volunteer now,” said chapter Past President Howard Johnson. “We thought we should do something that was ongoing to remind people of how fortunate we are to have these people give their time to care for us.”
The chapter decided to construct a special monument to honor these groups, and Johnson went to work. He got approval from the chairman of the County Commission to present the idea to the full Commission, and that group approved construction of the monument outside the county courthouse. Then, Johnson worked with a local funeral home to order and install the actual monument.
“The funeral home let us purchase the monument for cost, and they even delivered and installed it at no cost,” he said. “So we made sure to thank them during the ceremony and we gave the funeral home a contribution to say thank you, as well.”
On the day of the dedication, more than 150 members, local officials and community residents attended the ceremony outside the courthouse. Also present were State Manager
Bryan Carroll, Area Manager Lance Mayers, Representative Carol Dixon, and Community Outreach Manager Marty Faircloth.
“The monument was well received by the community because it ties in nicely with the existing monuments that honor deceased veterans from World War I, World War II, Korea, and Vietnam,” Johnson said. “And the inscription expresses our appreciation for our First Responders’ efforts in the past, present and future. It’s a lasting and ongoing tribute.”
A Woodmen of the World member for 60 years, an educator for more than 36 years and a WWII veteran, Johnson believes it is beneficial to all chapters to conduct ceremonies like this in their communities.
“When someone does something for you, you ought to appreciate it,” he said. “These individuals save a lot of lives, and that’s why ceremonies like this are so important. To say thank you, and to promote the values of Woodmen of the World.”
If you have an idea for, or would like to be involved with, an In Honor and Remembrance ceremony in your area this fall, contact your chapter officers or your Community Outreach Manager. ::
Monument Honors Local Heroes Members of Chapter 61 dedicated a monument
at the Calhoun County Courthouse in
Blountstown, FL, on Sept. 11, 2013.
Blountstown, FL
Woodmen of the World Magazine 5
Members David E. Holifield and David W. Holifield meet with
Area Manager Brad Jones at their business in Jackson, TN.
Single Premium Fits for Father and Son Business
6 WOODMEN LIVING
CI0023WOW 4/14
E ver since they opened Excel Machine and Welding together in 1988 in Jackson, TN, father David E. Holifield and son David W. Holifield have relied on
each other to make their business a success.
“If one of us doesn’t go to work, it definitely alters the day-to-day business we’re able to do,” said David Jr. “There’s only two of us here, so we need both of us to keep it going.”
Luckily, since opening their doors, there have only been a few occasions when it wasn’t “business as usual” for the pair. In 1999, David Jr.’s house was damaged by a storm, and he didn’t work for a week. Then in 2003, the shop was destroyed by a tornado.
“We laugh that we didn’t make any money that year, but luckily, we didn’t lose any either,” said David Jr. “We’re a very
with you through LIFE®
Phot
os b
y M
itch
Car
ter
David W. Holifield and his father, David E. Holifield, rely on
each other to spark their two-man business.
small business that’s been supplying income to both of our families for a long time.”
The pair has also been working with their friend and Area Manager Brad Jones for many years to plan and make sure the business and their families will be taken care of in the future.
“I was talking to them both a few years back because they’re friends of mine, and they asked how things were going,” Jones said. “I mentioned the concept of Single Premium Whole Life to them, thinking they might be able to recommend someone I could talk to about it. I never expected them to ask me about it and one day become customers of that product.”
David Sr. had been consistently working with Jones and making increases each year to an Adjustable Life product, but then last year his health changed.
“When I went to see him last year, I knew he’d had a health issue and things weren’t going his way when it came to increasing the benefit to leave for his son. So, I started talking about other options for the money he had been setting aside each year,” Jones said.
One option Jones mentioned was utilizing Single Premium Whole Life as “key person insurance” that David Sr. could purchase on his son. “This product isn’t always used for key
person insurance, but in this case it seemed to fit, and it offered a one-time premium and no ongoing payments,” Jones said. “In their business, since it’s only the two of them, if one
of them passes away, the other has a problem. If something should happen, this money can help Dad keep the business going while he looks to fill the gap of the person he’s lost.”
David Jr. had already purchased life insurance on his Dad a few years ago, and this seemed like a logical next step for them to take.
“We’re not in the situation where we’d need money tomorrow, but we run a business and things would change without one of us here,” said David Jr.
One reason the Holifields knew this was a good option for their families and their business was because of their longtime relationship with Jones and Woodmen of the World.
“The most important thing in anything we do in business or who we’re dealing with is that we trust them and don’t worry about problems,” said David Jr. “My wife has asked me about what insurance we have, and I told her she didn’t have to worry about it, because Brad would be calling her as soon as something happened.” ::
Woodmen of the World Magazine 7
What is Single Premium Whole Life?It offers a single premium
payment option with
fast accumulation. Cash
value growth and death
benefits are guaranteed.
» Money grows tax-
deferred until received
» Income tax-free death
benefit for beneficiaries1
» Access to a portion
of cash value, if the
need should arise2
» Guaranteed to be paid up
for life, with no changes to
the face amount of coverage
» Good option for final
expenses or estate planning
For more information about
Single Premium Whole Life,
contact your local Woodmen
of the World Representative.
1. May be subject to estate tax2. Loans against the cash value of your certificate will accrue interest, reduce the death benefit and may be a distribution of taxable gain.
Certificate Numbers: 04-XX-0409 & 253-XX-0409
Chapter 136 Abilene, TXChapter 452 Breaux Bridge, LA
Chapter 244 Atkinson, NC
State Manager Buddy Pace (left) and Representative Larry Thompson presented a $500 check to Jody Houston, Executive Director of the Food Bank of West Central Texas.
President Addie A. Boyer (right) presented a flag to Sidney Trahan, Sergeant at Arms of American Legion Post 294 in Cecilia.
Representative Kenny Barnhill presented an American flag to UNC Wilmington Police Officer James Watkins.
8 WOODMEN LIVING
SUBMIT PHOTOS TO: [email protected] spirit
Chapter 8 Florence, AL
Chapter 7 Palatka, FLChapter 223 Milton, WV
Chapter 130 Tupelo, MS
Chapter 196 Hornbeak, TN
2014 chapter officers posed for a photo following installation.
Members Gene Mills and Sharon Kilgore (right) delivered turkeys to the Heart of Putnam Food Pantry. Executive Director Sheila McCoy helped unload the car.
Member Brie Crouse helped out with disaster relief efforts following the chemical spill in West Virginia.
Representative Billy Crumpton presented a check to the Northeast Mississippi Chapter of the Red Cross. Fund Development Lead Specialist Erica Hines accepted the donation.
Members Emily Moore (left), Frieda Moore and Richard Dugger helped pack food baskets with Obion County Chimes for Charity.
Woodmen of the World Magazine 9
Chapter 70 Athens, TN
Chapter 1075 Loris, SC
Chapter 369 Thibodaux, LA
Chapter 1483 Hampstead, NC
Chapter 143 Clarkesville, GA
Members hosted a Valentine’s Day meal for the homeless and needy at Cooke Ministry.
2014 chapter officers posed for a photo following installation.
Chapter members proudly sponsor a Biddy Basketball team.
Member Chuck Johnson with one of many speckled trout he caught to feed members of the chapter at their March meeting meal.
Member Woodrow Free (right) presented flags to Pastor Brion Williams of Oakey Mountain Baptist Church.
10 WOODMEN LIVING
Fraternal Spirit
Chapter 1558 Leeds, AL
Chapter 20 Cadiz, KY
Chapter 3 Jacksonville, FLChapter 3 Phoenix, AZ
Chapter 254 Charleston, WV
Representative Tim Youngblood presented a flag and helped dedicate a flagpole at Shades Mountain Academy on opening day of baseball season.
Members presented 312 American Patriot’s Handbooks to the fifth- and sixth-grade classes in Trigg County.
Members Caitlin (left) and Alana Anderson, and Martha Johnson, participated in the JDRF Walk for Diabetes Cure.
Members presented nine Fido Kits, which are first aid kits for pet rescues in a fire, to the Phoenix Fire Department. Emma the dog gratefully accepted the donation.
Chapter officers were installed at the February meeting.
Woodmen of the World Magazine 11
Chapter 56 Weldon, NC
Chapter 698 Salyersville, KY
Chapter 20 Fairmont, WV Chapter 1180 Blairsville, GA
Chapter 1145 Jena, LA
Chapter 621 Carlisle, AR
Members presented an American flag and a North Carolina state flag to Belmont Elementary School in Roanoke Rapids.
Members presented a donation to Magoffin County Senior Citizens.
Members spent the day at Wisp Resort snow tubing.Representatives Jesse Jorgensen (left) and Brad Hutson (second from right) presented a $250 check to Sabrina Garret, Towns County FFA Director, and FFA students.
Area Manager Lisa Grant (left) and Representative Morgan Crooks presented two American flags and two Louisiana state flags to the Summerfield-Rosefield Fire Departments.
Members presented a donation to Chambers Nursing Home, to be used for Christmas gifts for residents.
12 WOODMEN LIVING
Fraternal Spirit
Chapter 3 Greenville, SC
Chapter 193 Falkville, AL
Chapter 373 Ackerman, MS
Chapter 885 Dillard, GA
Chapter 111 Greeneville, TN
Community Outreach Manager Randy Barnett and Debbie Lee worked on MyFraternalWeb.org at an officers training session with Chapter 344.
Members presented a flag and flagpole to Gill Park.
The Ivy family participated in Take Pride in America clean-up day at the Choctaw Lake and Camping Area.
Representative Emma B. Chastain presented flags for the five branches of the military to Boy Scout Troop 6.
Representative Jim Davis presented the Fraternal Spirit Award to Margie Gunter.
Woodmen of the World Magazine 13
Chapter 28 Hattiesburg, MS
Chapter 714 Maurice, LA
Chapter 7 Hamburg, AR Chapter 251 Royston, GA
Chapter 2572 Austin, TX
Chapters 879 & 961 Cookeville, TN
Representative Eddie Jenkins presented 36 classroom flags to Assistant Principal Sandy Griffin (left) and Principal Donna Hopkins from Clara Elementary School, which burned to the ground in 2012 and has since been rebuilt.
Representative Scott Menard (left) presented a state flag to Bertha Mire (second from left), President of the Vermillion Chamber, Lance Savoie from the Abbeville Rotary Club, and Anita Chiasson from the Abbeville Kiwanis Club.
Members presented a $100 check to staff of the Belle View Estates Care Center to help make baskets for their residents.
Secretary Evelyn York (right) presented a flag to Hart Care Center Administrator Kathryn McCurley.
Representative Sonny Ware (left) presented a 50-year membership pin to Dan Ojeda, who has actually been a member for 55 years.
Members presented a $2,250 check to Putnam County Project Graduations.
14 WOODMEN LIVING
Fraternal Spirit
Chapter 889 Franklin, NC Chapter 592 Murray, KY
Chapter 406 Panama City, FL
Russ O’Dell (left) and Trustee Dearl Ledford (right) and other members helped put a roof on Bill Gibson’s house, and furnished water to all the volunteers.
Members presented a flag to City Hall in Murray.
Representative Mickey Pennington (right) presented a flag to the Rutherford High School women’s softball team for their Sports Complex.
Woodmen of the World Magazine 15
Chapter 251 Royston, GA
Chapter 4155 San Juan, TXChapter 1150 Bluff City, TN
Chapter 92 Princeton, KY
Chapter 308 Houma, LA
Representative Gary McCurley and member Sandie Norman presented a flag to fifth-grade students at Royston Elementary School.
Members presented a flag to the Edinburg Regional Medical Center Auxiliary.
Students from the East High School HOSA, an organization for future health professionals, accepted a check from the chapter.
Santa Claus visited the chapter’s hall to hear the children’s wishes.
Members presented the state flag to staff and residents of the Heritage Nursing Home.
16 WOODMEN LIVING
Fraternal Spirit
Chapter 116 Carrollton, AL
Chapters 35 Renton & 84 University Place, WA
Chapter 502 Conway, SCChapter 560 Sylva, NC
Chapter 1945 Blairsville, PA
Chapter 4 Natchez, MS
Community Outreach Manager Philip Robertson (left), American Legion Post 104 Commander Joe Estano, Carrollton Mayor Joe Lancaster, and Area Manager Randy Simpson participated in a Veterans Day ceremony.
Members made a $2,500 donation to the Lakewood Youth Skating Foundation.
Representative Jody Squires (left) presented Larry Rabon with a $1,000 Catastrophic Illness fraternal benefit check.
Representative Bill Moore (left) presented a flag to John Thompson from the Qualla Fire Department in Whittier.
Members partnered with Blackleggs Trout Nursery to sponsor a “Kids Fish for Fun Day” at a local park.
Members presented a flag set to Adams County Christian School.
Woodmen of the World Magazine 17
Some veterans experience so much during their time of service they can’t wait to share it with the people they come home to. Others can barely speak of what they heard and saw. Some return to a hero’s welcome. For some, the homecoming was – and is – bittersweet. Many don’t come home at all, and gave their lives for duty and love of country.
It is Woodmen of the World’s obligation and privilege to honor and remember the courageous sacrifice of these brave men and women – living and dead – who helped earn the freedoms we so often take for granted.
Every day, in chapters across the country, our members hold events to support veterans and current members of the military, because it is ingrained
in our culture. Many of our members are themselves veterans. We applaud their bravery. We express our thanks. We share their stories, so that the nation may never forget.
If you know a veteran you think we should feature in an upcoming article, please send submission ideas to [email protected]. ::
Liberty Through Bravery
Chapter 1163 Elmer, LA Alpha Chapter 16 Omaha, NE Chapter 58 Kerrville, TX
Chapter President Pete Perkins, General Claude Patterson and G. Eddie Figueron attended the Veterans Appreciation ceremony at Masonic Lodge 482.
Representative Dustin Johnson (left) and Home Office associate Laura Sparks (right) presented a flag at the New Cassel Retirement Center on Veterans Day.
Members presented a donation to 90-year-old WWII veteran Fred E. Dietel to help him participate in an Honor Flight to the WWII memorial in Washington, D.C.
18 WOODMEN LIVING
member spotlight
Members teamed with the American Cancer Society at the Butler Veterans Hospital for the Veterans Walk. Veterans enjoyed fresh air and each received a handheld flag.
Members presented U.S. flags and American Patriot’s Handbooks to veterans in Menlo, GA.
U.S. Air Force Major Wanda Sparks and President Dan Pitts placed a wreath during the Veterans Day program in Natalia, TX. Nearly 500 people attended the event.
Members gathered to honor veterans from various branches of the armed forces. Attendees enjoyed a meal, and each veteran received a desk flag.
Chapter 436 Ft. Payne, AL
Chapter 406 Lytle, TX
Chapters 130 & 1088 Cerro Gordo & Evergreen, NC
Chapter 8 Butler, PA
Members, including Bianca Salazar (left) and Melton Sherwood (right), handed out about 1,000 handheld flags to veterans at a restaurant on Veterans Day.
Members honored veterans at a special dinner.
Members attended their annual Veterans Day ceremony.
Members sponsored a fish fry for veterans at the American Legion building in Wilson.
Chapter 1446 Gulfport, MS
Chapter 436 Plaucheville, LA
Chapters 764, 1086, 1087, 1097 Wilson, NC
Chapter 2126 Corpus Christi, TX
Woodmen of the World Magazine 19
Later in his life, Ben Purcell often wore a baseball cap with the words “Freedom isn’t free – a veteran paid for it.” He knew that better than most. After all, he’d had plenty
of time to ponder the high price of liberty during the five years he was a prisoner of war in Vietnam.
Captured while riding in a helicopter in February 1968 and not released until March 1973, he spent agonizing months in a cage, but it never broke him.
Col. Purcell, the highest-ranking Army POW ever, escaped twice, only to be recaptured. “My father had to stay active. He couldn’t sit still,” says his daughter, Joy Purcell. “Planning escapes helped him cope. Even though he got recaptured, each time he escaped, it re-invigorated him.”
Initially listed as “Missing In Action,” the long years without word of his status were hard on his wife, Anne, who had to raise five children by herself. “Mom raised us on her own,” Joy said. “It’s a story of patriotism, but also of love: love of God and love of each other.”
Even though they weren’t sure whether Ben was alive or dead, Anne still sent him letters and packages. “Maybe somebody got them and enjoyed them,” she said. Hope and faith got her through, while those same traits buoyed her husband half a world away.
Passing on the LegacyAnne Purcell still vividly remembers the day her husband came home. President Nixon had sent orchids to each of their daughters. Their oldest child, David, who had been 13 when his father was taken captive, was then a cadet at West Point. Anne recalls David wasn’t sure, upon seeing his father again, if he should hug him first or salute him first. (He opted to salute.) “It was a real Kodak moment,” she said.
Some time after Purcell’s return, he and his wife wrote a book together. It is called Love & Duty and was published by St. Martin’s Press. A unique aspect of the book is its structure of alternating chapters: one will tell of his Vietnam experiences, and the next will relate her struggles on the home front.
Joy says her father was always very open about his captivity; it helped him readjust. “He spent 40 years talking about how God got them through that time.”
Member Spotlight
Five Years From Freedom
20 WOODMEN LIVING
Joy Purcell, daughter of Ben Purcell,
speaks at an event sponsored
by Woodmen of the World at the
Habersham County Veterans’ Wall of
Honor in Cornelia, GA. The event honored
the heroes and victims of Sept. 11, 2001, as
well as American troops in the war on terror.
About 200 people attended, including many
veterans and local school students.
Joy herself served as emcee at an event sponsored by Woodmen of the World at the Habersham County Veterans’ Wall of Honor in Cornelia, GA. “Woodmen of the World put together a wonderful tribute to 9/11 heroes and the troops who have and continue to fight the war on terror.”
The event was open to the community, and about 200 people attended, including many veterans and local school students. “If we think freedom just happens, we risk losing it,” Joy said. “Young people don’t know the history and we need to pass on the legacy.”
Woodmen of the World Representative Ricky Pruitt got to know the Purcells when they became members – he in 1997, she in 2005. “Ben was a true gentleman and patriot. It’s hard to put into words the person he was … he did so much for people.”
Anne said she and her husband thoroughly enjoyed the members of Chapter 143 in Clarkesville, GA. “They’re some of the finest people you’ll find,” she said, mentioning she and Ben often discussed that they should have become members 40 years earlier than they did.
“Woodmen of the World does everything we can to support veterans,” says Pruitt. “Young people need to know what sacrifices those men and women have made for them and our nation, and what it truly means to be a citizen of this nation.”
Letting Go, Moving OnAfter he retired from the Army in 1980, the Purcells bought a Christmas tree farm. Joy says her father told her there was no place he’d rather be than out there on his knees, raising
trees and praising God. “He appreciated the freedom he felt outdoors on his tree farm, enjoying the beauty of the world God placed around him. As someone denied freedom for five years, it was a fitting way to spend his retirement.”
Purcell served as a Georgia state representative for two terms. The Purcells also travelled the world, sharing their experiences, assuring
that the sacrifices of our veterans are not
forgotten. Benjamin Harrison Purcell passed away
on April 2, 2013, at the age of 85.
Twenty years earlier, in 1993, Purcell went back to Vietnam with other POWs as part of a documentary film shoot. He visited the old prison camps. Many of the cells had been torn down; the return trip was as cathartic as it must have been unnerving. He even met one of his former interrogators and shook his hand on a street in Hanoi. Joy says her father felt no bitterness. “He said ‘we were both just soldiers doing our duty.’ That taught me a lot about forgiveness.”
It is that faith and forgiveness that armed Purcell to come back from that time of torture and deprivation and move beyond it, Joy said. “The time as a POW was a turning point but not a defining point. He took those five years of imprisonment and turned them into a 40-year ministry.” ::
Woodmen of the World Magazine 21
James E. Brown believes in the power of positive thinking. It guided him through hardships
and dangerous situations most of us can only imagine. “You’ve heard of people getting their butt shot off,” he jokes. “That was me.”
The retired Woodmen of the World State Manager and World War II veteran remembers being in the heat of battle in the skies above the Philippines on May 20, 1945. An enemy target had been marked with smoke bombs, and Brown and his fellow airmen flew in low on a strafing mission. His duties were to protect the aircraft and observe other mechanical parts of the plane.
The bomber in which he served as aerial engineer gunner had just taken heavy damage; later, officials would quit counting the shrapnel holes in its fuselage when they reached 400. Brown’s pilot called back to him with “his heart in his throat.” On the ground, the pilot told Brown he had seemed so calm it settled him down and helped him land the plane.
After the plane had made its unscheduled but safe landing at Manila Airport – with its landing gear tires blown out – the first
person to approach was a military policeman. He asked the pilot if anyone was hurt and the reply was no. He then saw Brown, pants soaked with blood, crawling out of the plane. “Why didn’t you tell me you were hurt?” the pilot asked.
“I didn’t want to bother you,” Brown said. “You had enough going on.”
Some Gave AllBrown served in the Air Force 417th bomb group, and was first stationed in New Guinea. He remembers the men stationed there looked odd to him initially. The anti-malaria pills they’d been taking for more than a year turned their complexion very yellow.
He lived in a four-man tent and all three of his “roommates” were shot down and killed in different missions during that time. Then Brown moved on to the Philippines, but he never forgot his friends’ sacrifice. “Their love for the good ol’ U.S.A. gave them the courage and willingness to give their all for their country.”
After his ill-fated flight, Brown was hospitalized for a month. The pilot came to visit and told Brown later that he was making some odd requests under the influence of painkillers. “I
A Legacy of Service
Member Spotlight
was calling on General MacArthur to send for backup.”
When he was released from the hospital, Brown went to Okinawa. His career ended while stationed there, after the United States dropped atomic bombs on Nagasaki and Hiroshima, and Japan surrendered.
A Dying BreedAfter his military service, Brown got a job as an instructor with the Veterans Administration. His brother-in-law, former State Manager Dean Weatherford, talked to him about starting part-time as a Woodmen of the World Representative.
“I knew a lot of veterans and wrote insurance on a lot of them,” Brown said. “We had common backgrounds, which gave me talking points.” He then took a short detour to get his college degree via the GI Bill, before starting full-time with Woodmen of the World in Biloxi, MS.
James and Betty Brown at his retirement
from Woodmen of the World in 1989.
Brown credits his wife for years of
fraternal and Field support.
22 WOODMEN LIVING
“I knew so many veterans who helped build Woodmen of the World to what it is. They were a big inspiration to me. We supported Woodmen of the World 100 percent.”
Brown’s Woodmen of the World career took him to his home state of Tennessee, then to Texas Southeast to become a State Manager, a position in which he served for 23 years until his retirement in 1987. He also credits his wife, Betty (sister of Dean Weatherford), for helping him so many years with youth activities and parties for members of his Field Force. “She was my partner. She was positive and encouraging.”
He believes it’s important for the remaining veterans of World War II to share their experiences with younger generations. “We’re a dying breed. We’d like to leave a legacy of people knowing who we were and what we did. These things fade fast, and most veterans didn’t talk much until now.”
Brown says he is not unique. “Many were wounded like me. Many gave their all. We were doing it for our country, and we were proud to do it. We were a patriotic group, trying to do our best. I saw the same aspiration at Woodmen of the World. People wanted to help it, and wanted to help people fraternally and financially.” ::
James E. Brown served as Engineer Gunner with the
417th Bomb Group during World War II and earned the
Purple Heart, Air Medal and the Philippine Liberation Ribbon.
Woodmen of the World Magazine 23
Talmadge Mitchell of Martinsville, VA, knows what a truly bad day is. He fought on the front lines of World War II for nine and a half months, battling
freezing temperatures and facing death every day. “All the things that go on that are really bad are nothing to me because of what I went through,” he said.
Mitchell, 95, who has been a Woodmen of the World member since 1956, was drafted into the Army at 21 years old. During training, his skill with weaponry quickly became apparent and he was appointed a Gun Corporal. “My grandfathers on both sides were mechanically minded and I ran a repair shop for 40 years. That helped me with a whole lot of things,” he said.
Tough BattlesMitchell fought through an entire winter with no heat and no fire. He remembers once driving for two days and nights straight, with no sleep and hardly any light to avoid attracting air fire. He and the other members of the 991st Field Artillery went five months without a shower or change of clothes.
Beyond the discomfort, danger was all around. “I came within seconds of getting killed four or five times,” he said. In one instance, a canteen lid took the brunt of shrapnel that would have likely been fatal to Mitchell and four others crouching in a foxhole just inches away.
Mitchell led 11 men in a tank that contained a gun with a barrel 19 feet long. The gun was so powerful that a shot intended to hit one building went through four, causing the Germans to back down. “In less than one hour, 1,600 German soldiers surrendered,” he said.
The United States recognized Mitchell’s bravery with several awards for his service, including the European Middle Eastern Service Ribbon, American Defense Services Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and the Bronze Star Medal.
Life After WarAfter returning to Virginia, Mitchell ran his appliance repair shop until retiring in the late 1990s. However, even after retirement, he has never slowed down. He is continually on the move, working outside and keeping his mind busy. One of the ways he has done this is by compiling detailed accounts of his four years in the Army. He remembers each detail vividly and has preserved these memories for generations to come. “He’s a fascinating person,” said his Representative, Tyler Lawrence. “He’s sharp as a tack.”
In 2010, Mitchell had the opportunity to participate in an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. “I was the only one out of 100 veterans who had my Army coat,” he said. “I loved the trip.” In addition to visiting the city’s monuments, the veterans received letters from elementary school children, thanking them for their military service. “It was out of this world,” Mitchell said.
Still Learning TodaySince Mitchell’s wife died several years ago, he decided letting his mind get rusty was not an option. He began learning to cook and do household chores, tasks that had been performed by his wife.
He also took up a new hobby – genealogy. Mitchell was named after his uncle, who died serving in World War I, and he’d always had an interest in finding out more about his family history. He began collecting information from family members. “Everybody gave me everything they had,” he said. “I’ve really enjoyed working with it.” So far, he’s traced family back as far as 1066 in Scotland.
Though it’s been nearly 70 years since his time in the war, he still remembers the experience vividly and said it makes every day better. Whatever obstacles life may throw his way, he says, “It’s no mind to me.” ::
Bad Days Set Standard for Content Life
24 WOODMEN LIVING
Member Spotlight
Representative Tyler Lawrence and member
Talmadge Mitchell formed a friendship after
Mitchell shared some of his incredible past.
Woodmen of the World Magazine 25
Member Lucy McTier is interviewed
for a local newspaper article while
completing a mural in Wrens, GA.
26 WOODMEN LIVING
Member Spotlight
Lucy McTier has been interested in drawing since she was 3 years old, and remembers when she
was 7 her mother promised her she could attend college and pursue a career in art. Later, while attending the University of Georgia, she met David, and the couple married during their junior year. David’s father bought them their first Woodmen of the World life insurance certificate as a wedding gift.
After graduating, the couple settled in Wrens, where David owned a farm. Lucy enjoyed painting portraits, and studying and portraying horses on canvas. When they had their sons, Jace and Ty, the boys also became Woodmen of the World members.
Spanning GenerationsOne of Lucy’s shining moments as an artist was when she was given the opportunity to present President Ronald Reagan with a portrait she had painted of him. Jace, just a young boy at the time, remembers it vividly. “I realized it was something different and special,” he said.
Both Jace and Ty are also skilled at painting. Jace is a professional artist like his mother, while Ty paints on the side as he attends law school. In addition to managing the farm, David manages business aspects for Lucy and Jace.
The boys have been exposed to art all their lives, but it was when Jace was commissioned to do his first painting at 16 years old that he decided to
choose art as his career path. “I was always running around under art tables and getting paint spilled on my head,” he said. “When one of my mom’s former clients came back for a new portrait and realized her prices had risen, he asked me if I could paint. When I did the portrait, it just came naturally to me.”
Celebrating VeteransAs their respective careers progressed, Lucy and Jace also began working on murals together. Last summer they completed a mural commissioned by Wrens Better Hometown, Inc. The mural, in the town’s Veterans Park, celebrates men and women from the area who have served in the military over the decades, including past and present Woodmen of the
McTier Family Combines Love of Art, CountryTogether they are making a lasting impression in the small town of Wrens, GA, with their efforts to recognize our nation’s veterans.
Woodmen of the World Magazine 27
World members. David’s family has a Woodmen of the World history dating back to the early 1900s, and one of the marines featured in the mural is David’s uncle, Hammond McTier, who died in World War II.
Lucy designed the mural with a clear vision in mind, celebrating the service of local veterans. “When the committee approached me about a mural, I immediately had an idea,” she said. “It turned out beautiful.”
The mural was officially unveiled during a large dedication ceremony attended by Georgia Congressmen Paul Broun and John Barrow. “It was really special to be involved,” David said. “We were very blessed to be a part of it. We really appreciate everyone’s service and it was so well
received. We got to hear personal stories from vets themselves; they were coming up to us on motorcycles saying, ‘Thanks for remembering.’ ”
Giving BackIn addition to involvement with veterans, public art, and Woodmen of the World, the McTiers are passionate about youth sports.
One year, when David was coaching girls’ high school basketball, the McTiers approached Representative Randall Jones about helping raise money for the team’s warm-up outfits. “I’ve always known if we needed something in the community we could call Randall. He went above and beyond and was very helpful,” David said. “One of the girls is now
playing for the College of Charleston, and we’re so honored to have been able to support the team.”
The McTiers continue to combine their love of art, community and their country. Earlier this year, the three came to life once again on a mural in Augusta, GA, featuring the American flag and local points of interest.
“They are pillars in the community,” Jones said. “There are just so many things they do to help out.” ::
Member Wins Big With ‘Time Machine’NOT MANY PEOPLE
can say they’ve worked on a commercial that
aired during the Super Bowl and won a share of $1 million. But member Ben Boutwell can.
He was part of a small team that created the fan-favorite commercial, “Time Machine,” in the annual Doritos® “Crash the Super Bowl” online competition.
Boutwell, who currently lives in Nashville, TN, has entered the competition in the past with director Ryan Anderson, but they’ve never come close to winning. “My initial feelings when Ryan contacted me were, ‘it’s that time of year again,’” Boutwell said. But this year, things would be different.
“We actually made two spots for this year’s competition,” Boutwell said. “I did visual effects on the first one, and provided edit consulting on the second one, which turned out to be the winning spot.” Leading up to Super Bowl Sunday, the team knew they had a 40 percent chance of seeing their spot during the broadcast.
“When our spot aired early in the first quarter of the game, we were excited to know we were one of the two finalists,” Boutwell said. But the team didn’t know they had won the big prize until the next morning. “It was amazing to see Ryan on Good Morning America as they announced we won!”
But Boutwell knows the commercial team didn’t win the prize on their own. “I knew we had a chance, but when it comes down to fan votes, you never can tell. I hope my daily posting to Facebook didn't annoy anyone too bad,” he said. “I know we had a lot of hometown love pouring out of Winnsboro, Louisiana.”
Growing up there, Boutwell also knew a little about Woodmen of the World. “My earliest memory of Woodmen of the World is from our Dixie Youth Baseball League. They sponsored a team every year, but I really had no idea who they were,” he said.
However, that changed when Boutwell’s father, George, became a Woodmen of the World Representative. “Since my dad starting working for Woodmen of the World, he’s shown me the benefits of
signing up for life insurance while I'm still young,” Boutwell said.
And with life returning to normal after the big game, Boutwell says he has no big plans for his share of the $1 million prize except to save and get back to work.
“I can’t say I’ve had any work as a direct result of the commercial, but I’ve stayed very busy working with musicians, shooting music videos, creating motion graphics, and lyric videos,” he said. Recently, the 2009 Louisiana Tech graduate worked on a unique artist announcement video for the 2014 CMA Music Festival. ::
28 WOODMEN LIVING
member news
Shooting music videos, working with musicians, creating motion graphics
and many other projects keep Ben Boutwell busy.
Chapter 1473 Holly Springs, NC
“We want people to
see that Woodmen
of the World cares.”
— Martha Clement
In April, Chapter 1473 in Holly Springs, NC, honored local high school students with an awards
night for the 16th consecutive year. The chapter recognizes an outstanding U.S. History student from each of the Wake County area’s 29 high schools. Each student receives an engraved plaque and enjoys a catered dinner with his or her parents and teacher.
“It promotes our country’s history and gets the Woodmen of the World name out there,” said Chapter Secretary Martha Clement, who has helped organize the event since its inception. She has also been a Woodmen of the World member for 50 years.
Planning a dinner for approximately 75 people requires a lot of preparation. Each year, the chapter works with the county’s Social Studies chair, who passes the information on to each individual campus. Letters about the event go out in the fall when school starts. “We send the information early hoping students will be inspired and excited about the possibility of winning,” Clement said. The chapter sends reminder letters in February, after which schools start submitting their nominees. Each school chooses one student, usually a junior, because that is when the majority of the district’s students take U.S. History courses.
Patriotism Drives Awards Dinner
After the final submissions are received, organizers have about two weeks to secure a guest count through RSVPs, finalize catering details, verify names, and have plaques engraved. End
to end, it’s all worth it, Clement said. “Those who come find the evening enjoyable and we have gotten excellent feedback.”
The event’s popularity was especially evident three years ago, when
a tornado struck just two miles away and only an hour before the dinner. Following the storm, there was no power at the church fellowship hall where the dinner is held, but half of the recipients still attended and enjoyed the event all the same. “We won’t forget that day,” Clement said.
In addition to reminding Wake County residents of the importance of celebrating America’s history,
the annual event shows them that Woodmen of the World exists to serve the communities where our members work and live. “We want people to see that Woodmen of the World cares,” Clement said. ::
Make it Happen LocallyDo you want to host an awards night in your
area, or volunteer at your chapter’s event?
Contact your chapter officers. You can find
out more about your local chapter events,
as well as officer information, at woodmen.
org. Click on the Customers & Community
tab, then Chapters & Community, then
Chapter Search.
Each year, Chapter 1473 coordinates with the
largest school district in North Carolina to
honor one outstanding student from each of
29 area high schools.
Woodmen of the World Magazine 29
Member News
W hile he was attending a Boy Scout flag retirement ceremony late last year, Steve
Kelly-Kowalski’s mind drifted to a shelf of tattered U.S. flags in his office, sitting there waiting to be properly retired.
Because one of the biggest things Woodmen of the World is known for is purchasing and donating U.S. flags, the Community Outreach Manager came up with an idea for his area in southern Mississippi. “I thought we needed to create a place where people could leave their old, faded flags and know they would receive a respectful and proper disposal,” he said. “I knew it had to be some kind of receptacle, like a mailbox, with easy deposit access that was also secure.”
So, after working through a few of the details and getting some information
online and from local vendors to support his idea, Kelly presented it as a project to Chapter 84 in Forest, MS.
“The initial response from members was inquisitive enthusiasm,” he said. “They were excited about the uniqueness of the concept, but they had a few questions, like where do we get the box, how much will it cost and how difficult will it be to place?”
Once he had the support of the chapter and they had obtained permission from the Scott County Board of Supervisors, Kelly moved forward. He worked with the Supervisors to determine where the box would be placed in the County Courthouse foyer, and then he placed the order for the box, wrap design and plaque to be placed on the finished product.
“The box itself was shipped directly to the wrap shop and prepared for installation,” Kelly said. “When it was ready, we had our dedication at the courthouse with members, local veterans, city and county officials, and the Boy Scouts participating in the ceremony. We had a very positive community response.”
With the success of the first flag repository box, two more chapters soon followed suit. A second box, with identical wrap and plaque, was installed and dedicated at the courthouse in Brookhaven, MS, with Chapters 9 and 1355 picking up the tab.
“We are thrilled and honored Brookhaven adopted this project and welcomed it with open arms,” said Chapter 9 President Boots Hawkins. “This box stands as a reminder to all of how to properly respect and retire Old Glory.”
The Brookhaven dedication took place a month after the Forest one, and it was well attended by city council members, local dignitaries, an entire Boy Scout troop, and nine World War II veterans. A third box and dedication is currently in the works with Chapter 624 in Newton, MS.
After collecting flags in the boxes, Kelly said the chapters will work with local Boy Scouts to properly dispose of the flags. “The Scouts conduct the ceremonies a few times a year. They invite our membership and the public to attend,” he said. “It's a very respectful and moving event.” ::
Paying Respect to Old Glory
Member News
Forest, MS
30 WOODMEN LIVING
I s your chapter looking for a way to make a big impact at an event or in your community? Woodmen
of the World’s traveling flags can help your chapter make a statement about patriotism while attracting a lot of attention for your organization.
Created in 2008, the Traveling Flag Program gives chapters the opportunity to rent one (or both) of two oversized flags for any kind of community event, parade, school assembly, athletic contest, or other patriotic celebration.
The current flags available measure 30-foot x 60-foot and 50-foot x 100-foot in size. The rental cost is $450 for the smaller flag, and $650 for the larger one.
“Many people have never seen a flag this large, so it attracts a lot of attention,” said Heather Gouker, administrator of the program in Fraternal Outreach. “And the flags are a wonderful way to illustrate Woodmen of the World’s commitment to our communities, our military and our country.”
But before your chapter decides to rent one of these flags, make sure you have enough volunteers to properly carry and display it. “It takes 40 people to carry the smaller flag and 70 people for the large flag,” said Gouker. “So
For more information on the Traveling Flag Program, contact Heather Gouker in Fraternal Outreach at 1-800-225-3108, ext. 7258, or email [email protected]. Or to submit your request to rent a flag, follow the instructions in the box below. ::
To put in a request to rent one of the Traveling Flags:1. Go to woodmen.org
2. Select the Customers
& Community tab
3. Select the Patriotism tab
4. Click on the Traveling Flag
Request Form link, complete
the form & hit Submit.
Traveling Flags Make a Big Statement
chapters will want to make sure they have all of their volunteers in place when they receive the flag.”
Since the program’s beginning, the flags have been displayed more than 30 times at various sites and events across the country. Some of the most notable include: the Strategic Air and Space Museum in Ashland, NE, in 2008; a 9/11 Memorial at Shanksville (PA) High School, which is near the Flight 93 site, in 2009; and the Navy/Air Force football game in 2011.
Later this year, the flags will be appearing at some more special events: the Salute Our Military baseball game for the Creighton Bluejays in Omaha, NE; the Boy Scouts of America Veterans’ Breakfast in Omaha, NE; and a home baseball game for the Cincinnati Reds on Sept. 27.
Kinston, NC
Woodmen of the World Magazine 31
Member News
Looking Ahead
Pat Dees
32 WOODMEN LIVING
Fraternally Speaking
chapter news
Lodge Centennials
Chapter 16Eufaula, AL
June 8, 1914
Chapter 298Chicago, IL
June 22, 1914
Chapter 481Grantham, NC
July 31, 1914
Chapter 4Cleburne, TX
Aug. 10, 1914
Chapter 41Grantsville, MD
Aug. 10, 1914
Dates to Remember
June 6 Woodmen of the World Anniversary
June 14Flags Across America Day (Flag Day)
JulyAnnual membership lists
mailed to chapter secretaries
AugustChapter officer elections begin
It’s hard to believe, but it will soon be time for your chapters to start planning the calendar and budgeting for
next year. I encourage you to look for meaningful outreach opportunities to support the communities where you live and work.
Next year, we will celebrate an important date in Woodmen of the World history – our 125th anniversary. When planning your 2015 chapter calendars, please set aside Saturday, June 6, for a day of celebration and service.
We have also organized new event kits to make planning successful chapter events even easier. Please work with your Representative and Community Outreach Manager while brainstorming events for 2015. They can show you what’s available, which will give you a better idea of items to include in your budget.
Another way to secure the future of chapters is by keeping membership strong. In 2013, we provided $553
million in beneficiary payments, and helping families secure their loved ones with money for the future is at the root of everything we do. This often begins with an introduction. Did you know the majority of our new members are referred by existing members? Please introduce those you care about to the positive aspects you’ve enjoyed as a Woodmen of the World member. Thank you in advance for recommending Woodmen of the World and sharing how we can serve the needs of families.
Sincerely and Fraternally,
Pat Dees Executive Vice President, Fraternal
Woodmen of the World’s New York marketing
area is unique – its 14 chapters are spread out over seven states and many chapters are several hours from each other. Despite this challenge, these chapters stay focused on working together to help their communities. “They work so well together and have great connections,” said Community Outreach Manager Hilary Clark.
Clark joined Woodmen of the World in February 2013,
a drastic change from her career as an Intelligence Analyst with the Army. The move was a much needed and positive one, Clark said. “I’ve always been interested in helping people. I thought it was great that there was an organization so invested in taking an interest in people and making them happy.”
Clark Connects New York Chapters
Shortly after taking on her role, Clark visited the chapters in her region. A visit to Glens Falls, NY, for the chapter’s annual corned beef and cabbage dinner still resonates with her today. “They made me feel so welcome and welcomed me into their big family,” she said. “It was my first insight into what fraternalism really means.”
What a lot of members don’t realize, Clark said, is that Community Outreach Managers are very involved in their own chapters. Clark serves as secretary of the chapter in Elbridge, NY, where the state office resides. “A lot of us are or have been in their positions,” she said. “We are speaking from experience to help members, and we understand what they’re going through.”
Clark also mentions that members should never hesitate to contact their Community Outreach Manager, even if it’s multiple times within a day or week. “Don’t feel you need to
apologize. We’re here to help you, and our job is to help you understand how everything works. I’m glad when members come to me with questions.”
An example of Clark and chapters pulling together to plan an event was a trip to the Six Flags Great Escape theme park in Lake George, NY. More than 700 members joined in on the fun. She attributes the success of this event, and others like a day at Titus Mountain Family Ski Center in Malone, NY, to active chapters that involve the whole family. “There’s almost nothing we plan, with the exception of senior camp, that kids can’t go to,” she said. ::
Elbridge, NY
Community Outreach Manager
Hilary Clark enjoys a ski day with
her husband, Raith, and Chapters
1022 and 1025 in New York.
Woodmen of the World Magazine 33
Community Outreach Profile
This summer, hundreds of families from 41 west Tennessee chapters will
gather for entertainment and family fun. Members in the area have the opportunity to choose one of three events – one of two minor league baseball games or a trip to the Nashville Zoo.
The west Tennessee area has been providing these events for Woodmen of the World families since 2010 instead of youth camp. “We wanted to think outside the box. The board of directors of the fraternal corporation played an instrumental role in this. They had the vision and foresight to navigate to previously uncharted waters,” said Community Outreach Manager Claudia Dowdell.
Previous years’ events included three baseball games; the zoo event has been added as a new option in 2014. Last year, the events drew more than 3,200 attendees. Each member is allowed six tickets, bringing any guests they wish. “Some chapters take it as an opportunity to bring Little League teams they have sponsored in their communities,” Dowdell said.
Admission includes a game ticket, three concessions items and a Woodmen of the World memento.
Attendees have opportunities to participate in promotional challenges between innings, and enjoy a fireworks show following the game.
The transition from camps to family events four years ago has allowed the west Tennessee area to reach additional members at a cost of less than $10 each. Though members are able to attend these events free of charge, the west Tennessee area still spends less overall with the newer family event format.
In addition to offering fun and family time, the event shares the Woodmen of the World story with western Tennessee communities.
“The exposure we get is phenomenal,” Dowdell said. Opportunities have included throwing out the first pitch, banners in the outfield, thank you messages on the digital scoreboards, and radio interviews with State Manager Roger Anderson.
“We open these events to our entire membership, and they are really appreciated,” Dowdell said. “They get to choose which event they want to go to, whether it’s right near home or exploring the area a little more.”
To view upcoming events in your area, search for your local chapter on woodmen.org. ::
Minor league baseball games attract thousands
of west Tennessee members, some of whom
invite Little League teams they've sponsored.
34 WOODMEN LIVING
Chapter News
Family Events Attract Thousands
Members from 30 different chapters in
Kentucky and Illinois gathered together for
fellowship, education and to share ideas at
their Fraternal Summit on March 1.
Since January, members across the country have gathered together to share information and ideas at 59
Fraternal Summits. And as of press time, there were still seven yet to be held.
Organized by Community Outreach Managers (COMs), the Summits were designed to encourage members to engage with other members, while coming together to learn new and innovative ways to be involved with their chapters and their communities.
“With the Fraternal Summits, the COMs have really enjoyed interacting with our members and seeing them so willing to get involved and learn new things,” said Mary Katherine Smith, Chapter and Community Outreach Liaison. “And overall, the COMs reported that chapters are getting more and more excited about sharing their events and activities on Facebook.”
One example of a successful Fraternal Summit was held March 1 in Paducah, KY, with more than 120 members, including two special guests, representing 30 chapters from Kentucky West and Illinois South in attendance.
“It was such an honor to have President Larry King and his wife, Sandy, in attendance at our Summit,” said Angie Hatton, Community Outreach Manager for Kentucky West. “They jumped right in from the beginning and were very helpful and friendly, as all good Kentuckians are.”
For the event itself, Hatton based the schedule off the Fraternal Summit Resource Guide, and covered the core
topics of Lead Where You Live, Social Media, Financial Best Practices, and updates to the Fraternal Challenge. In addition to the core topics, she also made sure to cover two topics she gets a lot of questions about: Involving Youth in Chapter Activities and MyFraternalWeb.org.
“In planning the event, it was important to me that our volunteer members felt it was worth their time,” Hatton said. “A lot of ideas were shared and seeds were planted at the Summit that I hope will grow into big ideas. I’ve had several people say they got useful information from the event, so I’m happy they thought it was a worthwhile way to spend their day.”
For Hatton, the Summit was also a way to bring together members in her large marketing area. “We are so spread out geographically between chapters, that I think our members sometimes feel like they are all alone,” she said. “But the Summit was a chance for members to come together and learn from one another, while building a sense of family and connection amongst them.”
With the majority of the Fraternal Summits in the books, Smith believes this year’s events have been a success. “The Summits have been very rewarding,” she said. “They’ve given the COMs the opportunity to continue to nurture their relationships with our members, and support them as they facilitate Woodmen of the World’s fraternal mission in their communities.” ::
Fraternal Summits Bring Members Together
Paducah, KY
Woodmen of the World Magazine 35
Liberty & LaughsQ: What did one flag say to the other flag?
A: Nothing. It just waved!
Q: Why did Paul Revere ride his horse
from Boston to Lexington?
A: Because the horse was too heavy to carry!
Q: How is a healthy person like the
United States?
A: They both have good constitutions!
Q: How is a flag like Santa Claus?
A: They both hang out at the pole!
Q: What would you get if you crossed the
Stars and Stripes with a cookie?
A: A Flag Newton!
Q: Did you hear about the cartoonist
in the Continental Army?
A: He was a Yankee doodler!
Teacher: “Where was the Declaration of
Independence signed?”
Student: “On the bottom!”
Q: What dance was very popular in 1776?
A: Indepen-dance!
Q: What kind of drink did the American
colonists thirst for?
A: Liber-tea!
Q: What protest by a group of dogs
occurred in 1773?
A: The Boston Flea Party!
Q: Why were the early American settlers
like ants?
A: Because they lived in colonies.
Q: What did the visitor say as
he left the Statue of Liberty?
A: Keep in torch!
36 WOODMEN LIVING
fun zone HAVE A GOOD JOKE? Make your fellow fraternalists laugh. Please send contributions to [email protected].
Can you find the 10 differences between the two pictures?
1. house color 2. garage light 3. window screen 4. gate latch 5. baby's sweater color 6. military service bars 7. different sign 8. green grass 9. blanket color 10. jacket button
Review this Reunion
Woodmen of the World Magazine 37
In Memoriam Submission Guidelines: The editors of
Woodmen Living want to give your departed loved ones the most
respectful and complete recognition possible. To aid us in doing
this, please include the following minimum information and send
it to [email protected]: your loved one’s full name as you
would like it printed, age, chapter number, and hometown. Also let
us know if he or she served as a Jurisdictional Officer, a National
Committee member, a State Manager, or a National Representative.
In addition, when including photos, please submit photos of the
highest possible quality to assure adequate printing. Thank you.
Lester “Loran” Gladden Age: 63
Chapter 1076 Lugoff, SC
Colie Will Starling Berryman
Age: 93
Chapter 15 Bastrop, LA
Lawrence “Don” Jones Age: 77
Chapter 179 Jackson, TNJurisdictional Past President
Carol H. BrockAge: 80
Chapter 137 Whiteville, NC
Fay Pye Lee Age: 77
Chapter 158 Brooklet, GA
James Leslie Cribbs Age: 50
Chapter 78 Lakeland, FL
John Lee Age: 73
Chapter 101 Sevierville, TN
Meris Dupre Age: 73
Chapter 420 Ville Platte, LA
Weldon “Gene” Morris Age: 75
Chapter 1571 Augusta, GA
Martin E. “Red” Fetterolf Age: 76
Chapter 433 Pitman, PA
James “Wayne” Prine Age: 71
Chapter 4 Cleburne, TX
Austine Beard Filla Age: 83
Chapter 4520 Houston, TX National Representative
38 WOODMEN LIVING
in memoriam
When it comes to our homes, cars, vacations, and even the foods we eat, we often aspire to something bigger and better. Your savings should be no different.
Woodmen of the World’s Modified Endowment Life Insurance certificate, the Enhancer, may be a better way to preserve your assets and help you save for your future and the future of your loved ones.
• Your cash may accumulate faster than in a CD • Tax-deferred gain until received• Avoid the hassles of probate• Tax-free death benefit if paid to named beneficiary
Call your Representative today to find out if this could be your opportunity to set aside money and save on income taxes.Accumulation Universal Life Certificate ICC11 8307 5-11, 8307 5-11 (XX) Single Premium Whole Life Certificate 04-XX-0409
D1005WOW 11/12
Wondering what to do with your money?
PERIODICALS
Your Chapter Your Town, STUpcoming Events Winter 2014
Visit our website: chapters.woodmen.org
Please note: Woodmen of the World/Omaha Woodmen Life Insurance Society is an Equal Access fraternal benefit society. It is the policy of Woodmen of the World to seek
qualified members on a nondiscriminatory basis and to provide all members with equal access to and allow their participation in Woodmen of the World’s chapter system,
chapter events, fraternal benefits and all other fraternal activities on a nondiscriminatory basis.
Chapter OfficersPresident. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .888-555-1212Secretary
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .888-555-1212Field AssociatesState Manager. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .888-555-1212Area Manager. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .888-555-1212Field Representatives. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .888-555-1212
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .888-555-1212. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .888-555-1212. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .888-555-1212. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .888-555-1212. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .888-555-1212
From Your Community Outreach ManagerCommunity Outreach Manager. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .888-555-1212Dundem exped maximolorio beat hit, nimusameniet verat landusa nditatat prem de con con nonet volorpo rererferum nectorrore id quas eum
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■ Donation Collection Day10/16/2014 - 6:30 PM to 8:30 PMWoodmen Building,Your Town, STBring items for Samaritan Purse & Eastern Ky. Make plans for Make A Difference Day
■ Youth Halloween Party10/18/2014 - 1:00 PM to 4:00 PMWoodmen Building,Your Town, ST
■ Make A Difference Day10/25/2014 - 1:00 PM to 2:00 PMRegional Police StationsGive teddy bears to four police stations
■ Youth Craft Day for Sr. Citizens11/15/2014 - 1:00 PM to 4:30 PMWoodmen Building,Your Town, STYouth will make craft items for Sr. Citizens and deliver
■ Putting on the Dog Night11/20/2014 - 6:30 PM to 8:30 PMWoodmen Building,Your Town, STMake plans for Christmas Party. Serve hot dogs.
■ Annual Christmas Party12/6/2014 - 6:00 PM to 8:00 PMWoodmen Building,Your Town, STFamily Christmas Party with Santa. Chapter to furnish meat, bread, & drinks. Officers installed.
Natural Disaster BenefitQualified members whose homes are damaged or destroyed by natural disasters, such as hurricanes, tornadoes, wild/forest fires, or earthquakes, may be eligible for up to $500 to help with home repair costs.
Catastrophic Illness BenefitAfter one year of good-standing membership, Woodmen of the World offers a $1,000 benefit should you be diagnosed as having one of the following diseases: Lung Cancer, Leukemia, Brain Tumor, Tuberculosis, Malignant Lymphoma, Multiple Myeloma, or Hodgkin’s Disease.
Fraternal benefits are not contractual, are subject to change and have specific eligibility requirements.
Coming Next Issue…In this very space in the next issue of Woodmen Living, you’ll be able to see your chapter’s calendar listings for the fourth quarter of 2014. The issue will be in your mailbox in September, and listed right here will be your October, November and December events!
This will give your chapter officers a way to plan events on a quarterly basis and it will give you a more immediate view of the calendar, so you can work it into your family’s busy schedule!
To view your chapter’s activities for the year, or to see neighboring chapter activities, you can view calendars 24/7 on woodmen.org.
The back page of Woodmen Living will be the new permanent home of your chapter calendar. You won’t receive an annual calendar anymore – instead, in every issue you’ll see the next three months of chapter activities, plus your chapter officers and your Representatives listed right here.
This looks like a winner!
Let's give our readers
a sneak peek of
the new chapter
calendar back cover!
- Editor
PERIODICALS
