Wilburn “Bill” Williford: Veteran of the Month | May 2024
Wilburn “Bill” Williford was the oldest child among seven siblings. He was born in Whitten, Arkansas, in 1917, but his family later moved to the Bootheel of Missouri to search for better employment opportunities. His father worked various odd jobs to support the family, and when Williford was only 7 or 8 years old, he…
Read MoreThe Evolution of the Lake Forest Charity Classic: Golf, Pickleball, and Purpose
Over a decade ago, I founded Veterans Care Coordination to assist veterans and their families. Since then, I have remained committed to serving the community by establishing several organizations that support various philanthropic initiatives. As a sports enthusiast and a sponsored pickleball player, I decided to combine my passion for sports and philanthropy. That’s when…
Read MoreProtecting Aging Skin: The Importance of Skin Cancer Awareness in May
Skin Cancer Awareness Month: May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, and skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed type of cancer in the US, with over 5 million cases annually. However, the good news is that skin cancer is also the most preventable form of cancer. Because skin cancer is visible, it can be detected…
Read MoreMay’s Salute: Honoring Our Military and Their Families
May is a special month as it marks Military Appreciation Month. This is a time for us to acknowledge and honor the invaluable contributions and sacrifices made by our military members and their loved ones. Every day, families across the nation and the world hold their dear ones in their hearts and thoughts, feeling both…
Read MoreSamuel J. Hughes: Veteran of the Month | April 2024
Samuel Jefferson Hughes, named after his grandfathers, was born in St. Louis in 1947. He is the oldest of two boys. His family never stayed in one place very long. Hughes laughed, saying, “We moved a lot; we were gypsies, I guess.” They always lived in the St. Louis area, but he estimates he moved…
Read MoreEmpowering Independence: Home Care Solutions for Aging Veterans
Dealing with the challenges of aging can be overwhelming for both the individual experiencing it and their loved ones. An aging Veteran may start to struggle with basic care or face physical challenges due to injury, age, or health. Often, it is not easy for aging Veterans to ask for help when it becomes difficult…
Read MoreGlenn Schmidt: Veteran of the Month | March 2024
Glenn Schmidt was born in Wilmington, Delaware, in September 1941. He is the oldest among his four siblings. His family has some Pennsylvania Dutch roots and a long history of farming. When Schmidt was nine years old, his father moved the family to Philadelphia, PA, which he wasn’t initially happy about. At a young age,…
Read MoreThe Power of ‘Welcome Home’: Celebrating Vietnam Veterans on National Vietnam War Veterans Day
Vietnam War Veterans Day Have you ever heard someone say “Welcome Home” to a Vietnam Veteran, and if so, do you know why this is done? It is a small gesture of gratitude and recognition for their immense sacrifices for our country. These brave soldiers were not only fighting in a war zone, but…
Read MoreSteven L. Mabry: Veteran of the Month | February 2024
Born in 1943, Steven Mabry is the second oldest of four siblings. His family consists of one older brother and two younger sisters. He grew up in St. Louis, Missouri, after his parents moved there from Hornersville, Missouri, where they had worked on a farm picking cotton. Mabry explained, “My brother was born in the…
Read MoreHonoring Sacrifice: A Journey Through Normandy, France
In November of last year, I had the opportunity to explore the charming Normandy area in France. To make the most out of my visit, we hired the services of a local tour company called Albion Voyages, located in Bayeux, France (https://www.albion-voyages.com/). Our itinerary included visits to Pointe Du Hoc, Omaha Beach, The Normandy American…
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