Iowa Chapter Brings Community Together for First Responders

When WoodmenLife Chapter 6011 Vice President Emily Oliver saw a post on Facebook last fall about an upcoming charity football game hosted by the new Iowa Rampage arena football team in Council Bluffs, IA, she recognized an opportunity for a partnership and to give back to the community.

The game, between area police officers and firefighters, would benefit the First Responders Foundation. “We’re very big on supporting our First Responders and those who give back to the community,” Oliver said. “We also could make a connection to a new group in the community and help provide some exposure and some success for them.”

Oliver thought the game would be a perfect opportunity for a Celebrating Red, White & Blue^® flag presentation. With Chapter President Doug Cozad, she put out some feelers to see if community members from two of the chapter’s partners — the Council Bluffs Colts Youth Football organization and the Story Street Pantry — would like to participate.

They got an enthusiastic response from people of all ages and backgrounds.

Respect for the Flag

On the evening of the game last December, more than 70 volunteers presented the 30-foot-by-60-foot American flag on the field at the Mid-America Center in Council Bluffs to a crowd of more than 700.

Oliver particularly remembers the reaction of the youth who participated.

“You could tell their eyes kind of lit up,” she said. “They got to experience, potentially for the first time, being on a bigger field at the arena, helping with the flag, learning about the different ways we respect our country’s flag, and how we handle it. It was a really cool learning opportunity for them as well.”

The chapter purchased tickets for the volunteers and other community members and made an additional $1,000 donation to the First Responders Foundation.

Commitment to Patriotism

Since our founding in 1890, members of the WoodmenLife family have been shining examples of American patriotism, giving back through activities like Celebrating Red, White & Blue. They also look for ways to thank our First Responders by taking part in projects and activities that raise funds for equipment and material.

Seeing the police officers and firefighters at the game — and being part of a community showing its patriotism by holding the flag — gave Cozad an overwhelming feeling of pride.

“For us, it’s a perfect example of where we get to share our commitment through WoodmenLife for family, community and country,” he said. “It’s a great opportunity to give back to our local heroes.”

To request a Celebrating Red, White & Blue event for your community, visit WoodmenLife.org/Flag-Form and complete the application form.

Learn more about WoodmenLife’s commitment to First Responders at WoodmenLife.org/First-Responders.

Photo credit: Gary Gahm Photography

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