WoodmenLife’s Outstanding Project of the Year Honored Our Heroes

At WoodmenLife, we believe in honoring the sacrifices made by our country’s heroes and their families.

That’s why we are proud to share the success of the WoodmenLife Outstanding Project of the Year, an initiative that values making a difference in our communities.

Inspiration Behind the Outstanding Project of the Year

When our servicemen and women make the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our country, the loss is felt long and deep by their families.

Showing these Gold Star families how much their sacrifice means to the rest of us was the inspiration for the 2024 Outstanding Project of the Year.

While serving as a Representative in Pennsylvania, Clint Davis — now a Recruiting Sales Manager in Peachland, NC — became part of a tradition where the local school district held an annual Gold Star Game to honor the memories of fallen heroes.

“When I came home to North Carolina, I brought the idea with me,” he said. “I went to the school where I grew up, and they were into it. Then, we looked for a school where they were playing and asked if they’d be interested in doing the game.

“It didn’t take long.”

A Tradition of Honor and Remembrance

That led to a Gold Star Dinner on Aug. 31, 2023, where four families were honored. The Gold Star Game was played next day, during which four Anson High School players wore jerseys that each recognized one of the fallen servicemen.

The experience of the family of Staff Sgt. Jerry Lineberry, who was killed during the Vietnam War, showed the power of the event. His sister had spent decades dealing with the tragic loss of her brother.

After initially being hesitant to participate, she was moved by the project’s purpose to honor heroes and thank their families for their sacrifice.

And as it happened, her grandson was the player chosen to represent her brother.

A Uniting Effort

Chapter 4 in Wadesboro, NC — with support from Chapter 70 in Marshville, NC — led the project. The chapter hosted a pregame tailgate that celebrated military members, First Responders and their families.

A Celebrating Red, White & Blue^® event was held before kickoff, and the chapter honored the Gold Star families on the field at halftime. The halftime ceremony served as a moving tribute to their loved ones’ legacies.

Each family received a replica jersey that included their loved one’s name and branch of service.

Celebrating Patriotism and Community

Since the 2023 game, Davis has been approached by people hoping to have their families honored in a similar fashion.

The goal is to honor four families annually, with the North Carolina chapters taking turns hosting the event.

As the tradition continues, Davis sees it as the ultimate example of what WoodmenLife is all about.

“I don’t think anything else shows celebrating patriotism like this does,” he said. “We’re helping to tell the WoodmenLife story and showing our love for our country.”

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