2026 Fraternalist of the Year Has Spent More Than 40 Years Giving Back

Joe Branch was caught off guard when he found out he had been selected as WoodmenLife’s 2026 Fraternalist of the Year.

Branch, a member of Chapter 1 in Vicksburg, MS, is committed to serving his community through WoodmenLife and supporting causes that help others. A born-again Christian and proud American, Branch is known for giving his time to help neighbors, support Veterans, and serve his community.

“I was totally surprised and felt very humbled to receive this recognition,” Branch said. He learned about the award during a personal phone call from WoodmenLife President & CEO Denise M. McCauley.

While he appreciates the recognition, Branch said he doesn’t volunteer for the praise — he volunteers because he wants to help others.

“It is very humbling,” Branch said. “I just try to do my part for WoodmenLife and my community.”

That commitment to serving others has been a constant throughout Branch’s more than 40 years as a WoodmenLife member.

Finding Ways to Help

Throughout 2025, Branch participated in a variety of projects that supported people in his community.

One of the experiences he’s most proud of was helping with Honor Flight trips.

“My small participation in the Honor Flight for United States Veterans to go to Washington, D.C., to see the amazing monuments to our Founding Fathers and the war memorials was such an honor,” Branch said.

Read More: WoodmenLife Sponsors Lone Eagle Honor Flight

Branch also helped provide Christmas meals and essential items for local women’s and children’s shelters. Donations included toiletries, stocking caps, socks, underclothing, and other everyday necessities.

His outreach efforts extended to local schools, as well. Branch supported school supply drives and teacher appreciation projects by providing items such as copy paper, coffee makers, coffee, and snacks for teachers’ lounges.

He also helped recognize local heroes. In 2025, Branch presented a Lifesaver Award to David Day, a local news reporter who stepped in to help a fallen firefighter by providing lifesaving oxygen.

In another project, Branch used a WoodmenLife event trailer to prepare hot dogs and meals for local firefighters and law enforcement officers as a way to thank them for their service.

Fraternalist of the Year

For Branch, the projects may change, but the goal stays the same. When asked which types of outreach matter most to him, his answer was simple: helping others.

Branch believes his passion for service is what helped set him apart for this year’s Fraternalist of the Year recognition.

Those who know Branch say his commitment to helping others certainly made him stand out.

“Mr. Joe Branch is one of those rare individuals who makes a meaningful difference without ever seeking recognition,” said Kristy White, WoodmenLife’s Community Outreach Advisor in the Mississippi Region, who helped write his nomination. “Quietly and humbly, he shows up time and time again for his family, friends, his chapter, and the wider community.

“He simply gets things done, reliably and selflessly, never looking for praise or acknowledgment. In fact, recognition is the last thing he would expect because that’s not what motivates him. Joe does what he does for one simple reason: He believes it’s the right thing to do.”

A WoodmenLife Family Tradition

Branch’s connection to WoodmenLife began in 1983 and continues today.

His family’s involvement spans multiple generations. “Our family is a 100% WoodmenLife family, including grandchildren and great-grandchildren,” Branch said.

Looking ahead, Branch is already thinking about the next ways he can give back.

He hopes to help install a flagpole and American flag at a local nursing home, participate in another Honor Flight, and continue serving his community through WoodmenLife.

More than four decades after becoming a member, Branch remains committed to helping others and making a difference where he lives.

His dedication to service, his support of local organizations, and his willingness to step up wherever help is needed make Branch a deserving Fraternalist of the Year.

Written by: Diana Henry, Senior Digital Copywriter

Read More

Omaha, NE, Chapter Earns 2026 Chapter of the Year Award

2026 Outstanding Project of the Year Winner Brought Holiday Cheer to Families

WEB964