Campfire Stories :30

What’s in a Name? The Story Behind “Modern Woodmen of America” We understand—Modern Woodmen of America is a name that often invites a second take. People usually ask us to repeat it, unsure they heard it right the first time. And when they do, their next question is usually: “What does it mean?” Let us explain. There’s no woodworking in our history. No cabinet making. No lumberjacks. Instead, our name is rooted in symbolism. Our founder, Joseph Cullen Root, was inspired by pioneer woodmen—those early settlers who cleared forests to build homes, create communities, and secure a future for their families. He saw a powerful metaphor in that: Just as the pioneers cleared physical obstacles, he envisioned an organization that would help families clear away financial burdens. That vision became reality on January 5, 1883, when Modern Woodmen of America was founded in Lyons, Iowa. A year later, we moved across the Mississippi River to Fulton, Illinois, and in 1897, we relocated downriver to Rock Island, Illinois, which remains our home office today. We’re proud of our name and the legacy it represents. We invite you to watch our commercial, which highlights the spirit of today’s pioneers—people who, like those before them, build a better future for their families and communities. https://youtu.be/kZx9VeGC-8E?si=TOAi-1sF0zyw1p5i

Are you a new mom? Naturally, you want to do everything you can to protect your child-today and in the future. One way to provide peace of mind is through life insurance. By securing coverage for yourself, you're ensuring your child will be financially protected no matter what life brings. If you'd like to learn more, I'd love to speak with you and help you explore your options.

We had an amazing time at our social event at Carolina Ice Palace! ⛸️❄️ Skating through Summer was an absolute blast! Thank you so much to everyone who came out — we loved spending time with you and your family. Your energy and smiles made the day unforgettable! 💙 Interested in Getting Involved? If you'd like to learn more about our chapter events, I'd love to connect with you. Let's chat-I'm happy to share more about what we're doing and how you can get involved.

🎖️ Member Spotlight: Luke Willard We’re proud to highlight Luke Willard, an Airman First Class (A1C / E-3) serving with honor in the Air National Guard, a vital reserve component of the United States Air Force. Luke recently returned from a deployment-for-training (DFT) to Germany, where his squadron supported operations involving a SCIF (Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility)—highly secure areas used for handling classified intelligence. These missions require strict protocols, offering valuable real-world experience for service members like Luke. Traveling aboard a C-130 military aircraft, Luke and his fellow airmen were treated to an unforgettable first: the flight crew invited them into the cockpit during takeoff and landing to observe and ask questions—a rare and exciting opportunity for many on board. When asked what he enjoys most about his military service, Luke pointed to the hands-on training, the chance to learn new skills, and the travel opportunities—like this mission to Germany. He originally joined for the education benefits and to gain a head start on his future career, and he’s making the most of every opportunity. Luke also shared how much he’s appreciated working with Brent at Modern Woodmen, saying the financial guidance has helped him make smart decisions early in his career. “Starting early,” he said, “has been a huge advantage.” Fun Fact About Luke: He’s Wild About Socks! 🧦 What started as a small tradition between Luke and his mom and three older sisters—gifting him fun, uniquely designed socks—has grown into a full-blown passion. Over time, more friends and family joined in, hunting for the most creative and outrageous socks they could find for him. Before long, Luke realized he had quite the collection—117 pairs by January 2024! That’s when he challenged himself to wear a different pair each day and document it on social media. His “Sock of the Day” posts quickly became a hit, with people eagerly checking in to see what wild pattern or theme would show up next. The collection kept growing—thanks in part to a sock-of-the-month club—and so did his fan base. He even took a short hiatus while traveling overseas, and followers were quick to notice: “Where’s the sock post?!” Now, Luke’s on a mission to one day wear a different pair every single day of the year. Until then, the socks keep coming, and so do the smiles. Luke represents the next generation of investors-disciplined, forward-thinking, and committed to building a strong future. Thank you for your service and dedication to our US Military. You’re a valued member of the Modern Woodmen family, and we’re proud to spotlight you.