For nearly 250 years, the men and women of the United States Armed Forces have defended our nation’s freedoms with courage and sacrifice. The nation’s oldest military branches—the Army, Navy, and Marine Corps—were established in 1775, before the Declaration of Independence was signed. Since then, millions of Americans have served in uniform across every generation,…

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This Military Appreciation Month, the National Association for Veteran Rights (NAVR) launched its Right to Choose: Veterans Helping Veterans campaign—a documentary-style video series sharing the firsthand experiences of Veterans navigating the VA benefits system and the challenges they faced accessing the support they needed.   The campaign is an important reminder of something we see…

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  James Bodenheimer was born on September 8, 1950, in Jefferson City, Tennessee. When he was three years old, his family moved to Knoxville, where he grew up on the outskirts of the city with two older sisters, a younger sister, and a younger brother. He remarked that there was always something happening when he…

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The Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for Veterans and surviving spouses who receive VA pension benefits, including Pension with Aid and Attendance, is an annual increase intended to help benefits keep pace with inflation. The adjustment is based on changes to the Consumer Price Index (CPI), specifically the CPI-W (Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage…

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  A Note of Gratitude From Kyle    As we head into the holiday season, I find myself reflecting on the moments that remind us why our mission matters—and why our partnerships are so critical to our mission. This Veterans Day, our VCC team stepped out of the office and into the homes of the…

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Daniel Smith was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, the youngest of eight children in a family of four boys and four girls. Being the baby of the family, he admits with a laugh that he was a “mama’s boy.” Growing up, Smith enjoyed playing sports, including baseball, football, and basketball, and worked various odd…

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Each summer, the Lake Forest Country Club in Lake St. Louis becomes more than a place for golf and recreation—it transforms into a hub of generosity and remembrance during the annual Frankie G Charity Classic and Pickleball Tournament. What began as two separate charitable events—the Lake Forest Charity Classic and the Frankie G Memorial—has grown…

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Elmus Miller Jr. was born in Wellston, Missouri, in 1940. Shortly before his second birthday, his parents divorced, and he moved to Arkansas, where he lived with his grandparents. His family worked on farms, pulling corn and picking cotton, and would often relocate in southeastern Missouri and parts of Arkansas for work. As a child, he enjoyed…

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  As our parents age, we may notice unexpected changes in their behavior or personality. These changes can occur gradually over time or suddenly and unexpectedly. One common change that surprises many people is when an elderly parent begins to accumulate belongings. I have witnessed this firsthand and heard countless stories from families sharing their…

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As temperatures drop, winter can present specific challenges for seniors, including an increased risk of falls, health complications, hypothermia, depression, and carbon monoxide poisoning. However, with proactive planning and the right support system, such as home care, seniors can effectively manage these challenges and enjoy a safe and comfortable winter season. By taking preventative measures…

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