Incredibly proud of my team and the professionalism, teamwork, and calm leadership they demonstrated while off station for a group training. During our time together, we were faced with a real-world medical emergency involving an injured civilian, and our team responded immediately; securing the scene, assessing the situation, stabilizing the victim, and coordinating care until paramedics arrived. This collective effort and selfless action ultimately led us to being awarded the Air and Space Achievement Medal, a well-deserved recognition of leadership under pressure. Moments like this reflect the strength of our team and the standard of excellence we strive to uphold every day in the U.S. Air Force.

Chloe, a member of Chapter 12266, recently used the Do-Good Grant®️ to purchase clothing for teens at Isaiah 117 House. Modern Woodmen gives $200 in seed money to help members conduct a project of their choice that will benefit the local public or a nonprofit organization. A little bit about Isaiah 117 House: they provide children entering foster care with a safe, home-like space during one of the hardest moments of their lives. Instead of waiting in an office, they’re welcomed by loving volunteers with clean clothes, toys, meals, and comfort while the staff work to find a secure placement. Chloe connected with Jenna, the Greenville County location leader, to ask how the $200 could best support immediate needs for the children they serve. The top request? Bin-size clothing, as many children arrive with little to nothing. She spent an hour thoughtfully selecting sweaters, plaid shirts, jeans, khakis, and short and long sleeve shirts for teenage boys and girls. Her project is a great example of members stepping up to meet real needs in our community. We encourage every member to apply for the Do-Good Grant and participate so we can continue making an impact and highlight the incredible work YOU are doing across our chapters. In a few months, we'll join them for their ribbon-cutting ceremony and celebrate the meaningful work they are doing... we can't wait!

We are honored to partner with Pour Out Project in their fundraising efforts and to serve as the food sponsor for their most recent event, the Pour Out Social. I spoke about how the organization truly embodies unity and patriotism through its strong focus on supporting Upstate charitable organizations. Pour Out Project is a nonprofit organization based in the Upstate, dedicated to empowering local nonprofits to multiply their impact. Its mission centers on activating people to live on mission by providing capacity-building support, strategic coaching, and sustainable funding to strengthen local ministries and nonprofits. It is a privilege to stand alongside Pour Out Project as they pour into our community, and we are excited to continue supporting work that truly makes a difference across the Upstate. #CommunityImpact #PourOutProject #UpstateSC #MissionDriven #StrongerTogether

Meet Kirsten Fryer, she is an awesome property and casualty agent in Summerville, SC! Tell us about yourself and what inspired you to do the work you do today? Seeing the impact of an insurance decline on a claim for my brother’s surgery when he was 16. This financial devastation personally affected my family for years. When I was in HR in 2012 and learned of the ACA law that would remove the pre-existing clause from most insurance for group and individual, I knew first-hand how important that would be to many families. My company was closing, so I had the opportunity to switch carriers at a volatile time in insurance. I made the change and am glad I did. What is your go-to drink and treat for the winter? Coffee! Treat at this time of year Girl Scout cookies: Caramel Delight is my favorite. How has your experience been working with TJ at Modern Woodmen? TJ is an amazing, knowledgeable agent. He has worked with me for both my financial planning and that for my disabled brother, and aging mother. He communicates with every member of my family professionally, and with kindness. He has enabled me to provide for a future, a retirement even, when I was starting from zero after my divorce. What’s one local business/place you love to support in Charleston? Local businesses are so important to the growth of a community! Large companies don’t invest in the community like small business will. I support partners like Sweetgrass Roofing & Exteriors, Family Affair Painting, Tactical Electrical, Leisure Depot, Meadows Accounting, and Cornerstone Chiropractic. I also prefer to visit my local places: Luxe Bar & Bistro, Accent on Wine at Whitehall, and Wine & Tapas over the larger franchised places. I know the owners at each location and love the community it builds. What’s a goal you’re excited about for 2026? Grow my business through client and network referrals to add a minimum of 50 new families this year. Assist my youngest son through his transition from High school, graduation and into a technical college for his degree. Support my mother and disabled brother, so that they can remain together for as long as possible in the comfort of our home. Be able to travel and expand my own life experience through a view of the world not just our home state.