Veterans

At just 17 years old, William “Carter” Duberry voluntarily enlisted in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. He was born on December 31, 1956, and raised in the small town of Mount Pleasant, Tennessee, located about 60 miles south of Nashville. Duberry was the second-oldest of four children, with two brothers and…

Jeff Wideman’s path to a 25-year military career began in St. Louis, Missouri, where he was born in April 1972. He grew up in Florissant and later graduated from Oakville High School in 1991. He was the younger of two boys in the household. As a kid, Wideman loved the outdoors. He loved playing football…

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…

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…

Born and raised in Alton, Missouri, Ray grew up in humble beginnings during a time when hard work and family were central to daily life. “He was born at home and grew up with oil lamps and wood stoves — no electricity,” Jodi shared. “They farmed, raised hogs and sheep, sold corn, milo, milk, and…

Devin Larzelere grew up in the small, rural town of Lily, Wisconsin, in a close-knit family. He was the middle child, with three older brothers and three younger sisters. As a young boy, he enjoyed playing basketball and football, as well as spending time in the woods. His upbringing was also influenced by military service,…

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…

Jesse Ard was born on October 23, 1922, in Wilson, Louisiana. He grew up with his brother, Tom, and his sister, Frances. After losing their father at a young age, Jesse, as the oldest child, took on the role of a father figure to his siblings, quickly learning the values of leadership and responsibility—qualities that…

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…

Robert Stephenson was born in Chicago on June 14, 1925, as the third of four children in his family, with two older brothers and a younger sister. When he was a young boy, his family moved to Moline, Illinois. There, his father purchased a house, but they lost it during the Great Depression. The family…