WoodmenLife Teen Chapter Officer Seeks to Create Positive Change

Mark Gabbie is inspiring long-lasting and positive change in the Harrisburg community.

Gabbie embodies this mission. When the recent high school graduate isn’t studying or playing football, he’s supporting community projects as president of Chapter 1439 in Harrisburg, AR.

Gabbie became involved in the chapter when his dad, a WoodmenLife Representative, started his position in 2018.

The chapter had been inactive for some time and just had its first chapter meeting in April.

“I wanted to help start the chapter back up because it would help the community,” Gabbie said. “This community is very tight knit.”

Passion for Community Service

At just 18 years old, Gabbie has always had a passion for helping others.

Since Chapter 1439 has been reactivated, he has helped the chapter rebuild relationships with local homeless shelters, food banks, schools, and food insecurity programs.

“Any influence I ever got was from my faith,” Gabbie said. “Anything you do that is positive will help more than anything negative that happens.

“My faith has influenced me because my life purpose is to always act selflessly. One way I can help with that is to give back to my community.”

This fall, Gabbie will be majoring in civil engineering at Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, AR, where he will also be playing football as an interior offensive lineman.

Mark’s father, Representative Steven Gabbie, said Mark has always had a big heart and enjoys helping anywhere he is needed.

“I was so proud when he agreed to take on the role of president of our local chapter,” Steven Gabbie said. “His servant heart and leadership are in everything he does. We are so proud of Mark and the young man he has become.”

Civic Engagement and Patriotism

Mark Gabbie offered advice from his own experience to help other young people get involved in their communities:

“Patriotism is overlooked in schools, and that is something WoodmenLife stands for. If you want to be patriotic or spread patriotism, join WoodmenLife. If you want to find community, WoodmenLife is a great community builder. It is unique — you can help on a community basis, and you can add community service to your resume.”

Learn more about how you can get involved with WoodmenLife and make a positive impact in your community.

You can also find a WoodmenLife chapter near you and explore opportunities to volunteer or take on a leadership role like Mark Gabbie.

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