Fall 2009 Wfm Magazine

F A L L
2009
Woodmen of the World Fraternal Magazine
9 Steps to a
Dream Home
A Whole Life
Deep in the
Heart of
Woodmen
Help them be whatever they want to be.
Sound insurance protection.
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.
CD0165WOW 12/08
Wfm
F A L L
2009
this
issue:
6
f e at u r e s
Deep in the Heart
of Woodmen
Woodmen’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 Life
Hank and Frances DeVasher of Fairhope,
AL, have chosen Whole Life insurance
President’s Message Community Connection Page 5
Pages 28, 33
Today’s Family Page 30
Fraternal Spirit Page 36
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 Home
2009 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
40
at relative lows, the time is right for many to
take the plunge into home ownership. Page 34
25
3
on the cover:
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.
26
The Cover Story Begins on Page 6.
credits:
Member News Page 40
Fun Zone Page 44
In Memoriam Page 46
Newsworthy Page 47
30
Chairman of the Board
William C. Owen, Tallahassee, FL
Directors
Danny E. Cummins,
President and CEO, Omaha, NE
Mark D. Theisen,
Executive Vice President, Fraternal, Omaha, NE
Pamela J. Hernandez,
Executive Vice President, Operations and Secretary, Omaha, NE
Mark L. Schreier,
Executive Vice President, Finance and Treasurer, Omaha, NE
Larry R. King,
Executive Vice President, Field, Omaha, NE
Thomas T. Gallion III, Montgomery, AL
Betty H. Brown, Shelbyville, TN
Daniel W. Rice III, Kinston, NC
Lucia G. Taylor-McCoy, Elkview, WV
Stephen W. Mellor, Memphis, TN
M. Lane Harvey, Mt. Vernon, IL
Dr. James W. Bosler III, Louisville, KY
Dr. James W. Shaver, Landis, NC
Roger B. Moore, Lynchburg,VA
James W. Bridges Jr., Las Vegas, NV
Magazine Staff
Managing Editor: Billie Jo Foust
Content Editor: Andy Oerman
Design Editor: Joe Bavaresco
Writers: Nicole Schmoll, Angie Schendt, Heather Bockert
Designers: Jerry Underwood, Mike Wilson, Sarah Richart
Contributors: Kelly Buckman, Kathy Cardwell, Angel
Stottle, Sarah Skarka, Mindy Totten
Marketing & Public Relations Team Vice President:
Steve Haack
If you have questions, comments or suggestions for
articles, please direct them to [email protected].
woodmen.org
e-mail us at: [email protected]
34
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 POLICY
Woodmen of the World Life Insurance Society and/
or Omaha Woodmen Life Insurance Society is an Equal
Access fraternal benefit organization. It is the policy of
Woodmen of the World to seek qualified members on
a nondiscriminatory basis and to provide all members
with equal access to and allow their participation
in the organization’s lodge system, lodge events,
fraternal benefits and all other fraternal activities on a
nondiscriminatory basis.
4
FALL 2009 VOL. 119, NO. 4
Convening with Purpose
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 Cummins
President and CEO
Our Mission
Woodmen 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.
5
Cover Story
Johnny Austin’s
46 National
Convention
*
*
th
Experience
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.
6
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
Day Two
Saturday, July 25
Sunday, July 26
urns 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!
n 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-andred 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 hardbound 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 online Woodmen Store on
woodmen.org.
T
O
7
National Committees
Host Productive Meetings
On 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.
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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 awardwinning 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
Sunday was registration, where delegates
could socialize be fore the busy me e tings
be gan the ne xt day. Larry King also led
thre e se minars on the Woodme n care e r.
9
The Memorial Service Sunday night
was led by Mark Theisen and featured
the Glory Bound Quartet, and Monday
opened with the Parade of State s.
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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 27
M
onday 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.
S
tate 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
11
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
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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!
W
hen 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-andanswer exercise and I think he was
blown away by the passion in the
room. He had one half of the room
Monday included greetings from
local, state & fraternal leaders.
13
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!
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.
T
hen, 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,
was bright-eyed and bushy tailed
and
I knew just what he meant. He
when I woke up on Tuesday. The
thanked everyone for attending, and
business session started with a real
impressive presentation of colors from thanked the committee that put the
Convention together, and I heartily
the Carroll High School Drill Team.
They traveled all the way from Ozark, agree. He recognized the Board,
Home Office associates and Field
Alabama, and I could tell everyone
associates, and thanked everyone for
was in awe of them. Speaking of
the opportunity to serve as President.
awe, Celeste Gram wowed everyone
He
was real sincere and genuine.
with her vocal talents by singing the
He told a couple of stories, and
national anthem. Director Stephen
talked about Woodmen’s strategy
Mellor led everyone in reciting the
Pledge of Allegiance, and Mr. Gallion for growth. What stuck with me is
that he said Woodmen members
gave the invocation.
take care of what they love – it’s why
President Cummins then introduced we joined Woodmen in the first
Charlie McCabe, Executive Director place. We want to take care of our
of the Austin Parks Foundation.
family members, even after we’re
All Woodmen Conventions, both
gone. But especially while we’re
National and Jurisdictional, give
here, we want to see our family,
gifts to the host city to thank them
and our home, get better and better.
for their wonderful hospitality, and
And that’s why we all need to be
as a way to say, “We were here.” For
focused on growing Woodmen’s
the National Convention, we gave a
membership. He said it’s our
gift to the Austin Parks Foundation, number one priority, and I believe
to help with their Republic Square
him. I know I’ve recommended
Park project. They are building kind several people to Woodmen, but I
of a deck around an old oak tree that know I can do more.
has been there since the 1800s. They
After the standing ovation at the end
want people to be able to enjoy the
of his speech, we heard reports from
shade of the tree, but not damage
the Audit Committee, Compensation
its roots. Mr. Cummins explained
Committee,
and Mileage and Per
that protection and growth are what
Diem Committee. The Executive
Woodmen is all about, too, so the
Day Four
Tuesday,
July 28
I
15
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
16
Wfm FAL L
2009
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.
T
he 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 29
I
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
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.
17
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.
18
Wfm FAL L
2009
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!
I
t’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.
19
B oar d of Directors
William C.
Owen
Danny E.
Cummins
Mark D.
Theisen
C H A I R M A N O F T H E B OA R D
TA L L A H A S S E E , F L
PRESIDENT AND CEO
O m aha , N E
E XECUTIVE VICE
P R E S I D E N T, F R AT E R N A L
O m aha , N E
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.
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.
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.
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.
20
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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.
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.
Pamela J.
Hernandez
Mark L.
Schreier
Larry R.
King
E XECUTIVE VICE
P R E S I D E N T, O P E R AT I O N S
& S E C R E TA RY
O m aha , N E
E XECUTIVE VICE
P R E S I D E N T, F I N A N C E
& TREASURER
O m aha , N E
E XECUTIVE VICE
P R E S I D E N T, F I E L D
O m aha , N E
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 sonin-law, Shelley and Rick Steimer,
and four grandchildren, Erik,
Kaylee, Chase and Caleb.
Schreier and his wife, Diana, have
two sons, John and Michael.
21
Thomas T.
Gallion III
Betty H.
Brown
Daniel W.
Rice III
D I R E C TO R
M O N TG O M E RY, A L
D I R E C TO R
S H E L BY V I L L E , T N
D I R E C TO R
K I N S TO N , N C
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.
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.
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.
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.
22
Wfm FAL L
2009
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.
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.
Lucia G.
Taylor-McCoy
Stephen W.
Mellor
M. Lane
Harvey
D I R E C TO R
E L K V I E W, W V
D I R E C TO R
MEMPHIS, TN
D I R E C TO R
M T. V E R N O N , I L
Lucia G. TaylorMcCoy 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. TaylorMcCoy has been active in the Junior
Women’s League of America, Boy
Scouts of America, and the Children’s
Home Society of West Virginia.
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.
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;
Mellor is a Certified Mortgage Banker National Fraternal Committee member,
and Chartered Financial Analyst. He
1987-1989 and 2000-2002; National
is a past member of the Board of
Legislative Committee member,
Directors of the Salvation Army, a
1989-1993; and National Judiciary
Past President of the Investment
Committee member from 1993-1997.
Section of the National Fraternal
Harvey is a founding member and
Congress of America (NFCA), past
President of Heartland Woodmen
Chairman of the NFCA Investment
Foundation and was an Alternate
Management and Evaluation
Delegate to the Republican National
Committee, and a Past President of
Convention in 1988 and 2004.
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.
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.
Taylor-McCoy and her husband, Keith,
have five children, four grandchildren
and two great-grandchildren.
23
Dr. James W.
Bosler III
Dr. James W.
Shaver
Roger B.
Moore
D I R E C TO R
LO U I S V I L L E , K Y
D I R E C TO R
LANDIS, NC
D I R E C TO R
LY N C H B U RG , VA
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.
24
Wfm FAL L
2009
Dr. James W.
Shaver was
elected to the
Board of Directors
in 2006.
Shaver is a lifelong 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
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.
James W.
Bridges Jr.
D I R E C TO R
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 reelected 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.
Forum Spotlights Youth
For 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-aconvention 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.
25
with you through LIFE
From left to right: Michael DeVasher, Jill
DeVasher, Hank DeVasher, Frances DeVasher,
and Amy (DeVasher) Strassburg.
Long Live
Tradition
The DeVashers have plans for their Whole Life
H
ank 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 dependable
Changing 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.
D0485 09/09
26
“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
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 comforting
Comfort 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); 254XX-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.
27
C O mmunit y C O nnection
Samantha Johnson
Named Fraternalist of the Year
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 fundraisers. 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
28
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2009
Samantha Johnson (center), Woodmen of the
World's Fraternalist of the Year, participates in
many fraternal activities throughout the year,
including flag presentations.
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.
Community Connection
State Fraternalists
of the Year
Each 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.
Louisiana
Katherine M. Perriera
Pennsylvania
Jay C. Pletcher
Arizona
Rex J. Farley
Maryland
Julia Sines
South Carolina
Samantha E. Johnson
Arkansas
Linda Francis
Mississippi
Charles Blackledge
Tennessee West
Shirley B. Orr
California North
Franklin D. Yeater
Missouri-Kansas
William Meinhold
Tennessee East
Linda B. Mullen
California South
Patricia E. Peterson
Nebraska-Iowa
Lavonna M. Clark
Texas Northeast
Ellen Ruth Manning
Florida
Melissa B. Vinson
New Mexico
Lyle G. Porter
Texas Northwest
Kathryn G. Pendergrass
Georgia North
Alma Brewer
New York-New England
Donna Zabrosky
Texas Southeast
Patsy Dupree
Georgia South
Jacklon Latrelle Cranford
North Carolina West
Gertrude G. Bowers
Texas Southwest
Patricia Cleaton
Illinois
Annamaria Farris
North Carolina East
David Lee Evans
Virginia
Ginger Ward Shotwell
Indiana-Michigan
Nancy Galambos
Northwest Territory
Esther Marchese
Virginia East
Ira Jean Witt
Kentucky West
Dorothy H. Elliott
Ohio
Denise Mullins
West Virginia
Margaret M. Conner
Kentucky East
Charlotte Ann Whaley
Oklahoma
L.D. Harp
29
T o d ay’ s Family
by Nicole Schmoll
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.
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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.
Think Safety When
Shopping for Children
When 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 Reports
The 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. U
se 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 Wisely
The 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
Sources
1. Information accessed at: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/grand/toy/
toysafe.html
2. Information accessed at: http://www.consumersunion.org/pub/
core_product_safety/005209.html
3. Information accessed at: http://psychcentral.com/lib/2006/
toys-for-the-holidays-buying-gifts-for-other-peoples-children/
4. Information accessed at: http://www.kidsource.com/kidsource/Content3/
toys.disabilities.html
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Buying Toys for Children
with Disabilities
The 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 Center 4 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.
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 nonprofit 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.
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.
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 StarSpangled Banner” before the flags are retired. We
have perfected the ceremony over the last 11 years,
and it’s a touching event.”
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
33
M one y Talk
9 Steps
to Walking
into Your
Dream Home
1
Wise Advice for First-Time Homebuyers
step 1: Determine How Much You Can Afford
Your palms are sweaty. Your breath quickens.
Your 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.
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.
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2009
Step 2: Know
Your Rights
You 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 Loan
When 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 Programs
Your state and the federal Department of Housing
and Urban Development (HUD), as well as the FHA,
all offer home buying programs, especially for firsttime homebuyers. Make sure you check them out.
Visit hud.gov to learn more.
Step 5: C hoose
a Real Estate Agent
This 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 Offer
Be 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 Inspection
This 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 Insurance
Lenders require homeowners insurance so compare
prices for the best policy.
Step 9: Sign
the Papers
The 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, homebuying tips and links to other useful Web sites. zx
1. Source: HUD.gov/buying/index.cfm
2. This phrase is borrowed from LendingTree’s “When Banks Compete, You Win”
and is not meant as an endorsement of their services.
Mortgage Protection
Especially 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 Buyers
A 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
F raternal S pirit
Pearl, MS
Lodge 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.
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.
Murray, 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.
36
Wfm FAL L
2009
Westwego, LA
San Angelo, TX
Louisiana 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.
Lodge 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.
Mocksville, NC
Hornbeak, TN
Paul Weaver of Lodge 508 presented three flags to
Eddie McKeal, Pastor of Brogden Chapel Pentecostal
Free Will Baptist Church.
Lodge 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.
Hamburg, AR
Members of Lodge 7 and the American Legion erected
a flagpole at Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church.
37
Nevada City, CA
The North California Youth summer camp, held at Camp Gold Hollow,
recognized outstanding campers and leaders with plaques.
fraternal spirit
38
Moultrie, GA
Burlington, IA
Marianna, FL
Field 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.
Lodge 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.
Sixteen 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.
Wfm FAL L
2009
Tulsa, OK
Thibodaux, LA
Cumberland, MD
Lodge 496 member Gary Taylor presents
Lodge 369 President Darnell Boudreaux
Pat Phillips, Musician of Lodge 6, is
an American History Award to Mannford
(left) and Field Representative Dwayne
presented the Fraternal Spirit Award by
High School student Dakota Davis.
D. Garner (right) presented a Safe Bus
Lodge President Emory Davis Jr.
Driver Award to Lafourche Parish
Headstart bus driver Patricia Jones,
who is also a new member.
St. Charles, MO
More 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.
Send your photos via e-mail to [email protected]. 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.
39
M ember N ews
An Anniversary
to Remember
rubbing kits to visitors so they could
go to the memorial wall and make
impressions of loved ones’ names.
(From left) R.B. Moore, Terry Wayne Carroll, Diane Kidd, Davis Dowdy,
Nicholas Kessler and Virginia Fraternal Coordinator Scott Koebel
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.”
A tearful hug and a respectful salute formed the touching
The foundation was built in Bedford in honor of the
scene that State Manager Terry Wayne Carroll witnessed
“Bedford Boys,” 30 soldiers from the area who were part
while volunteering with his local jurisdiction for the 65th
of the 29th Infantry Division during World War II. In
Anniversary of D-Day at the National D-Day Memorial
all, 22 died during the invasion or its aftermath. At the
Foundation in Bedford, VA.
time, the population of Bedford was approximately 3,200
people. Because of this disproportionate loss, Congress
On June 6, 1944, the two men in the scene were U.S.
felt that Bedford would best represent the sacrifice
soldiers at the Normandy invasion, and witnessed their
of all Americans at Normandy. Sadly, the last living
best friend perish at the steep rock wall that overlooked
Bedford
Boy passed away just three weeks prior to the
the beach. That was the last time that they saw each
anniversary event.
other until June 6, 2009, when they were united once
again at a very different kind of wall, the monument
The National D-Day Memorial Foundation exists to
bearing the name of their friend and many others.
educate the public and keep the legacy of that fateful
Carroll was witness to many such reunions that day, but
day alive. The 65th anniversary was a special event for
he found this scene in particular, delayed for 65 years,
the approximately 9,000 people in attendance. There
especially touching.
were USO shows, as well as a memorial service in honor
of those who fell on D-Day. Carroll was honored to
Woodmen of the World was the corporate sponsor for
be a part of it and said, “It was the best day of my life
the hospitality tent at the reunion and was in charge of
personally and professionally.”
registering the veterans and running the dining area.
Carroll and 48 other Woodmen of the World volunteers
To learn more about D-Day and the National D-Day
worked in shifts, reuniting long lost friends, comrades
Memorial Foundation, please visit their Web site at
and allies, as well as introducing veterans to students
dday.org. zx
and guests to share their stories. They also distributed
40
Wfm FAL L
2009
Dispute Resolution
Guide for Members
In 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 Officers
Woodmen 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
Peregrine Falcon Chicks
Banded and Named
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.
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.
Almost 1,700 name submissions were sent by people
from 22 different states for the falcon naming contest,
Please welcome …
Magnus
Inina
In Honor and
Remembrance
in Winter Issue
Woodmen 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
[email protected] by
Friday, November 13.
Willow
Lodge Reminders
Election 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.
42
Wfm FAL L
2009
Isis
Member News
Interest Rates
Deferred Annuities In Force Rate*
September 2009
Tier 1 Tier 2
3.10% 3.35%
Tier 1: Values under $25,000
Tier 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 Rates
Certificates issued in September 2009 Rate credited during initial lock-in period.
Annuity Product
Tier 1
1
SPDA with First Year Interest Bonus
FPDA with First year Interest Bonus2
SPDA3
FPDA
3
Tier 2
Tier 3
Tier 4
Tier 5
Tier 6
n/a
5.75%
6.00%
6.20%
6.60%
6.90%
n/a
4.75%
5.00%
5.20%
5.60%
5.90%
2.75%
3.15%
3.40%
3.60%
4.00%
4.30%
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
Tier 2:Values $10,000 and under $25,000
Tier 3:Values $25,000 and under $100,000
Tier 4:Values $100,000 and under $500,000
Tier 5:Values $500,000 and under $1,000,000
Tier 6:Values $1,000,000 and above
SPDA (Single Premium Deferred Annuity)
FPDA (Flexible Premium Deferred Annuity)
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)
43
F un Z one
How deep is your love for
Woodmen of the World?
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!
S M A
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M E M B
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2009
G X
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Wfm FAL L
E
L W E
M N N S
Benefit
Camps
Clearing
Community
Cullen
Drill Teams
Eighteen
Families
Forest
Fraternal
44
S
Galveston
Hotel
Iowa
Joseph
June
Life insurance
Lodges
Lyons
McCully
Membership
A R C D
R O
C C
C
A O O A U
T
U O A
P R
T
A
N U
A N G E
R
J
B R
L
N G H
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F
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E R
Z
I
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A
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Nebraska
Newberry
Ninety
Omaha
Paxton
Rangers
Root
Sermon
Sheely
Sidney Crawford
F
L W C
R S H N
L
J
Sixth
Society
Sovereign
Sportmens Clubs
Tidal wave
Volunteer
Willie Warner
Woodcraft
Woodmen Circle
Yates
R
Y
J
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?
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 ...’”
3. What were our National Conventions
originally called?
4. H
as 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?
Answers
1. The Sheely Building in Omaha, NE, from March 12-19, 1895.
2. Five times
3. Sovereign Camps
4. Yes, twice. Both times in San Antonio. First in 1923 and then again in 1949.
5. 1969
45
I N M EM O R I A M
Sterling Atkins Jr.
Age: 51
Hamburg, AR
Lodge 7
Statement
of Condition
Loraine Null Baldwin
Age: 76
Mineral Wells, TX
Lodge 703
June 30, 2009
Dorothy C. Comeaux
Age: 68
Houma, LA
Lodge 308
Grady Littleton Jones
Age: 77
Jackson, TN
Lodge 179
Sources of Income
Payments received from members for
insurance and annuities
Interest, dividends and rents less
investment expenses and taxes
Other income
Total
$429,752,735
204,773,244
10,517,238
$645,043,217
Furman Yates Robbins
Age: 56
Shelby, NC
Lodge 518
Kenneth Turner
Age: 82
Trenton, FL
Lodge 626
Reece Edward Adams
Age: 56
Hamburg, AR
Lodge 7
Herbert A. Gilliard
Age: 83
Apopka, FL
Lodge 825
Randolph Hill
Age: 85
Hamburg, AR
Lodge 7
How Income Was Used
Death 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
Civic and community welfare,
and fraternal expense
Federal, state and other taxes (insurance)
Compensation to Field Force for fraternal
activities and securing new members
Insurance expense
Total
Helen Ann Wade
Age: 57
Jacksonville, TX
Lodge 303
46
Wfm FAL L
2009
$441,609
15,573,712
3,254,715
19,980,645
57,196,146
$645,043,217
Newsworth y
Achieving Balance in
an Unstable Economy
B
alance 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.
Mark Schreier
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
47
PERIODICALS
Still Standing Strong.
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.
CD0279WOW 11/08