Deep in the Heart of Woodmen

9 Steps to a Dream Home A Whole Life

F A L L

2009

WooDmen of tHe WorlD Fraternal Magazine

Help them be whatever they want to be.

It takes years of practice and experience to achieve a great performance. Since 1890, Woodmen of the World has been working in concert with American families to help them provide for future generations through life insurance. Our products help families through every stage of life, from the first note to the finale.

Call your Field Representative today to find out how you can orchestrate a secure future for your family.

Sound insurance protection.

CD0165WOW 12/08

this issue:f e At u r e S

Deep in the Heart of WoodmenWoodmen’s National Convention rolls around

just every four years, so much of this edition of

Wfm is dedicated to a round-up of Convention

activities. Saddle up and join Johnny Austin

on his adventures in Texas! Page 6

A Whole LifeHank and Frances DeVasher of Fairhope,

AL, have chosen Whole Life insurance

certificates from Woodmen of the World for

themselves and their three children – and

now their two grandchildren, too. Page 26

9 Steps to a Dream Home2009 may be the best year ever for first-time

home buyers to purchase a home. With the

potential $8,000 tax credit and housing prices

at relative lows, the time is right for many to

take the plunge into home ownership. Page 34

PreSiDent’S MeSSAge PAge 5

CoMMunity ConneCtion PAgeS 28, 33

toDAy’S fAMiLy PAge 30

frAternAL SPirit PAge 36

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credits:Chairman of the BoardWilliam C. Owen, Tallahassee, FL DirectorsDanny E. Cummins, President and CEO, Omaha, NEMark D. Theisen, Executive Vice President, Fraternal, Omaha, NE Pamela J. Hernandez,Executive Vice President, Operations and Secretary, Omaha, NEMark L. Schreier,Executive Vice President, Finance and Treasurer, Omaha, NE Larry R. King, Executive Vice President, Field, Omaha, NEThomas T. Gallion III, Montgomery, ALBetty H. Brown, Shelbyville, TNDaniel W. Rice III, Kinston, NCLucia G. Taylor-McCoy, Elkview, WVStephen W. Mellor, Memphis, TNM. Lane Harvey, Mt. Vernon, ILDr. James W. Bosler III, Louisville, KYDr. James W. Shaver, Landis, NCRoger B. Moore, Lynchburg,VA James W. Bridges Jr., Las Vegas, NVmagazine Staff Managing Editor: Billie Jo FoustContent Editor: Andy OermanDesign Editor: Joe BavarescoWriters: Nicole Schmoll, Angie Schendt, Heather Bockert Designers: Jerry Underwood, Mike Wilson, Sarah RichartContributors: Kelly Buckman, Kathy Cardwell, Angel Stottle, Sarah Skarka, Mindy TottenMarketing & Public Relations Team Vice President: Steve HaackIf you have questions, comments or suggestions for articles, please direct them to WfmEditor@woodmen.org.

woodmen.orge-mail us at: service@woodmen.org

Wfm (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 Wfm, 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 lodge system, lodge events, fraternal benefits and all other fraternal activities on a nondiscriminatory basis.

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Retired Area Manager Alvin Jones and his wife, Nina, a National Delegate, and their grandson, Bradley, a Youth Forum participant, pose with one of the living statues during National Convention registration. The Jones family is from Beech Bluff, TN.

on the cover:

THE COVEr STOrY BEgINS ON PAgE 6.

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On behalf of the Executive Officers and Board of Directors, thank you for putting your faith in us and allowing us to serve you for the next four years. For me, it’s a humbling experience and I’m grateful for the opportunity.

Your delegates at the National Convention represented you well: the delegation passed several changes to the Constitution; select youth members participated in the first-ever Youth Forum; and everyone agreed that membership growth is our number one priority, and we are committed to make it a reality. For more details on the Convention, please turn to pages 6-25 for a complete report.

The highlights of the Convention for me involved visiting with our delegates and hearing their stories. Our members are among the most generous, down-to-earth and interesting people you will ever meet. It was a privilege to get to know more of you there, and it’s my hope that we share Woodmen with potential members and bring them into our organization.

The guest speakers at the Convention agreed about the incredible potential Woodmen has. We, of course, know how wonderful we are, but to hear it from an outside perspective was reassuring.

The level of enthusiasm at the entire Convention was inspiring, and I know we can carry it through in everything we do in the next four years. We’re a strong, vibrant, healthy organization, and I want you to be proud that you are a Woodmen member. I’m very optimistic about our future.

Even though most of you were not in attendance at our National Convention, every single one of you was there in spirit. Those of us on the Board, at the Home Office, out in the Field, we serve you and our job is to enable Woodmen of the World to be with you through LIFE®. Thank you again for your membership. You are important, and we look forward to a bright future with you and your family.

Sincerely and Fraternally,

Danny CumminsPresident and CEO

Our MissionWoodmen of the World

exists to benefit our members

through every stage of life.

Woodmen of the World Life Insurance Society and/or Omaha Woodmen Life Insurance Society, founded in 1890, is a fraternal benefit organization offering insurance protection with member benefits.

Our nearly 750,000 members, who hold nearly one million insurance and annuity certificates, belong to 2,000 lodges throughout the United States. Lodges conduct fraternal projects of benefit to people and their communities. 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 assistance through our disaster relief program with the American red Cross.

Life and health 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. 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 and processed 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 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.

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.

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Johnny Austin is a fictional delegate created by Angie Schendt, Senior Copywriter, to give readers a more immediate personal view of the events at Woodmen's National Convention.

Johnny Austin’s

46th National * Convention * Experience

Howdy, folks! My name is Johnny Austin, and I’m from the great state of Texas. I’ve been a Woodmen member for 20 years, and it was my honor to go to the National Convention for the first time this year. I got real active in my lodge five years ago after my wife, June, died. My lodge helped me through that time, and I couldn’t have been happier to represent them and my area in Texas. I was also real proud to welcome all the delegates to my home state. The good folks at the Home Office asked me to write up my impressions of the whole deal for Wfm, so I was busy as a stump-tailed cow in fly time. I had a great time at my first National Convention, though, and I’m real excited to share my adventures with you.

Day One Saturday, July 25Turns out folks arrive at the National Convention

at different times. There was a Board meeting, the National Fraternal Committee meeting and the National Legislative Committee meeting in Austin in the days leading up to the Convention. Most of the delegates flew to Austin on Sunday, but I wanted to get there a day early to settle in. Fancy banners greeted us delegates at the airport, and I rode with a fellow delegate from New Mexico on the shuttle to the Austin Hilton. The hotel is located right by Sixth Street, Austin’s famous music row. That night I had dinner at a Tex-Mex place on Sixth Street, and boy oh boy the weather was so hot and dry that the trees were bribing the dogs, if you get what I mean. I ran into lots of fellow Woodmen members on my way to and from dinner. I had a nice chat with former President Jimmy Mounce and his wife, Jennie, in the lobby of the hotel. Retirement looks good on them!

Day Two Sunday, July 26On the ranch, I’m an early riser, up way before the

sun. I don’t know if it was the airplane ride that tuckered me out, or the heavy curtains in the hotel room that made me think it was still dark out, but I slept in until 7:00 in the morning! They have a nice coffee shop in the lobby, so I read the paper and had breakfast down there. Before I knew it, it was noon and almost time to register! I tell you what, Woodmen members are early birds. There was already a group of people milling around about a good hour before the registration booth opened! It’s nice they’re so eager to get their stuff and get

started. I know I was, too. We received a nice black-and-red bag that contained all our Convention materials, a huge gift basket filled to the brim with Texas grub, and they gave us a real nice hard-bound coffee table book about Woodmen’s history. It has all sorts of photographs and memorabilia in it. It’s a real treasure. I’m told you can buy it at the on-line Woodmen Store on woodmen.org.

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The Austin Hilton is a real nice hotel. The Convention mostly happened on the fourth floor of the hotel, which is mainly conference rooms and ballrooms. On Sunday, they opened up the big ballroom into a hospitality room, where they showed a “Deep in the Heart of Woodmen” video and a bunch of old photographs on big screens. I mingled with a few members, and visited the Woodmen Store, and the room where they had the award-winning lodge scrapbooks on display. But what took the cake was these cowboy and cowgirl statues they had out in the hallways. All of a sudden, I saw one move, and I realized they were real people! I had never seen anything like that before.

That afternoon I went to a talk that Larry King gave. Mr. King is the executive in charge of the sales people, so he talked about what it’s like working at Woodmen. I know my Representative has meant the world to me, so I was interested to hear what that job is like from the horse’s mouth, so to speak. Mr. King and President Cummins used to be teachers together in Kentucky, and Mr. King actually hired Mr. Cummins to be a Field Representative! They’ve traveled all sorts of places and lived in different parts of the country, and have made a real good living for their families. It’s a real respectable career, if you ask me. I reckon I’m going to refer a buddy of mine to be one!

After that I went up to my room to get ready for the Memorial Service. The service was pretty fancy and everyone was very respectful. We honored those who died in the past four years since our last Convention. I was floored that 29,953 Woodmen

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National Committees Host Productive MeetingsOn Saturday, July 25, both the National Fraternal Committee and the National Legislative Committee met to discuss official business prior to the National Convention.

The National Fraternal Committee had a busy agenda of hearing updates from Fraternal Division staff members from the Home Office. The committee was apprised on updates to the Fraternal Awards and Matching Funds from Fraternal Services Manager Barb Courtier, and the plan for the 2010 Fraternal Summits from Assistant Vice President of Community Outreach John Manna. Fraternal Activities Manager Sharon Warga gave details about the upgrades to myfraternalweb.org, including new reporting features, the Five-Star Fraternal Challenge, Lodge Web sites, Lodge Story Books and 2010 Calendars. Executive Vice President, Fraternal Mark Theisen opened the meeting by giving updates to the fraternal strategic initiatives, the Community Center pilot and potential changes to the Constitution and Laws.

The revisions to the Constitution and Laws were the crux of the National Legislative Committee meeting. The three biggest alterations, which are now an official part of the Constitution and Laws as voted in by the delegates at the National Convention, involve the creation of the Family Lodge structure; changes to the composition of the Board of Directors; and the changes to the Dispute Resolution Procedures, which used to be known as Problem Resolution Procedures.

“The committee asked excellent questions and we had a productive and informative meeting,” said Vice President and General Counsel Jim Gleason.

Gleason hosted a question-and-answer session during the National Convention for any delegate who wished to attend. About 20 delegates participated during the meeting on Tuesday, July 28. He noted that changing the Constitution is an ongoing process and that the Legal Division collects suggestions for changes throughout the four years in between Conventions and researches and determines their viability, then presents them to the Committee, and then to the delegation.

The work of both the National Legislative Committee and the National Fraternal Committee continues on in support of Woodmen of the World’s mission and its membership.

Sunday was registration, where delegates could socialize before the busy meetings began the next day. Larry King also led three seminars on the Woodmen career.

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The Memorial Service Sunday night was led by Mark Theisen and featured the Glory Bound Quartet, and Monday opened with the Parade of States.

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members have passed away in the last four years. My wife, June, died five years ago, so she’s not even in that number. For a minute I was saddened by all that grief and loss, but I was immediately reminded that these people were Woodmen members. They had a whole herd of people who cared about them, who were looking out for them. And their families are going to be OK in the future, because their family members have that same community. It’s a real comfort to know Woodmen keeps its promises.

After hearing Virginia delegate Susan Jensen sing “Amazing Grace” in her clear, angelic voice, I was moved close to tears. All of the presenters and musicians were very uplifting and inspirational, and Mark Theisen, the executive in charge of the fraternal program, did a real nice job running the program. The tribute to those who have passed on was very touching, and the grave marker video gave me chills. I’m glad I attended the service.

Day Three Monday, July 27Monday was the first day of

official business. All of us delegates marched in like they do at the Olympics, except for us it was following our state flag. Texas sure does have a large delegation. The Austin High School band played a song for each state as we all entered the ballroom. The flags were placed behind the head table up on the stage, and it was lit real nice with blue and red lights.

Once everyone was settled, Board member Tommy Gallion welcomed us all to the National Convention on behalf of Chairman Bill Owen, who had become ill during the Board of Directors meeting a couple of days before the Convention started. Mr. Gallion did say that Mr. Owen was on the mend and we’ve since learned he’s recovered. He sure had a lot of people praying for him at the Convention.

Mr. Gallion is a good speaker with a nice Southern drawl. He’s a native Alabaman, so he fit in right nice in Texas. The thing he said that stuck with me was when he was talking about the Board and how active they are in keeping our organization on top, and how much they all believe in Woodmen. He said, “We are you. You are Woodmen. And we simply help the organization grow.”

He also talked about the economy, which I think we’ve all had to tighten our belts a bit to get through. Mr. Gallion said that you couldn’t find another insurance company, fraternal or otherwise, that has done better in this economy. He got lots of applause for that statement, and I felt myself getting a few goose bumps! I’m just so proud to be a Woodmen member.

When it was time to introduce President Cummins, Mr. Gallion said, “The best CEO you can get is someone who knows the organization from the bottom up, and that’s what we have in Danny Cummins.” I didn’t get the chance to meet President Cummins at the Convention, mostly because he had swarms of people around him at nearly all times. I could tell people are drawn to him; he’s a salt-of-the-earth

kind of fella. People really respect him, too. Since he did start as a Field Representative, he does seem to know every aspect of Woodmen. I was real impressed. He didn’t talk too much at this time, but he did say he was glad we were here, and that “This is for you.” To me that meant not only the Convention, but Woodmen itself.

State Legislator Mark Strama gave us greetings from Texas,

and I was real pleased when he declared everyone at the Convention

“Texans.” We’re a proud bunch, but we ain’t picky about how long you’ve been here. You step foot in the state and you’re a Texan! Mr. Strama read the Governor’s Proclamation that welcomed Woodmen’s 46th National Convention to Texas.

Matt Curtis, Communications Director for Austin Mayor Lee Leffingwell, brought greetings from the City of Austin. He also shared a special story with us that darn near brought a tear to my eye. He said when he was explaining to Mayor Leffingwell where he was going that day, the mayor reminded him of a story back during the Hurricane Katrina recovery days. I’m sure most of you know that many Katrina refugees sought shelter in the state of Texas, and Austin sure had a good share of them. Mr. Curtis said about 24,000 of these honored guests stayed at the Convention Center just down the street from the hotel. The mayor reminded him that several of them were asking, “Where’s Woodmen? Is there a Woodmen nearby?” At the time, they had to do a little research to find out what the people were asking for, and Mr. Curtis said he had forgotten that story until the mayor made the connection for him. What

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stuck with me from this story was what Mr. Curtis said: “Just know that in the deepest, darkest moment of their lives, they were looking for you.” Well knock me over with a feather, that’s just about the nicest thing I’ve ever heard!

Greetings from the Texas Department of Insurance were next, from David Durbin, Associate Commissioner of Public Affairs, and then Texas Jurisdictional President Willie Greer took the stage with a hearty

“Howdy, y’all!” Mr. Greer said that after the Convention is over, we’re all welcome back to Texas anytime, anyone and everyone. I feel the same way. To the new friends I made: y’all come back now, y’hear? Mr. Greer

explained that pride in the state of Texas runs deep, and it’s that way

with all of us. His family has been in Texas since 1850, and he said Woodmen has given

being a Texan special meaning. I couldn’t have said it better

myself, Mr. Greer.

Next Joe Annotti, President and CEO of the National Fraternal

Congress of America, spoke to the group. Mr. Annotti knows a lot of people and has a lot of influence. But he was real humble and appreciative of all our hard work. He gave Woodmen a nice compliment by saying that we’re “one of the shining stars of the fraternal system.” He was also honest about other fraternals out there. He said when he joined the NFCA a little over a year ago, there were 73 fraternal benefit societies, and now there are 65. He also said a third of the current ones are in financial jeopardy. How scary. But he did share good news: he said out of mutual, commercial

and fraternal insurance organizations, fraternals are the only ones to show growth recently.

He left us with a few calls to action:

1. Help local lodges host a 9/11 event, which you and I know is an In Honor and Remembrance ceremony.

2. Ask a non-member to that event.

3. Write a guest editorial in your local newspaper about the event, or about Woodmen and fraternalism, and what it’s meant to you.

4. Keep spreading fraternalism.

Whew, it was time for a break!

When we came back from the break, it was time for keynote

speaker Mark Scharenbroich. Mr. Scharenbroich was really paying attention during the first half of the morning, and said right away that other meetings he’s spoken at in the past few months have included things like “we didn’t lose as much as we thought we would” and words like “mediocre performance.” He said he was real impressed with our organization and our strength and stability, and with our fraternal good works. He shared a short story of this pristine lake where he likes to camp in upper Minnesota, and how the unwritten rule there is to leave the campsite in better condition than when you came. He said what a good feeling it is to cut up some firewood for people you’ll never meet. I reckon he really gets fraternalism.

Mr. Scharenbroich also touched on the Youth Forum we were hosting at the Convention. He said he speaks at 2,000 high schools a year, and he

said kids are smarter, more talented, better looking, and do more service than any generation that came before them. But, the troubled kids are more troubled and so we need to celebrate youth more than ever, and find those in the middle that need to belong somewhere. My son, Jake, struggled a bit when his mom died, so I know how important it is to reach out to young people.

Then he got to talking about Harley Davidson motorcycles. He brought Florida delegate Greg Starling onstage – Mr. Starling said he rides Harleys and even drives a Harley for work as a Deputy Sheriff. Mr. Scharenbroich asked him what Harley owners like to say to each other, and it’s “Nice bike.”

Mr. Scharenbroich explained that after our basic needs are met, we have other needs, for instance the need to belong. Woodmen fulfills that need for us, Harley clubs do it for others. We have a need for a tribe, for fellowship. And we have a need for acknowledgement, a need to connect with others, and to be honored. That’s where the phrase “nice bike” fits in. He said we all need to focus on others like they are the most important person in the world, because they are. He quoted Barbara Jordan by saying, “It’s more important to be interested than interesting.”

His first point was to listen to people, and his second point was to find passion in life and be loyal to it. For many of us, that passion is Woodmen. He led us in a call-and-answer exercise and I think he was blown away by the passion in the room. He had one half of the room

Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum

TOUR TICKET no. 1

Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum

Monday, July 27 g Ticket Price: $10Bus departs Austin Hilton at 12:30 p.m.

Bus departs museum for hotel after the

4:30 p.m. Star of Destiny showing

Bob Bullock Museum Tour

Monday, July 27 TOU R TICK ET n o. 1

W o o d m e n * 4 6 t h N a t i o n a l C o n v e n t i o n

4 6 t h N a t i o n a l C o n v e n t i o n * A u s t i n , T e x a s

Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum

TOUR TICKET n o. 1

Bob Bullock Texas State History MuseumMonday, July 27 g Ticket Price: $10Bus departs Austin Hilton at 12:30 p.m.

Bus departs museum for hotel after the 4:30 p.m. Star of Destiny showing

Bob Bullock Museum Tour

Monday, July 27 TOU R TICK ET n o. 1

W o o d m e n * 4 6 t h N a t i o n a l C o n v e n t i o n 4 6 t h N a t i o n a l C o n v e n t i o n * A u s t i n , T e x a s

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Monday included greetings from local, state & fraternal leaders.

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Events on Tuesday began with the Presentation of Colors from the Carroll High School Jr. ROTC Drill Team from Ozark, AL.

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say “Boomba” and the other half say “Hey” in rapid succession. I tell you what, that room was filled with noise! He said it was a symbol of what we can accomplish, and the energy we have to accomplish it with.

I was energized by his talk. I felt real good afterward. President Cummins came up next to introduce the new “Woodmen Way” video. It was an easy transition because he said, “That’s what we do, we share the passion.” It has been many years since they had produced this video, so I was real interested to see the new one. This new video takes the cake. First, it looks like a real movie it’s filmed so good. But most importantly, the stories just blow you away. They’re very emotional and honestly I had to really focus so I didn’t cry. I hope all of you get to see the “Woodmen Way” video. It would be a real nice thing to show at your lodge.

After the video, President Cummins officially took the gavel and opened the Convention. There were a few housekeeping things to take care of, and then he recessed the meeting until the next morning. He encouraged us all to pose for a souvenir photograph outside the ballroom on what else but a stuffed bull! Jake sure got a kick out of it when I showed my photo to him when I got home. The photographs were printed up right away, and they even gave us a little plastic frame for ’em!

I tell you what: I was a little drained after this first session! I visited for a bit with people, but I ended up sneaking up to my room to take a cat nap. A lot of attendees had tickets on the bat cruise that

night, but I was too late with my registration. So that night I walked around Sixth Street a bit and grabbed some chow, and got to bed nice and early to prepare for the next busy day!

Day Four Tuesday, July 28I was bright-eyed and bushy tailed

when I woke up on Tuesday. The business session started with a real impressive presentation of colors from the Carroll High School Drill Team. They traveled all the way from Ozark, Alabama, and I could tell everyone was in awe of them. Speaking of awe, Celeste Gram wowed everyone with her vocal talents by singing the national anthem. Director Stephen Mellor led everyone in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, and Mr. Gallion gave the invocation.

President Cummins then introduced Charlie McCabe, Executive Director of the Austin Parks Foundation. All Woodmen Conventions, both National and Jurisdictional, give gifts to the host city to thank them for their wonderful hospitality, and as a way to say, “We were here.” For the National Convention, we gave a gift to the Austin Parks Foundation, to help with their Republic Square Park project. They are building kind of a deck around an old oak tree that has been there since the 1800s. They want people to be able to enjoy the shade of the tree, but not damage its roots. Mr. Cummins explained that protection and growth are what Woodmen is all about, too, so the

gift was appropriate. I thought it was nice to see that our gift would be used for many generations. Mr. McCabe was real grateful, too, and thanked us on behalf of Austin.

Then, it was time for President Cummins to speak. He’s a

good speaker because he’s so easy going and personable. Everyone was captivated by his speech. He talked a little about his time in Texas, and how it was home to him, along with other places he’s lived. But then he said Woodmen is home to him, too, and I knew just what he meant. He thanked everyone for attending, and thanked the committee that put the Convention together, and I heartily agree. He recognized the Board, Home Office associates and Field associates, and thanked everyone for the opportunity to serve as President. He was real sincere and genuine. He told a couple of stories, and talked about Woodmen’s strategy for growth. What stuck with me is that he said Woodmen members take care of what they love – it’s why we joined Woodmen in the first place. We want to take care of our family members, even after we’re gone. But especially while we’re here, we want to see our family, and our home, get better and better. And that’s why we all need to be focused on growing Woodmen’s membership. He said it’s our number one priority, and I believe him. I know I’ve recommended several people to Woodmen, but I know I can do more.

After the standing ovation at the end of his speech, we heard reports from the Audit Committee, Compensation Committee, and Mileage and Per Diem Committee. The Executive

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reports were given to us in our bag, so we had the opportunity to

read them at any time.

Mr. Theisen then announced the Scrapbook Awards, which I know many people couldn’t wait to hear the results of. Mr. Theisen said Woodmen has been presenting scrapbook awards for 50 years on a national level, and they received 324 scrapbooks this year. The first prize of $600, went to Lodge 558 of Durant, Oklahoma; second place went to Lodge 159 of Richmond, Virginia; third place went to Lodge 143 of Clarksville, Georgia; fourth place went to Lodge 6246 in Maryville, Tennessee; and Honorable Mentions went to Lodges 14 in Ocala, Florida; Lodge 423 in Ecru, Mississippi; and Lodge 142 in Cleveland, Ohio. Congratulations to all the scrapbookers!

James Gleason, Vice President and General Counsel, gave the report of the Legislative Committee. They passed out the proposed changes to the Constitution and Laws, and he encouraged anyone to come to a Question-and-Answer session that afternoon to address those changes.

Then they showed a special DVD of Woodmen’s 50th Anniversary. That’s right, it was filmed in 1940! It was simply amazing to see. It looked like those old news reels they used to show before movies. It showed a special parade through the streets of downtown Omaha, and they had a special presentation at the grave of our founder, Joseph Cullen Root. It also filmed the President at the time, DeEmmett Bradshaw, making a special announcement that was broadcast to more than 100 radio

stations! I talked to a lot of delegates who thought this video was one of the coolest things about the Convention. It’s available for purchase at the Woodmen Store at woodmen.org, and I encourage every lodge to consider buying one. It’s not very expensive and is quite the historical item to own.

The morning session ended a little earlier on Tuesday, which

was good because I wanted to get back to my room and get ready for the winery tour. It was another hot day in Austin, with temperatures in the triple digits for who knows how many days in a row. We left around lunch time and drove about 20 minutes outside of town to two different wineries. Both were downright hospitable, and it was nice to see the Texas countryside, even if it was a little brown and dry. Thank goodness for air conditioned buses! It was a relaxing afternoon, but we had to hurry back to get ready for the banquet that night.

The banquet was real nice. Everyone was gussied up in their finest clothes, and the room was decorated all fancy. Most people sat with their delegation, but Texas was so big that we were split up among several tables. I actually sat with the Pennsylvania delegation, which was real nice. We had a table near the front, so we had a good view of the entertainment. First though, the Directors were announced and seated, and Pamela Hernandez, who is the Executive in charge of Operations and Strategy, plus she’s the Secretary on the Board, presided over the banquet. She gave a real genuine speech about how much she’s enjoyed meeting members, and how we all have different personalities and cultures, but

we’re all Woodmen. After meeting members from all over the country here at the Convention, I couldn’t agree more.

Up-and-coming singer Carissa Amberly sang a few country songs, and she sure livened the crowd up. We also learned that she’s a new member! I think she’ll go far – she’s got a great voice and incredible stage presence. We were served a meal that surely made my stomach happy, and then afterward there was a magic show! I was darn near spent by that time, so I headed back to my room to get some shut-eye.

Day Five Wednesday, July 29I remember waking up early on

Wednesday, and was a little bit blue. With all the hustle and bustle, I had plumb near forgot that that day was the last day! I tried to pack as best I could, because I had to get to the airport right after the morning session. They had a big ol’ spread for us for breakfast before the meeting, and we started right on time. President Cummins opened up the session and thanked Mrs. Hernandez and the team for the nice banquet the previous night. He also reported that he had spoken to Mr. Owen on the phone and he was feeling better. Director Roger B. Moore led us in the Pledge of Allegiance, and Director James Bridges gave the Invocation.

John Manna, Assistant Vice President of Community Outreach, and President Cummins then welcomed Mike Rowlands, a member of the

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Delegates enjoyed a dinner at Tuesday night’s banquet, and a highlight from

Wednesday’s proceedings included the election and installation of the Board of Directors.

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The Convention concluded on Wednesday with the presentation of a flag flown in

Afghanistan. The delegation then joined Kerri Nikunen in singing America the Beautiful.

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Youth Forum, onto the stage. Mr. Rowlands is from Virginia, and the rest of the Youth Forum elected him to represent the group and report to the Convention on what the group had done. What a charismatic young man! He had the whole crowd in the palm of his hand. He said he feels like Woodmen is a big family, and he knows the importance of big families – he’s one of 10 kids! He said during the forum, all the participants brainstormed how to get more young people involved with Woodmen. He said camp is really important. He has been going since he was eight, and now he’s 16 and is a counselor. He said he’s made a ton of life-long friendships at camp. I have to agree – my son, Jake, enjoyed the heck out of camp. Mr. Rowlands ended with, “We had an amazing time. We made a lot of friends. Thank you to everyone who helped put this together. This changed our lives.” Mr. Rowlands and the rest of the Youth Forum then received a standing ovation. I reckon we’ll be hearing more from this group in the years ahead! President Cummins congratulated all the members of the Youth Forum, and reminded all of us the importance of listening to our youth, and brought it back to what the keynote speaker had said about high school kids the day before, about how they are searching for places to belong and people who will listen to them.

We then heard the reports from the Resolutions Committee, Legislative Committee, Courtesy Committee and Nominating Committee. The changes to the Constitution and Laws were adopted, and the moment many were waiting for … the Officers were elected!

Mrs. Hernandez did such a nice job tallying the votes. President Cummins then announced his appointments to the Judiciary and Legislative Committees. Retired Director Wayne Graham installed the newly-elected Officers by saying

“Leadership is not about me, but about us.” We all gave the Officers and Mr. Graham a well-deserved standing ovation.

President Cummins then invited Georgia North State Manager Pat Frappampina to the stage for a special presentation. Larry Padrick, a member of the Legislative Committee, and Fraternal Coordinator Curtis Waters also came on stage with a very unique flag. This flag was one that Woodmen had donated to the troops overseas, and it flew on a base in Afghanistan. Those troops heard about our National Convention, and donated it back in honor of our organization and all the flags we donate. I didn’t realize we donate more than 80,000 American flags each year! They even had a photo of this flag in Afghanistan.

Then Kerri Nikunen from the Home Office sang “America the Beautiful” and she invited all of us to sing the last verse. It was quite a moving moment. Susan Jensen, who had sung at the Memorial Service, led us in the Closing Ode. Johnnee Rice, wife of Director Danny Rice, accompanied us on the piano.

President Cummins then took the stage again, and said a few closing remarks. He said “Our work is about to begin.” I agree. But I think we have the energy and the determination to get the job done. Woodmen people are strong stock;

we’re ready to go whole hog when it comes to growing our membership. It’s funny, because I don’t think we were ready to leave when it came down to it. President Cummins said he would entertain a motion to adjourn, and the room was silent. And then everyone kind of laughed, but still no motion! Finally someone did, and with a quick tap of the gavel, the 46th National Convention was finished.

We all started to file out and say our good-byes. Most of us had to get to the airport, so the lobby was plumb full with Woodmen members waiting for shuttles and taxis. And then once we got to the airport, we saw Woodmen members all over the place there, too!

It’s been several days now that I’ve been back home at the ranch,

and the things I learned at the Convention will stick with me for a long time. Not that these were all new lessons, but it’s always good to reinforce things your Ma and Pa taught you. Make people feel at home. Listen to them. Keep your promises. Focus on what you’re good at. Be proud of your heritage but keep looking forward.

In other words, be fraternal.

Happy trails, y’all, until we meet again!

Johnny Austin

Johnny Austin is a fictional delegate created by Angie Schendt, Senior Copywriter, to give readers a more immediate personal view of the events at Woodmen's National Convention. Any statement or observation attributed to this fictional character should not be interpreted as a testimonial or endorsement of Woodmen of the World, its products or services.

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BOARd OF dIRECTORS

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Mark D. TheisenEXECUTIVE V ICE PRES IDENT, FR ATERNAL OmAHA , NE

Mark D. Theisen was elected to the Board of Directors after serving as Vice President and General Counsel since

1995. He was named Executive Vice President, Finance and Treasurer in 2004 and became Executive Vice President, Fraternal in 2008. He also serves as the President of WFS Holdings and is Chairman of the Board of Woodmen Financial Services, Inc.

Theisen is a Past President of Omaha Lodge 1. He received the Fraternal Spirit Award from the lodge in 2002 and is currently the Secretary of the Nebraska Jurisdiction. Theisen is also the Past President of the Nebraska Fraternal Congress and the Insurance Federation of Nebraska.

Active in the Boy Scouts of America, Theisen is a member of the Board of Trustees, Mid-America Council. He is on the Board of Directors of the National Fraternal Congress of America (NFCA) and the Citizens Flag Alliance. He also serves on the Advisory Boards of the Salvation Army, American Red Cross Heartland Chapter, Creighton University Medical Center, the University of Nebraska at Omaha College of Business Administration, and the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Theisen has a son, Joey, and a daughter and son-in-law, Angel and Dr. Matthew Stottle.

Danny E. Cummins PRES IDENT AND CEO OmAHA , NE

Danny E. Cummins was elected to the Board of Directors as National Secretary in 2000. He was re-elected to

that position by the delegates at the 2001 National Convention with a change in title to Executive Vice President, Operations and Secretary. Cummins was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer in 2008.

Cummins began his Woodmen of the World career as a part-time Field Representative in 1982. In 1985, he was promoted to Area Manager and in 1991, he was appointed State Manager of Texas Northeast. In 1997, he was appointed Vice President and National Field Manager in Omaha, NE.

Cummins has earned the Fraternal Insurance Counselor Fellow (FICF) and Leadership Institute Fellow (LLIF) designations. He was a member of Woodmen’s President’s Club and Cabinet for 15 years.

He is a member of the American Saddlebred Association and a member of the Goodwill Industries Board of Directors.

Cummins and his wife, Kathy, are members of Westside Church, SBC, Omaha, NE. They have two children, son and daughter-in-law, Lee and Alaina Cummins; and daughter and son-in-law, Ella and Michael Cearley, and two granddaughters, Gracie and Hannah Cearley.

William C. Owen CHAIRmAN OF THE BOARD TALL AHASSEE , FL

William “Bill” C. Owen was elected to the Board of Directors in 1987, and was elected National Trustee

in 1988. Owen was named a Director at the 2001 National Convention and named Chairman of the Board in 2008.

He is a Past President of Leon County, FL, Lodge 2; Past President of the Florida Jurisdiction; and a former member of the National Legislative Committee. Owen is currently serving as Chairman of the Audit Committee and the Compensation Committee. He was active in organizing the North Florida Woodmen Youth Camp. He is also active in the Civic-Exchange Club and the Faith Presbyterian Church in Tallahassee.

Owen is the son of the late George E. Owen, who served Woodmen of the World first as General Counsel and then as Executive Vice President from 1960-1978.

Owen is married to the former Carolyn Gurley. He has two sons and daughters-in-law, Robert and Amy Phillips, and Cone and Rebecca Owen; two stepchildren, Jason Gurley and Amanda Gurley; and four grandchildren.

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Larry R. KingEXECUTIVE V ICE PRES IDENT, F IELD OmAHA , NE

Larry R. King was appointed Vice President of Field in 2006 and was promoted to Executive Vice President, Field in 2008. King

began his Woodmen of the World career as a Field Representative in Kentucky East in 1974, and received the Outstanding Field Representative Accomplishment Award. He was promoted to Area Manager in 1982, and received the Area Manager Outstanding Accomplishment Award in 1984. He also received National Quality Production Awards in 1984 and 1985. In 1988, King became State Manager of Tennessee East. In 2002, King was appointed Georgia South State Manager. He earned membership in the President’s Cabinet for 31 years as a Field Representative, Area Manager and State Manager.

He has received his Fraternal Insurance Counselor Fellow (FICF) and Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) designations, and is a Registered Representative.

He and his wife, Sandy, have two children, daughter, Stacey Bishop, and daughter and son-in-law, Shelley and Rick Steimer, and four grandchildren, Erik, Kaylee, Chase and Caleb.

Pamela J. HernandezEXECUTIVE V ICE PRES IDENT, OPER ATIONS & SECRETARY OmAHA , NE

Pamela J. Hernandez has served Woodmen of the World as Executive Vice President, Operations & Secretary

since 2008. Hernandez started her career with Woodmen in 1984 as an instructor in the Field Education Department. She was promoted to Field Communications Manager in 1988 and was promoted to Project Implementation Manager in 1993. In 2001, Hernandez was appointed Assistant Vice President and in 2002, she was promoted to Human Resources Manager, a title which she held until her appointment to Vice President of Human Resources in 2004. In 2006, Hernandez was promoted to Senior Vice President of Operations and Strategy Management.

Hernandez became a Woodmen member in 1984 and joined Lodge 1 in Omaha. She has held all Lodge offices, including President in 1991.

Hernandez received a BS in Education from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln in 1975 and an MA from the same school in 1978. She obtained her Fellow, Life Management Institute (FLMI) designation in 1989 and is a Registered Representative with Woodmen Financial Services, Inc.

Hernandez and her husband, Rod, have two daughters, Alise and Chelsea.

Mark L. Schreier EXECUTIVE V ICE PRES IDENT, F INANCE & TREASURER OmAHA , NE

Mark L. Schreier serves Woodmen of the World as Executive Vice President, Finance & Treasurer. A native of

Verdigre, NE, Schreier started his career with Woodmen in 1977 in the Actuarial Department. He was named Actuarial Assistant in 1981, and in 1985, was promoted to Assistant Actuary. Schreier was appointed an Assistant Vice President in 1988 and Associate Actuary in 1990. In 1994, he was named Actuary. In 2000, he was appointed Vice President, Chief Actuary and Actuarial and Accounting Division Manager. In 2008, he was named Executive Vice President, Finance & Treasurer.

Schreier has been active in the NFCA Actuaries Section since the early 1980s, holding all officer chairs and finishing as President in 1989. He has been a member of the Nebraska Actuaries Club since the late 1970s and served as President from 2005 to 2006. He is a volunteer in the Boy Scouts and has helped coach basketball and baseball for St. Bernadette and the South Omaha Pee Wees. Schreier was named the recipient of the 16th annual Luther College Jacobson-Rugland Award in 2008 at the 122nd annual conference of the National Fraternal Congress of America (NFCA) in Washington, D.C.

Schreier and his wife, Diana, have two sons, John and Michael.

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Betty H. Brown DIRECTOR SHELBY VILLE , TN

Betty H. Brown was elected to the Board of Directors as National Trustee in 1999. She was named a Woodmen Director at

the 2001 National Convention.

A native of Lewisburg, TN, Brown was Tennessee Jurisdictional President from 1989 to 1991. From 1991 to 1993, she served on Woodmen’s National Fraternal Committee, and was elected a National Representative to the organization’s National Convention in 1997. She was also Chairman of the National Convention Credentials Committee that year and was appointed to the National Legislative Committee.

Brown works with the Lights of Light program for ladies at the Fairlane Church of Christ and holds membership in Executaries; International Association of Administrative Professionals; United Daughters of the Confederacy; American Legion Auxiliary; Shelbyville Woman’s Club; and the Fairview Family and Community Education Club. Prior to moving from Nashville to Shelbyville in 2006, Brown served as a director of the Cane Ridge Community Club, secretary of the Davidson County Council of Community Clubs, and was a member of the Tusculum Church of Christ.

Brown and her husband, James, have two sons, and six grandchildren.

Daniel W. Rice III DIRECTOR KINSTON, NC

Daniel W. Rice III was elected to the Board of Directors as National Watchman in 2001. He had previously served on

Woodmen’s National Judiciary Committee since 1997.

A member for 35 years and current President of Kinston Lodge 46, Rice is currently Director of Specialized Services at Caswell Center in Kinston, NC, and Executive Director of the Caswell Center Foundation, Inc.

Rice has served on Woodmen’s National Legislative Committee and as a National Representative. He has also served as Chairman of Trustees, Vice President and President of the Jurisdiction of North Carolina. A member and Treasurer of the East North Carolina Woodmen Youth Camp Board of Directors, Rice chairs the Jurisdiction of North Carolina’s fraternal project, the Children’s Home Program.

Rice received the Fraternalist of the Year Award twice by the North Carolina Fraternal Congress. He has also received the Jaycees Distinguished Service Award, the Governors Award of Excellence for Volunteer Service, and the Boy Scouts of America Silver Beaver Award. He is the 2008 recipient of the Governor’s Award for Excellence in Public Service.

Rice and his wife, Johnnee, piano accompanist at past National Conventions, have two sons, Jonathan and Carson.

Thomas T. Gallion III DIRECTOR mONTGOmERY, AL

Thomas T. Gallion III was elected to the Board of Directors in 1988. He was elected National Trustee

later that year. He was named a Woodmen Director at the 2001 National Convention.

Gallion is the senior partner in the law firm of Haskell, Slaughter, Young & Gallion, LLC. He is a member of the Alabama State Bar, Washington, D.C., Bar and American Bar Associations.

Gallion has been a Woodmen of the World member since 1953. A member of Montgomery Lodge 25, he has served in every local lodge office and has held several positions in the Alabama Jurisdiction, including that of President.

He has served on the Board of Directors of the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce, Montgomery Area Boy Scouts, and is a member of the Montgomery Rotary Club.

Gallion’s father, the late MacDonald Gallion, was a former Attorney General of Alabama who served on the organization's Board of Directors from 1964 until 1983.

Gallion and his wife, the former Elizabeth Goodwyn, have three children, John Goodwyn Gallion and wife, Ashley; Elizabeth Tyler Colgan and husband, David; and Thomas T. Gallion IV and wife, Cindy. He is also the proud grandfather of six.

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Stephen W. MellorDIRECTOR mEmPHIS , TN

Stephen W. Mellor became Executive Vice President, Finance and Treasurer in 2000. He retired from that position in 2004. In 2001, he

was elected to the Board of Directors. He previously served as President of WFS Holdings, Inc., and was a member of the Board of Directors of Woodmen Financial Services, Inc.

Mellor began his Woodmen career in August 1967 in the Investment Division. In 1972, he was promoted to Mortgage Loan Department Manager and in 1980, was named an Assistant Vice President. In 1989, Mellor was promoted to Vice President and Investment Division Manager.

Mellor is a Certified Mortgage Banker and Chartered Financial Analyst. He is a past member of the Board of Directors of the Salvation Army, a Past President of the Investment Section of the National Fraternal Congress of America (NFCA), past Chairman of the NFCA Investment Management and Evaluation Committee, and a Past President of Omaha Lodge 16. He also served as Nebraska Jurisdictional President from 1985 to 1987.

Mellor and his wife, Meriel, have a son, Matthew, and a daughter, Elizabeth Holliday, and five grandchildren.

Lucia G. Taylor-McCoyDIRECTOR ELKVIEW, W V

Lucia G. Taylor-McCoy was appointed to the Board of Directors in 2004. That same year, she was appointed to serve on the Board’s

Audit Committee.

Before her appointment to the Board, Taylor-McCoy served as West Virginia Fraternal Coordinator for the Mountaineer Woodmen Camp, Inc., from 2000 to 2003. She also serves as an honorary board member.

A Woodmen of the World member since 1981, Taylor-McCoy has held every officer position including serving as President of the West Virginia Jurisdiction from 1997 to 1999. She currently serves as a Trustee for Charleston Lodge 254. She has also been recognized by her lodge and jurisdiction for her fraternal dedication and community service. Taylor-McCoy is also a Past President of the West Virginia Fraternal Congress and currently serves on its Board as a Past President.

Taylor-McCoy serves on the Special Fraternal Strategic Committee, an ad hoc committee appointed in 2006 by former President James L. Mounce to develop a long-range plan for the Woodmen Fraternal Program. Taylor-McCoy has been active in the Junior Women’s League of America, Boy Scouts of America, and the Children’s Home Society of West Virginia.

Taylor-McCoy and her husband, Keith, have five children, four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

M. Lane HarveyDIRECTOR mT. VERNON, IL

M. Lane Harvey was elected to the Board of Directors in 2005.

A native of Madisonville, KY, Harvey is currently the proprietor of the

Law Offices of Morris Lane Harvey.

Harvey became a Woodmen of the World member in 1977 and is currently a member of Lodge 202 in Mt. Vernon. Harvey serves on the Special Fraternal Strategic Committee, an ad hoc committee appointed in 2006 by former President James L. Mounce to develop a long-range plan for the Woodmen Fraternal Program.

Harvey has a long career of service to Woodmen including Illinois Jurisdictional President from 1985-1987; National Fraternal Committee member, 1987-1989 and 2000-2002; National Legislative Committee member, 1989-1993; and National Judiciary Committee member from 1993-1997.

Harvey is a founding member and President of Heartland Woodmen Foundation and was an Alternate Delegate to the Republican National Convention in 1988 and 2004.

Harvey and his wife, Mary, have five children, Lane Jr.; John and wife, Miranda; Adam and wife, Amy; Kim; and Laura and husband, Brock. They also have a grandson. Their daughter, Laura, has served Woodmen as Fraternal Coordinator of Illinois South.

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Dr. James W. Bosler IIIDIRECTOR LOUISVILLE , KY

Dr. James W. Bosler III was elected to the Board of Directors in 2005.

Bosler is certified with the American Board

of Internal Medicine and was named among “America’s Top Physicians” by the Consumers’ Research Council of America in 2007 and 2008.

Bosler has been a Woodmen of the World member since 1960. He is Past President of Lodge 14 in Louisville and served as Jr. Past President of the Kentucky Jurisdiction in 2004. He was elected to the Board of Directors of the Kentucky Fraternal Congress in October 2003 and was appointed to serve on the National Fraternal Committee from 2003 until 2005.

Bosler has a distinguished history of service to Woodmen and his community. He serves as Chief Medical Officer at the Bluegrass Woodmen Youth Camp in Lexington, KY. In addition, Bosler is chairman of medical committees promoting public and community outreach.

His father, James W. Bosler II, is a retired Woodmen Director, and his mother, the late Mary Etta Bosler, was elected Woodmen’s first female Jurisdictional President (of Kentucky) in 1965.

Bosler has two daughters, Lauren and Caroline.

Dr. James W. Shaver DIRECTOR L ANDIS , NC

Dr. James W. Shaver was elected to the Board of Directors in 2006.

Shaver is a life-long Woodmen of the World member,

and the son of retired Woodmen Director Dr. Thomas Shaver.

Shaver is Past President and Chairman of Trustees of the Woodmen North Carolina Jurisdiction and has served on several jurisdictional committees. He is Past President and current Secretary of Lodge 111 in Landis, and was a youth lodge leader in Mt. Olive and Salisbury, NC. Shaver serves on the Special Fraternal Strategic Committee, an ad hoc committee appointed in 2006 by former President James L. Mounce to develop a long-range plan for the organization's Fraternal Program.

Shaver has served on the Boards of the North Carolina Fraternal Congress and the R.C. “Cliff” Payne Woodmen Camp. He has served on numerous national committees, including the National Judiciary Committee, 2005-2006; National Legislative Committee, 2001-2005; Resolutions Committee, 2001; and Executive Officers’ Reports Committee, 1993.

Shaver is married to the former Stephanie Miles of China Grove, NC, and they have one daughter, Augusta.

Roger B. Moore DIRECTOR LYNCHBURG, VA

Roger B. Moore was elected to the Board of Directors in 2007. He served as National Representative for three terms; as a member of

the National Legislative Committee; and as a member of the National Judiciary Committee for two terms.

He is a past member of Gladstone, VA, Lodge 340 and a Past President of Appomattox, VA, Lodge 71. Moore has received the Mr. Woodman (Fraternal Spirit) Award three times and Fraternalist of the Year for the Virginia Fraternal Congress. He has served as President of the James River Woodmen Association and Secretary of the Board of Directors of the Southwest Virginia Woodmen Fraternal Program, Inc. In addition, Moore serves as Chairman of the Salary and Benefits Committee and as a member of the Audit Committee.

He has been extremely active in the Virginia Jurisdiction, having served in all of the officer positions. He served many years as Chief Judge for Drill Team and Degree Team competitions.

Moore has held offices of Vice President, President and member of the Executive Board for the Virginia Fraternal Congress. He also serves on the Central Virginia Transportation Safety Board and the Central Virginia Planning District Commission Steering Committee.

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Forum Spotlights YouthFor the first time ever, the National Convention also included a Youth Forum.

Youth members were invited to apply this spring to attend the Forum, and one from each Jurisdiction was chosen. In all, 24 teenagers attended.

Called the Go! Youth Forum, the special convention-within-a-convention had a two-fold purpose: to teach the youth, and to learn from the youth. Simply put, it was an exchange of ideas and support.

“The Youth Forum was intended to help inspire and develop future fraternal leaders at Woodmen of the World, and also find out from them what interests young people and how to engage more of them in fraternal activities,” said Mark Theisen, Executive Vice President, Fraternal.

Home Office associates Kerri Nikunen, Terry Lee and Patty Smith all led the group in different exercises to accomplish that mission. Activity topics included building trust, generating creative ideas, presentation skills, goal setting, and a focus group to glean their ideas.

“I was really impressed by all the great ideas they came up with. These were 24 kids who didn’t know each other, and they connected and bonded right away, and came up with great projects,” said Fraternal Activities Manager Sharon Warga, who was a round-table discussion leader at the Youth Forum.

The leaders of the Forum had each participant bring items from their area to exchange with the rest of the group, like hats and T-shirts. Nikunen said it was a fun way to break the ice and help the youth members get to know each other.

“An hour into the Youth Forum, and these kids are connected and engaged with the process. We didn’t have to pull information out from them at all, they came ready to go and participate,” she said.

The next step is to keep the momentum going and to keep their ideas alive. “We don’t want this to be the last time we connect with these kids,” Nikunen said, noting that the group all exchanged e-mail addresses and many have re-connected on Facebook.

James W. Bridges Jr. DIRECTOR L AS VEGAS , NV

James W. Bridges Jr. was elected to the Board of Directors in 1989. In 1997, Bridges was elected National Treasurer and in 2000, he was elected

Executive Vice President. He was re-elected by the delegates at the 2001 National Convention with a change in title to Executive Vice President, Fraternal. In 2008, he retired from active Woodmen of the World duty and was re-elected as a National Director.

A native of Rocky Mount, NC, Bridges began his Woodmen career in 1971 as a Field Representative in Albany, GA. In 1972, he was promoted to Area Manager in Savannah, GA, and in 1975, he became State Manager of California North and Nevada North. He became State Manager of Louisiana North in 1981 and that same year was promoted to Assistant Field Manager. He was appointed an Assistant Vice President in 1984 and Vice President and Field Manager in 1985.

Bridges has earned the Fraternal Insurance Counselor (FIC) and the Leadership Institute Fellow (LLIF) designations.

Bridges is a member of the National Association of Fraternal Insurance Counselors. He is a Past President of the Fraternal Field Managers’ Association and the California State Fraternal Congress.

Bridges and his wife, Joyce, have three sons, James W. Bridges III and wife, Katy; John Bridges; and Jeff Bridges; and two grandchildren.

Long Live Tradition

Hank and Frances DeVasher enjoy their family traditions; they look forward to Fourth of July cookouts, unique

Thanksgiving recipes and visits to the Gulf of Mexico. They also depend on their family’s traditions to be there each year, just like they depend on their Woodmen of the World Whole Life insurance.

it’s dependableChanging a tradition can be a good thing if it’s something simple like adding an extra pinch of nutmeg to a passed-down pie recipe, but as the economy continues to disappoint, people like the DeVashers are attracted to things they can count on staying the same.

“Now that my wife and I are recently retired, we want to have life insurance we can trust,” said Hank DeVasher. “We can enjoy playing with our grandkids without worrying about their future.”

Whole Life insurance provides lifetime coverage for the insured and leaves a tax-free death benefit to beneficiaries, helping pay for funeral costs and debts that may be left behind, as well as day-to-day expenses, funding higher education or leaving a legacy. It is often referred to as “traditional” or “permanent” life insurance, and is itself a tradition for many families.

DeVasher started his family’s Whole Life insurance tradition when he bought certificates for himself and his wife in 1980 from Field Representative Charles

the DeVashers have plans for their Whole Life

From left to right: Michael DeVasher, Jill DeVasher, Hank DeVasher, Frances DeVasher, and Amy (DeVasher) Strassburg.

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Brown. “I had heard a little about Whole Life and we really liked the approach that Charles took,” said DeVasher. “He was very honest with us and explained what kind of life insurance we would feel most reassured with.”

it’s comfortingComfort can be felt in a warm hug, in a family blanket, or in a sound plan for your financial future and the future of your loved ones. Whole Life offers premiums that are guaranteed; this means you will never have to worry about premiums going up, regardless of age or health. The DeVashers have Whole Life certificates with premiums paid-up at age 100, a type that offers lower premiums.

“I felt it was time to go with a more permanent coverage that gave me choices to fit our needs,” said DeVasher.

DeVasher bought his children, Amy, Jill and Mike, Whole Life certificates when they were young. “We think it’s such a great thing to pass on, so we bought our two grandchildren, Nate and Olivia, Whole Life insurance for their first birthdays,” said DeVasher. “Whole Life costs a little more at first, but after a couple of years, the benefits go up, but the cost of the policy doesn’t. It’s great that I am still paying about $15 a month for each of our children’s certificates.”

it’s your Whole Life

People trust in Whole Life insurance because it’s a dependable way to provide death benefits to beneficiaries. For many Woodmen of the World families, purchasing Whole Life insurance is a tradition that continues for generations, along with their Thanksgiving recipes.

“There are three things I want for my family: good health, a good support system and to have it better than we did,” said DeVasher. “Whole Life is our security blanket. It will help pay off our bills and our children will benefit ... You get a great benefit from Whole Life, and it’s a tradition that I hope my family continues.”

Log on to woodmen.org to find out more about Whole Life insurance and how it may fit in with your family traditions! zx

types of Whole life1 available:Whole Life (Life Paid-up at 100)

• Builds cash value • Typically offers lower premiums than the other

Whole Life plans offered by Woodmen of the World• Premiums are paid until age 100

Life Paid-up at 65

• Builds up cash value more quickly than Life Paid-Up at 100

• Premiums are paid until age 65, freeing up retirement income

20 Pay Whole Life

• Builds cash value more quickly than most other Whole Life plans offered by Woodmen of the World

• Premiums are paid for 20 years• Ideal for insuring children, or for those looking to

make a limited number of premium payments

Single Premium Whole Life

• Allows you to purchase Woodmen of the World Whole Life with one single premium payment

• Ideal if you want to quickly accumulate guaranteed and non-guaranteed cash value growth

• A way to set aside money that may reduce your income taxes

rates are dependent upon age, tobacco use and health conditions. Life and health insurance and annuity products are issued by Woodmen of the World Life Insurance Society and/or Omaha Woodmen Life Insurance Society, a Nebraska corporation that is licensed as Woodmen of the World Life Insurance Society (Woodmen of the World) 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 representatives are licensed to sell all products.

Not all products are available in all states. Contact your local representative today for more information. At that time you can discuss costs, benefits, and details or coverage, including any reductions, exclusions and limitations that may apply.

1. Forms 01-XX-0409 (Life Paid Up at 100); 09-XX-0409 (Life Paid Up at 65); 03-XX-0409 (20 Pay Life); 04-XX-0409 (Single Premium Whole Life); 250-XX-0409 (EZ Life Paid Up at 100); 252-XX-0409 (EZ Life Paid Up at 65); 251-XX-0409 (EZ 20 Pay Life); 253-XX-0409 (EZ Single Premium Whole Life); 254-XX-0409 (Conversion Life Paid Up at 100). This certificate has exceptions, limitations and restrictions. For costs and complete details in coverage, contact your Woodmen of the World representative.

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Samantha Johnson describes her life as “always on the go.”

Not only has she won the Fraternalist of the Year Award this year, she may also win the Understatement of the Year Award.

Johnson works three different part-time jobs; she goes to school full-time, and she is Escort of Lodge 1276 in West Columbia, SC. She coaches a youth soccer team and is Assistant Leader of Youth Lodge 1140. She teaches Sunday School at Saluda River Baptist Church and serves on the Board of Directors of the South Carolina Fraternal Congress. At 20 years old, she’s the youngest person ever on that Board.

“It feels good to be able to help people, to see the happiness that you can give them,” she said.

It doesn’t stop there. Through her lodge and other community service involvements, she’s helped organize numerous fraternal events, social activities and fund-raisers. For example, she volunteers at her lodge’s game night every Friday night, which raises money for the lodge’s community outreach activities, and also serves as a social gathering place for members and non-members alike. About 120 people attend each week.

“Our lodge is like a big family. We meet once a month, but I see most of the members every Friday night,” she said.

She said her favorite fraternal activity has been planning the Family Fun Nights that her lodge sponsors. Johnson was the Chairman of the event, and through her coordination and initiative, more than 100 children were able to play on inflatable slides, bounce in jump houses, interact with animals at a petting zoo, make crafts, and win prizes.

It’s her work with kids that has meant the most to her, she said.

“Through my work with the Youth Lodge and coaching soccer, I found that I love to work with children. It’s because of those things that I decided to become a teacher,” she said.

Johnson will graduate in 2011 with a degree in Early

Childhood Education from the University of South Carolina Aiken.

“It’s because of this exemplary commitment to fraternalism that we have chosen Samantha Johnson as Woodmen of the World’s Fraternalist of the Year for 2009,” said Executive Vice President, Fraternal Mark Theisen. “We are proud that Samantha represents Woodmen of the World with such a generous, caring spirit. She is not only the future of fraternalism, she is living it every day.”

Johnson called winning the award “unbelievable” and said she was surprised when she got the phone call.

“I love doing community volunteer work. I don’t do it for awards, I do it because it’s fun,” she said.

Samantha Johnson Named Fraternalist of the year

COMMUNITy CONNECTION

Samantha Johnson (center), Woodmen of the World's Fraternalist of the year, participates in many fraternal activities throughout the year, including flag presentations.

28 Wfm FALL 2009

State Fraternalists of the yearEach Marketing Area has the opportunity to submit its individual Fraternalist of the Year to the Home Office to compete in Woodmen of the World’s national Fraternalist of the Year competition. We congratulate the following for their fraternal achievements in their states.

Alabama J.O. LeMay Jr.

Arizona Rex J. Farley

Arkansas Linda Francis

California north Franklin D. Yeater

California South Patricia E. Peterson

florida Melissa B. Vinson

Georgia north Alma Brewer

Georgia South Jacklon Latrelle Cranford

Illinois Annamaria Farris

Indiana-michigan Nancy Galambos

Kentucky West Dorothy H. Elliott

Kentucky east Charlotte Ann Whaley

louisiana Katherine M. Perriera

maryland Julia Sines

mississippi Charles Blackledge

missouri-Kansas William Meinhold

nebraska-Iowa Lavonna M. Clark

new mexico Lyle G. Porter

new York-new england Donna Zabrosky

north Carolina West Gertrude G. Bowers

north Carolina east David Lee Evans

northwest territory Esther Marchese

ohio Denise Mullins

oklahoma L.D. Harp

Pennsylvania Jay C. Pletcher

South Carolina Samantha E. Johnson

tennessee West Shirley B. Orr

tennessee east Linda B. Mullen

texas northeast Ellen Ruth Manning

texas northwest Kathryn G. Pendergrass

texas Southeast Patsy Dupree

texas Southwest Patricia Cleaton

Virginia Ginger Ward Shotwell

Virginia east Ira Jean Witt

West Virginia Margaret M. Conner

COMMUNITy CONNECTION

29

TOdAy’S FAMILy

The holidays are coming and along with them, a steady stream of demands for the latest, greatest and hottest toys on the market. Children will use logic – “Everyone else has it;” cunning – “Did you see the Sunday flyer, Mom? I circled some great markdowns on toys;” and outright groveling – “Pleeeaaaassssee!”

As you consider toy requests from the children in your life, keep the three S’s in mind: sense, safety and sales.

use Common Sense Toy shopping can flood your mind with memories from your own childhood. You loved tinkertoys and now you’ve found them, in bright, new colors right here in aisle three! Your son has never really been into ‘tinkering’ but by golly, this year he’s going to develop a new hobby.

As you stroll through the toy aisle, remember that you are shopping for the children in your life and not the child inside of you. Marie Hartwell-Walker, ED.D., offers the following advice on Psychcentral.com, “It may be more politically correct to give a little girl a truck, but she just may be the kind of little girl who really, really wants a doll to love … If you are truly giving a gift, take the time to figure out what this particular child would appreciate most at this particular time in her or his development.”

Common sense defines this kind of shopping. Before you go out, think of the person you are shopping for. What is her favorite activity? What kind of music, foods and things does he like to talk with me about? Buy something that child will really enjoy, not just something you enjoy giving.

by Nicole Schmoll

30 Wfm FALL 2009

think Safety When Shopping for ChildrenWhen holiday shopping for children, nothing could be more important than buying an age-appropriate toy, especially when the child you are shopping for is under three years of age.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) oversees the safety of many consumer products, including toys, and recommends a host of helpful hints1 when shopping for children in three distinct age groups: younger than age three, ages three through five and ages six through 12.

Children younger than age three experience the world through their mouth. Because they tend to put everything they touch into their mouths, you should avoid products with small parts or toys like marbles or other balls that have a diameter of 1.75 inches or less, as young children could choke on such items. You should also avoid toys with sharp edges or loosely fastened pieces.

For children ages three through five, the CPSC recommends avoiding toys made with thin or brittle plastic that could break easily. As a suggestion of good toys to purchase, the CPSC advises looking for household art materials, including crayons and paint sets marked with the designation “ASTM D-4236,” which means that the product has been reviewed by a toxicologist, and, if necessary, labeled with cautionary information.

When purchasing toys for older children ages six through 12, you should use common sense. For example, if you are buying a toy gun, make sure the barrel, or the entire gun, is brightly colored so that it’s not mistaken for a real gun. While the dangers facing older children are different than those threatening younger ones, you still need to think safety when you shop. So, for another example, when buying a bicycle, make sure to buy a helmet, too.

By following this sound advice from the CPSC and your own common sense, you can be certain to purchase toys that will delight the children in your life without endangering their well-being.

12 toy tips from Consumer reportsThe U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is

not the only reliable source offering toy-shopping

tips. Consumer Reports, a non-profit organization

dedicated to helping consumers find the best buys,

most reliable brands and important safety features,

offers 12 tips2 for holiday toy shopping.

1. No metal jewelry – especially cheap metal jewelry

– for young children. A child who mouths or

accidentally swallows a piece of lead-laden jewelry

can suffer lead poisoning.

2. Test toys for lead by using a home lead test kit.

3. Use caution when purchasing toys with magnets.

Many toys have small magnets that can fall out and,

if swallowed, can cause serious health problems that

are hard to diagnose.

4. If you find loose, small magnets anywhere around the

house, track down the source. Immediately take the

product and any of its other magnetic components

away from your child and contact the manufacturer

and the CPSC.

5. Steer clear of no-name products. If buying toys from

street fairs, vending machines, thrift stores, or yard sales

inspect them carefully before you bring them home.

6. Stay away from permanent paints and markers. Look

for water-based paints and glues instead.

7. Buy only age-appropriate toys for your child. The age

grading not only relates to play value but also to safety.

8. Use common sense. Some toys may be inappropriate

for your toddlers and babies.

9. Do your own safety check. If your child’s toy fits through

a toilet-paper tube, it is a potential choking hazard.

10. Beware of toys that can be broken into smaller

pieces. Chalk, crayons or caps from markers can

pose choking hazards to toddlers and infants.

11. Use caution when children play with small balls,

tricycles and balloons.

12. Check for recalls before you shop. Visit

www.notinmycart.org, www.recalls.gov or

www.cpsc.gov.

31

Look for Sales, Spend WiselyThe third component to a

successful toy shopping spree is to spend wisely. Before you make any

purchases, spend a few hours making a budget. Determine how many

people you have to shop for and how much money you have to spend. Make a list

with gift ideas and the amount you can afford to spend on each person and take the list with you when you go shopping.

Retailers know that savvy shoppers want to save money and will offer deals that you just have to keep

your eyes open for. Being willing to do your holiday shopping all year long can help you take advantage of seasonal sales throughout the year. As a rule, waiting until the last minute – say Christmas Eve – to do your shopping will hurt in more ways than one; not only will you battle crowded malls and stores, but you’ll probably end up paying more than you needed to on your purchases.

It’s also a good idea to set your children’s expectations as the holidays approach. Holly Vanscoy, Ph. D.3, advises parents to be realistic with their children and to let them know that they won’t be getting everything they ask for but rather, what the family can afford. She also recommends buying toys that will promote healthy development skills and finding less costly alternatives for high-end items sometimes requested by children.

Make this holiday season a happy one for you, your checkbook and the children in your life by using common sense, buying safe, age-appropriate toys and shopping for sales. zx

SourcesInformation accessed at: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/grand/toy/1. toysafe.html Information accessed at: http://www.consumersunion.org/pub/ 2. core_product_safety/005209.htmlInformation accessed at: http://psychcentral.com/lib/2006/ 3. toys-for-the-holidays-buying-gifts-for-other-peoples-children/Information accessed at: http://www.kidsource.com/kidsource/Content3/4. toys.disabilities.html

buying toys for Children with DisabilitiesThe holidays are exciting for all children, as everyone

enjoys being shown kindness and generosity by

others. Nearly six million children with disabilities will

receive gifts this holiday season and the National

Lekotek Center4 wants to make sure the gifts being

given are good ones.

They offer 10 tips for shopping for disabled children.

1. Look for multi-sensory toys with lights, sounds,

movement, texture and color.

2. Find toys with a simple activation method. The toy

should provide a challenge without frustration.

3. Buy toys that can be used in many places and

positions such as wheelchair trays and by children

lying on their sides.

4. Opt for toys that offer open-ended play and many

opportunities for success.

5. Choose something that’s “in” that reflects popular

TV shows and actors.

6. Be creative. Select toys that offer uniqueness, and

choice-making.

7. Look for adjustability; find toys with adjustable

heights, volume, speed, and level of difficulty.

8. Find a toy that reflects the child’s interests and age.

9. Shop for safety and durability. Look for toys that

can be easily cleaned.

10. Purchase toys that encourage social engagement

with others.

The National Lekotek Center provides a nationwide

non-profit network of 62 play centers, toy lending

libraries and computer play programs for children

with disabilities.

For more information, call the Lekotek Toy Resource

Helpline: 800-366-PLAY.

32 Wfm FALL 2009

The 2009 Flags Across America ceremonies were once again a success for Woodmen of the World lodges.

Flags Across America is an annual event sponsored by The National Flag Foundation and held on Flag Day, June 14. It’s a day devoted to paying respects to the American flag, joining together as a community and honoring those who serve our country.

“it’s a social event.”Florida South Field representative Carolyn Long and her husband, Eddy, are both dedicated Lodge 633 officers. Each year they help organize their lodge’s annual flag retirement ceremony.

“We always have a big cookout,” said Carolyn Long. “We put on skits and invite members of the community to come and get to know us. It’s a social event. When it gets dark, we retire old flags from local schools and churches. We play taps and “The Star-Spangled Banner” before the flags are retired. We have perfected the ceremony over the last 11 years, and it’s a touching event.”

COMMUNITy CONNECTION

Flags Across America“it’s a great way to show support.”Myrtle Beach, SC, Lodge 1111 donated 3,000 hand-held flags to Operation Welcome Home and resource Center, a non-profit organization with the sole purpose of bringing better service to our veterans. “It’s a great way to show support,” said South Carolina Jurisdictional Officer Julie Brannock.

Brannock presented the flags to the organization and helped pass them out to community members who made a contribution. More than $800 was raised.

“I believe in that patriotic feeling,” said Brannock. “I

believe in anything that helps the people who keep our country safe, and we really have gotten involved with these things.”

“they always write us thank you letters.”Flint, MI, Lodge 252, Secretary geraldine Middleton attended their Flags Across America ceremony at the Whaley Children’s Center, a private agency that has a tradition of caring for children and families in crisis.

“We have given them flags for years because they do absolutely fabulous things,” said Middleton. “The school depends on donations and we do what we can to help. It’s a great place and they are appreciative. They always write us thank you letters.”

For more information on Flags Across America, check out woodmen.org, under the “Community” tab. zx

South Carolina Jurisdictional Officer Julie Brannock (center) joined volunteers from The veterans Welcome Home Resource Center, Paula Tourtellotte (left) and Peggy Hammond, in handing out hand-held flags to customers at a local grocery store.

33

Wise Advice for first-time Homebuyers

Your palms are sweaty. Your breath quickens.

Your heart flutters. Armed only with desire,

you’re ready to search for your dream home.

Or are you? In addition to desire, you’ll need

information, a firm hold on your finances and

a good real estate agent.

SteP 1: Determine How Much You Can AffordYour income, debt, current monthly expenses, down payment, and the interest rate on your loan all play a role in determining an ideal mortgage payment. A good lender can help you figure out how much your mortgage should be to continue living within your current means.

9 Steps to Walking into Your Dream Home1

34 Wfm FALL 2009

MONEy TALK

SteP 2: Know Your RightsYou have rights as a borrower and laws that help ensure you are treated fairly. read the Fair Housing Act and real Estate Settlement Procedure Act (rESPA) to make sure you don’t get taken advantage of while you are shopping for your new home.

SteP 3: Shop for a LoanWhen lenders compete, you win.2 Visit more than one lender and consider using the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) for a loan. The lower the interest rate you can secure, the less money you will pay each month and over the life of the loan.

SteP 4: Read up on Home Buying ProgramsYour state and the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), as well as the FHA, all offer home buying programs, especially for first-time homebuyers. Make sure you check them out. Visit hud.gov to learn more.

SteP 5: Choose a Real Estate AgentThis step includes the fun part – shopping! Make a wish list of features you’re looking for and then work with your agent to create a list of homes you want to visit.

SteP 6: Make an OfferBe sure to do this with your real estate agent, and be prepared to negotiate with the seller for a price that’s agreeable to you both.

SteP 7: Get a Home InspectionThis is an important step before you purchase your home, to ensure you know exactly what condition the home is in.

SteP 8: Purchase Homeowner's InsuranceLenders require homeowners insurance so compare prices for the best policy.

SteP 9: Sign the PapersThe moment you’ve been waiting for … this is when the home becomes yours! Take a deep breath and get ready to sign forests of paper before the keys are turned over to you.

Follow these simple steps to choose not only the home of your dreams, but the home that’s right for you. Visit hud.gov for more information, home-buying tips and links to other useful Web sites. zx

1. Source: HUD.gov/buying/index.cfm2. This phrase is borrowed from LendingTree’s “When Banks Compete, You Win”

and is not meant as an endorsement of their services.

Mortgage ProtectionEspecially in an unstable economy, people are looking for ways to protect their most valuable asset – their homes. Life insurance could be the answer.

Mortgage protection can be funded by life insurance with a death benefit equal to the mortgage balance. In the event you die, your family can use the death benefit to pay off the mortgage, and any death benefit in excess of the mortgage balance may be used to pay other final expenses.

tax Credit for first-time Home buyersA tax credit equal to 10 percent of a home’s purchase price up to $8,000 is available for qualified first-time home buyers purchasing a principle residence on or after January 1, 2009, and before December 1, 2009.

A first-time home buyer is anyone who has not owned a principle residence for the three-year period leading up to the purchase of a home. Single taxpayers with incomes up to $75,000 and married couples with incomes up to $150,000 qualify for the full tax credit.

If you are in a position to purchase a home for the first time, talk to your professional tax advisor about the First-Time Home Buyers Tax Credit or visit federalhousingtaxcredit.com/2009 for more information. This may be just the help you need to purchase the house of your dreams.

35

Pearl, MS

Murray, KyMurray, Ky

Lodge 827 held a JOIN HANDS DAY event with the residents

of Spring Creek Health Care Facility, planting flowers for

centerpieces and planting vegetables in outdoor garden boxes.

Myrtle beach, SC

Cindy Ferguson (left) and Field Representative Gayle Causey deliver

games and toys from Youth Lodge 1282 to be given to less fortunate

children as part of the “Help 4 Kids” program.

Pearl, MSLodge 1443 built a handicap-accessible ramp for Joanne Ramsey (center), member of the lodge and resident of Florence, MS. The lodge provided the materials, labor and lunch.

FRATERNAL SPIRIT

36 Wfm FALL 2009

Hamburg, Ar

Hornbeak, tn

Westwego, LAWestwego, LALouisiana Jurisdictional Treasurer John Nocito (left) and Earlie Vicknair Jr. (center), President of Lodge 620, present a new flag to Johnny Guillory, Commander of AMVETS Post 38.

Mocksville, nCPaul Weaver of Lodge 508 presented three flags to Eddie McKeal, Pastor of Brogden Chapel Pentecostal Free Will Baptist Church.

Hornbeak, tnLodge 196 and Youth Lodge 1200 joined with the Obion County Red Cross to collect more than $1,000. Pictured are Red Cross Chairman Raymond Phillips, Kathy Orr, Lodge President Shirley Orr, and Lodge Secretary Frieda Moore.

San Angelo, tXLodge 66 provided more than $1,400 of food for a barbecue fund-raiser held by the Christoval Volunteer Fire Department. Pictured are Jimmy Barton and his daughter, Landry (left), Lodge President Bob Clark (center) and Fire Chief Philip Montalvo.

Hamburg, ArMembers of Lodge 7 and the American Legion erected a flagpole at Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church. 37

nevada City, CA

burlington, iAMoultrie, gAField Representative Gary Morris of Lodge 104 presents a check to Max Parker of the National Federation of the Blind, which provides education to the public and information and services to the blind.

Marianna, fLSixteen members of Lodge 65 collected more than 1,400 pounds of food at a local grocery store to benefit a local ministry center. Pictured, from left, are Clara Johns, JoAnn Truette, Sue Taylor, and Helen Davis.

nevada City, CAThe North California Youth summer camp, held at Camp Gold Hollow, recognized outstanding campers and leaders with plaques.

burlington, iALodge 33 President Bonnie Modrell presents a $1,000 scholarship to Anna Nelson, a student at Western Illinois University. Nelson’s brother, Robert, also received a $1,000 scholarship from the lodge.

fraternal spirit

38 Wfm FALL 2009

St. Charles, Mo

tulsa, oK Cumberland, MD

Send your photos via e-mail to photos@woodmenmag.com. All submitted photos become the property of Woodmen of the World. By submitting photo(s), the original photographer relinquishes all image rights, and you give permission for them to be modified as necessary for publication. Not all submissions will be published. If photos are obtained from a source other than the sender, the written permission of the original author and/or photographer and an approved attribution line must be included with the submission.

Cumberland, MD

Pat Phillips, Musician of Lodge 6, is

presented the Fraternal Spirit Award by

Lodge President Emory Davis Jr.

thibodaux, LA

Lodge 369 President Darnell Boudreaux

(left) and Field Representative Dwayne

D. Garner (right) presented a Safe Bus

Driver Award to Lafourche Parish

Headstart bus driver Patricia Jones,

who is also a new member.

St. Charles, MoMore than 25 members of Lodge 912, Youth Lodge 928, the St. Charles Lions Club and the Point Prairie 4-H Club united to spruce up the Lions Den after a Community Outreach barbecue dinner provided by Lodge 912.

tulsa, oK

Lodge 496 member Gary Taylor presents

an American History Award to Mannford

High School student Dakota Davis.

39

(From left) R.B. Moore, Terry Wayne Carroll, diane Kidd, davis dowdy, Nicholas Kessler and virginia Fraternal Coordinator Scott Koebel

A tearful hug and a respectful salute formed the touching scene that State Manager Terry Wayne Carroll witnessed while volunteering with his local jurisdiction for the 65th Anniversary of D-Day at the National D-Day Memorial Foundation in Bedford, VA.

On June 6, 1944, the two men in the scene were U.S. soldiers at the Normandy invasion, and witnessed their best friend perish at the steep rock wall that overlooked the beach. That was the last time that they saw each other until June 6, 2009, when they were united once again at a very different kind of wall, the monument bearing the name of their friend and many others. Carroll was witness to many such reunions that day, but he found this scene in particular, delayed for 65 years, especially touching.

Woodmen of the World was the corporate sponsor for the hospitality tent at the reunion and was in charge of registering the veterans and running the dining area. Carroll and 48 other Woodmen of the World volunteers worked in shifts, reuniting long lost friends, comrades and allies, as well as introducing veterans to students and guests to share their stories. They also distributed

rubbing kits to visitors so they could go to the memorial wall and make impressions of loved ones’ names.

Carroll teamed with National Board member R. B. Moore; Area Manager Nicholas Kessler; retired Area Manager Davis Dowdy, who served as Woodmen of the World’s liaison for the project; and Diane Kidd, who works for the Foundation’s educational outreach program, to make the event a success. Kidd says,

“It was an absolutely awesome event! Without Woodmen of the World, it wouldn’t have worked.”

The foundation was built in Bedford in honor of the “Bedford Boys,” 30 soldiers from the area who were part of the 29th Infantry Division during World War II. In all, 22 died during the invasion or its aftermath. At the time, the population of Bedford was approximately 3,200 people. Because of this disproportionate loss, Congress felt that Bedford would best represent the sacrifice of all Americans at Normandy. Sadly, the last living Bedford Boy passed away just three weeks prior to the anniversary event.

The National D-Day Memorial Foundation exists to educate the public and keep the legacy of that fateful day alive. The 65th anniversary was a special event for the approximately 9,000 people in attendance. There were USO shows, as well as a memorial service in honor of those who fell on D-Day. Carroll was honored to be a part of it and said, “It was the best day of my life personally and professionally.”

To learn more about D-Day and the National D-Day Memorial Foundation, please visit their Web site at dday.org. zx

An Anniversary to remember

MEMBER NEWS

40 Wfm FALL 2009

Dispute resolution guide for MembersIn order to continuously improve membership service, a Dispute Resolution Official is available to serve as a single point of contact for any member, benefit certificate owner, beneficiary or payor (“customer”) who feels that his or her concerns about any aspect of membership in Woodmen of the World or a benefit certificate has not been satisfactorily resolved through normal channels. Normal channels include contacting your local Woodmen of the World Representative, Area Manager, State Service Center, or a specific department in the Home Office.

If a customer seeks individual remedies or damages based on a belief that his or her rights, privileges, benefits, entitlements, or status have been denied, the customer may contact the Dispute Resolution Official to initiate the dispute resolution process. Woodmen of the World established the dispute resolution process in order to make it easier for its customers to receive swift resolution of any serious concerns they might have regarding their certificates or other member benefits. Since the establishment of the dispute resolution process, a significant number of customer concerns have been successfully and satisfactorily resolved using the process.

The dispute resolution process is also available to Woodmen or any subordinate bodies or affiliates of Woodmen.

The dispute resolution process is coordinated by the Dispute Resolution Official and consists of three steps:

1. Informal meetings and negotiations to reach a mutually satisfactory resolution.

2. Mediation administered by a neutral mediator, to assist the parties in agreeing on a resolution when they are having difficulty doing so on their own.

3. Arbitration administered by a neutral arbitrator in the rare case where it is necessary to have a third party to resolve the matter. The decision of arbitrator will be final and binding to the maximum extent permitted by law.

The dispute resolution process is defined by Woodmen of the World’s Constitution and Laws. The Constitution and Laws form a part of every benefit certificate and the dispute resolution process applies to all future and current customers. The Dispute Resolution Official may be reached at 1-800-966-8910 or by mail at:

Dispute Resolution Official c/o Woodmen of the World and/or Omaha Woodmen Life Insurance Society Legal Division, 27th Floor 1700 Farnam Street Omaha, NE 68102

Attention Lodge officersWoodmen of the World’s Legal Division and Risk Management Team would like to remind lodge officers of the importance of reporting lodge hall damages and member injuries in a timely manner. This is of utmost importance.

Immediately following any storms in your area, please see that someone inspects the lodge hall for damage. Broken windows or holes in the roof will allow someone easy access to the hall to cause vandalism. Failure to report damage within the first few days of occurrence might also adversely affect insurance payments.

If lodge members or guests are injured during lodge-sponsored events, whether they’re on lodge property or not, someone from the lodge must report such injuries to Woodmen of the World’s insurance carrier or to the Home Office. Keep in mind that the lodge medical insurance is secondary insurance and pays only after the member/guest first files with his or her own insurance company.

Lodge property and liability insurance guides and Lodge and Camp medical guides are available on MyFraternalWeb. These should be kept with other important lodge records and passed on to the new secretary. The officers of the lodge need to review these guides so they are aware of policies and how to file claims. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Sharon Edmunds in the Risk Management Department at (402) 402-271-7888. If she is not available, you may also contact our carrier direct at 1-800-798-5050, and ask for Diane Dooley. zx

41

In Honor and Remembrance in Winter IssueWoodmen of the World’s annual fraternal event honoring the heroes and victims of September 11, 2001, In Honor and Remembrance, will be reported on in the Winter issue of Wfm.

Send photos of your lodge’s event to photos@woodmenmag.com by Friday, November 13.

Lodge reminderselection and installation of Lodge officers

Election of Lodge officers for 2010 should be held at the first meeting in November 2009, and installation should occur on or before the first meeting in January 2010, as provided for in the Lodge By-Laws, Division A, Section E(a), of Woodmen of the World’s Constitution and Laws.

The installation of officers is an important Lodge event and should be attended by all members.

Lodge Annual Audit Due December 31

The Constitution and Laws Lodge By-Laws, Division A, Section C(e), requires Lodge Trustees to audit the affairs of their Lodge, including the accounts of Secretary and Treasurer, at the end of each year and report their findings to the local Lodge at the first meeting in January.

Consult Woodmen of the World’s Constitution and Laws for more detailed information.

The Woodmen Tower’s peregrine falcons Zeus and Hera became the proud parents of four healthy chicks in April, who have since been banded and named.

Almost 1,700 name submissions were sent by people from 22 different states for the falcon naming contest,

sponsored by a local news station. The falcon naming committee narrowed down the names to the top 12, and the public voted from among those top names.

Please welcome …

Peregrine falcon Chicks banded and named

Magnus WillowInina Isis

42 Wfm FALL 2009

Interest ratesdeferred Annuities In Force Rate*

September 2009Tier 1 Tier 23.10% 3.35%

Tier 1: values under $25,000Tier 2: values $25,000 and above

*Current inforce interest rates apply when a certificate’s initial rate guarantee period has expired or when an initial rate guarantee period has not been chosen. Current inforce interest rates are subject to change monthly.

The above rates are for existing annuities that are out of their initial guarantee period. You may be able to earn a higher rate with a new annuity with a locked-in interest rate. Contact your Woodmen of the World Representative if you are interested in receiving more information. You can also call 1-800-225-3108 or go to woodmen.org.

freedom Series Annuity Interest ratesCertificates issued in September 2009 Rate credited during initial lock-in period.

Annuity Product Tier 1 Tier 2 Tier 3 Tier 4 Tier 5 Tier 6

SPDA with First Year Interest Bonus1 n/a 5.75% 6.00% 6.20% 6.60% 6.90%

FPDA with First year Interest Bonus2 n/a 4.75% 5.00% 5.20% 5.60% 5.90%

SPDA3 2.75% 3.15% 3.40% 3.60% 4.00% 4.30%

FPDA3 2.60% 3.00% 3.25% 3.45% 3.85% 4.15%1 The First Year interest rate on the Freedom Series Single Premium Deferred Annuity (SPDA) with a First Year Interest Bonus is guaranteed for the

first certificate year and includes the first-year-only interest bonus of 3.00%. Renewal (Current) interest rates are credited after the first certificate year. Renewal (Current) interest rates are set monthly by Woodmen. They will never be lower than the minimum guaranteed interest rate of 1.00%.

2 The First Year interest rate on a Flexible Premium Deferred Annuity (FPDA) with a First Year Interest Bonus is guaranteed for the first certificate year and includes the first-year-only interest bonus of 2.00%. Renewal (Current) interest rates are credited after the first certificate year. Renewal (Current) interest rates are set monthly by Woodmen. They will never be lower than the minimum guaranteed interest rate of 1.00%.

3 During the initial lock in period, the interest rate will not change. Lock in periods of one month or one year are available.

September 2009 Rate credited after initial lock-in period expires.

Annuity Product Tier 1 Tier 2 Tier 3 Tier 4 Tier 5 Tier 6

SPDA with First Year Interest Bonus 2.35% 2.75% 3.00% 3.20% 3.60% 3.90%

FPDA with First year Interest Bonus 2.35% 2.75% 3.00% 3.20% 3.60% 3.90%

SPDA 2.75% 3.15% 3.40% 3.60% 4.00% 4.30%

FPDA 2.60% 3.00% 3.25% 3.45% 3.85% 4.15%After the initial lock-in period expires, interest rates may vary each month. Interest rates are set monthly by Woodmen and will never be lower than the minimum guaranteed interest rate of 1.00%.

Tier 1: values under $10,000 SPDA (Single Premium Deferred Annuity)Tier 2: values $10,000 and under $25,000 FPDA (Flexible Premium Deferred Annuity)Tier 3: values $25,000 and under $100,000Tier 4: values $100,000 and under $500,000Tier 5: values $500,000 and under $1,000,000Tier 6: values $1,000,000 and above

Single Premium Deferred Annuity (SPDA) with First Year Bonus (Form 7961-XX-0707))Flexible Premium Deferred Annuity (FPDA) with First Year Bonus (Form 7963-XX-0707)Single Premium Deferred Annuity (SPDA) (Form 7962-XX-0707)Flexible Premium Deferred Annuity (FPDA) (Form 7964-XX-0707)

MEMBER NEWS

43

Test your knowledge of Woodmen National Convention history with an insightful quiz and fun word search. Words can be found reading up, down, forward, backward, or diagonally. Answers to the puzzle can be found on our Web site, woodmen.org, by clicking on the Wfm link on the home page. Enjoy!

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YFAMILIES

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Benefit CampsClearingCommunityCullenDrill TeamsEighteenFamiliesForestFraternal

GalvestonHotelIowaJosephJune Life insuranceLodgesLyonsMcCullyMembership

NebraskaNewberryNinetyOmahaPaxton RangersRootSermonSheelySidney Crawford

SixthSocietySovereignSportmens ClubsTidal waveVolunteerWillie WarnerWoodcraftWoodmen CircleYates

How deep is your love for Woodmen of the World?

44 Wfm FALL 2009

FUN ZONE

Woodmen of the World National Convention Trivia

Test your Woodmen of the World National Convention knowledge with these questions about past Conventions. (If you’re having trouble figuring out the answers, visit the Woodmen of the World National Convention Web site at wowaustin2009.org/history.cfm)

1. Where and when was our first National Convention held?

2. How many total times has a Woodmen of the World National Convention been held in Omaha, NE?

3. What were our National Conventions originally called?

4. Has a National Convention ever been held in Texas before this year?

5. National Conventions were held every two years from 1895-1965. In what year did National Conventions begin to be held every four years?

On Politics

“Politics is the ability to foretell what is going to happen tomorrow, next week, next month and next year. And to have the ability afterwards to explain why it didn’t happen.” Winston Churchill

Do All Fairy Tales Start With ‘Once Upon a Time?’

A politician was putting his young daughter to bed for the night.

“Daddy,” she asked, “Do all fairy tales begin with ‘Once upon a time’?” The politician smiled and replied, “No, dear, quite a few begin with ‘Once I am elected ...’”

Answers1. The Sheely Building in Omaha, NE, from march 12-19, 1895.2. Five times3. Sovereign Camps4. Yes, twice. Both times in San Antonio. First in 1923 and then again in 1949. 5. 1969

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Sterling Atkins Jr.Age: 51Hamburg, ArLodge 7

Loraine Null BaldwinAge: 76Mineral Wells, TXLodge 703

Dorothy C. ComeauxAge: 68Houma, LALodge 308

Grady Littleton JonesAge: 77Jackson, TNLodge 179

Furman Yates RobbinsAge: 56Shelby, NCLodge 518

Kenneth TurnerAge: 82Trenton, FLLodge 626

Reece Edward AdamsAge: 56Hamburg, ArLodge 7

Herbert A. GilliardAge: 83Apopka, FLLodge 825

Randolph HillAge: 85Hamburg, ArLodge 7

Helen Ann WadeAge: 57Jacksonville, TXLodge 303

Statement of Condition

June 30, 2009

Sources of IncomePayments received from members for

insurance and annuities $429,752,735 Interest, dividends and rents less

investment expenses and taxes 204,773,244 Other income 10,517,238

Total $645,043,217

How Income Was UsedDeath benefits $78,814,230 Endowment benefits 1,390,273 Annuity benefits 127,417,223 Disability and hospitalization benefits 4,440,381 Payments to members and beneficiaries of

monies previously deposited with Society 17,949,573 refunds to members of certificate values 69,380,185 refunds to members 55,216,790 Set aside for members and beneficiaries to

guarantee payment of future benefits 193,987,735 Total paid to or set aside for members

and beneficiaries $548,596,390

Fraternal Benefits $441,609 Civic and community welfare,

and fraternal expense 15,573,712 Federal, state and other taxes (insurance) 3,254,715 Compensation to Field Force for fraternal

activities and securing new members 19,980,645 Insurance expense 57,196,146

Total $645,043,217

IN MEMORIAM

46 Wfm FALL 2009

Achieving Balance in an Unstable economy

Balance is what Woodmen of the World is after these days. Our challenge is like that of a gymnast performing on a balance

beam. At 4’ high, 16’ long and only 4” wide, a flawless routine requires precision, stability and strength.

That we have achieved balance in this most difficult of economic times is reaffirmed by our most recent rating of A+ (superior) with a stable outlook by A.M. Best. Our stable outlook means that our rating is unlikely to change in the next year.

A.M. Best is the largest and longest-established company devoted to issuing in-depth reports and financial strength ratings about

insurance organizations. Their rating is an independent opinion of an insurer's financial strength and ability to meet its ongoing insurance policy and contract obligations. It is based on a comprehensive quantitative and qualitative evaluation of a company's balance sheet strength, operating performance and business profile.

In addition to those important measures, Woodmen of the World looks to balance three areas of responsibility – our commitments to our members, our Home Office and Field associates, and to our financial strength. Since all are interconnected, any impact on one responsibility automatically affects the other two, which makes caring for all three a balancing act.

For example, balance requires giving members valued products and benefits without compromising our financial soundness. For associates, balance requires providing fair compensation for a fair day’s work without excess so that operating expenses stay low. We make prudent business decisions every day to maintain our financial strength.

Woodmen of the World is financially strong. And that should give you confidence. But there is something that each and every one of us can do to make Woodmen of the World stronger – help grow membership. Tell your friends and neighbors about the quality products and fraternal benefits Woodmen of the World offers. If you know someone who would make a good Field Representative, have him or her talk to your Representative about a career with Woodmen of the World.

The bottom line is that more members means better balance and better balance means continued strength. As we strive daily for stability and balance, Woodmen of the World will remain strong well into the future.

Sincerely,

Mark L. Schreier Executive Vice President, Finance and Treasurer

NEWSWORTHy

Mark Schreier

47

The recent economic news is disturbing. Many people don’t know which financial institutions to trust. But you can rest assured that Woodmen of the World takes our commitment to members very seriously.

Since our founding in 1890, Woodmen of the World has always understood what is truly important – keeping our promises. We have a conservative investment policy; we don’t chase short-term profits at the expense of long-term financial stability. We answer to our nearly 750,000 members, and exist to help them reach their goals in every stage of life.

Woodmen of the World will continue to honor our promises, and keep standing strong.

Still Standing Strong.

CD0279WOW 11/08

PERIODICALS