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Miami Herald
06-05-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
AmeriLife Honors Veterans and Families During Military Appreciation Month
Press Releases AmeriLife Honors Veterans and Families During Military Appreciation Month Celebration serves as a continuation of the company's ongoing support of U.S. military veterans as it prepares for its second Honor Flight later this year AmeriLife Group, LLC ("AmeriLife"), a national organization that develops, markets, and distributes life and health insurance, annuities, and retirement planning solutions, is proud to recognize and honor the veterans and military families within its and its partners' ranks during Military Appreciation Month throughout May. The Heart of Service: Stories of Courage and Commitment At AmeriLife, we understand the profound impact of military service on individuals and their families. This May, AmeriLife is highlighting the stories of some of its veteran employees and its partnership with the Honor Flight Network to support and celebrate senior veterans. Henderson Barrow, marketing agency database manager for AmeriLife's Product Development Group, reflects on his 23 years of military service, emphasizing the deep sense of duty and the invaluable lessons learned. "At 18, I signed a four-year contract, committing to serve where and when directed, facing potential danger before I could legally drink. I re-enlisted, served in Desert Storm, and other hazardous locations. I did so willingly and without reservation, knowing the risks. I have received so much more from serving than I ever dreamed possible. But here's the deal: you need us on that wall, plane, and ship. There are threats around the world that you can't even fathom. Someone must volunteer to stand between you and them. And I was one of those people." Michael Coombs, managing director of AmeriLife of the Northeast, emphasizes veterans' personal and collective sacrifices. "In my home state of Massachusetts, six of my closest friends and I joined the military. Despite our recruiter's promise, we were scattered across the country, separated for two years. We volunteered out of genuine belief in our country and were proud to serve. Unfortunately, one of our friends will battle his wounds for the rest of his life after serving for over 30 years in the Army. It's easy to assume others will volunteer, but the reality is that many veterans pay a heavy price." Making Dreams Fly: AmeriLife and The Honor Flight Network AmeriLife is committed to honoring and supporting our nation's veterans. In 2023, the AmeriLife Gives Back Foundation entered its inaugural national partnership with the Honor Flight Network , a national non-profit that honors America's military veterans, especially those who served during World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, by facilitating free trips to Washington, D.C., to visit the memorials that commemorate their sacrifice and service. "By recognizing and honoring veterans, we allow generations of families and friends to understand, appreciate, and glimpse the sacrifices these fine men and women have given to the United States," said Barrow, highlighting the importance of such initiatives. Honoring our veterans is not confined to a single month; it is a continuous commitment to recognizing their lasting impact on all of us. Danny Woolman, an AmeriLife Career agent and trainer in Lakeland, FL, underscores this sentiment. "Serving my country was an honor, a family tradition, and a legacy. As my mother, father, and brothers all served, I almost felt an obligation, a duty to do so. My military experiences, from parachuting to serving at President Reagan's inauguration, fueled my patriotism. For young people seeking purpose, I urge them to consider military service." For AmeriLife associates, the National Guard has offered a way to serve while maintaining their careers. Military service isn't just giving; it's receiving invaluable discipline and training that employers value. But serving in the military isn't just a job; it has a purpose: protecting the freedoms we cherish. Rhonda Y. Thomas, executive administrative assistant at American Federal Benefits Consultants, adds: "Within its diverse ranks, the military creates a strong family dynamic, where collaboration drives shared success across all branches. We selflessly served with honor, bravery, dedication, and unity - performing a range of duties, many of which were outside the scope of our primary responsibilities. During my 20 years of service, the military was essential in transforming me into a better person! All military personnel have sacrificed and will sacrifice their lives so that others, both domestically and internationally, can live better ones." AmeriLife encourages everyone to find ways to express deep appreciation and support for our veterans, whether through volunteering, donating, or simply offering a heartfelt thank you. For more on the AmeriLife Gives Back Foundation, visit . About AmeriLife AmeriLife's strength is its mission: to provide insurance and retirement solutions to help people live longer, healthier lives. AmeriLife develops, markets, and distributes life and health insurance, annuities, and retirement planning solutions to enhance the lives of pre-retirees and retirees across the United States. For over 50 years, AmeriLife has partnered with top insurance carriers to provide value and quality to customers through a national distribution network of over 300,000 agents, financial professionals, and more than 160 marketing organizations and insurance agencies. For more information, visit and follow AmeriLife on Facebook and LinkedIn . Contact Information Jeff Maldonado Media Contact media@ Alex Hyer Corporate Development corporatedevelopment@
Yahoo
03-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Veterans Voices : Spring 2025 Honor Flight Preview
ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR) — The 10th Central and Southwest Virginia Honor Flight begins on Friday and goes through Sunday. The mission includes two area veterans from World War II and seventeen from the Vietnam service era to Washington, D.C. at no cost to them. The trip will depart from the National D-Day Memorial in Bedford, Virginia on Friday, 4 April 2025 at 10am and return to the D-Day Memorial on Sunday, 6 April at approximately noon. The hub will be bringing area veterans to the war memorials created in their honor and will be the journey of a lifetime for many who were never properly thanked for their service. The World War II Veterans traveling with us are both 100 years young. The Honor Flight Network began in 2005 to take World War II veterans to the National World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. at no cost to them. Since 2005, the network has escorted 317,128 Veterans to their memorials. Time is of the essence for our area WWII veterans. According to U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs 2024 statistics, just 66,143 of the 16.4 million Americans who served in World War II (.4%) are alive today. 2,121 of these are in Virginia. Each veteran is accompanied by a trained volunteer guardian whose mission is to assist the veteran in any way they can—by pushing wheelchairs, carrying belongings, or simply joining in a day full of celebration and reflection. While veterans' trip costs are paid for in full, guardians are asked to donate $400 to cover their trip costs. Guardian applications are screened and accepted on a first come first served basis. Honor Flight trips prioritize World War II and terminally ill veterans, with Korean and Vietnam service eras considered on a space available basis. Honor Flight trips are free of charge to the Veterans. To apply as a veteran or a guardian on future trips or for more information, visit Central and Southwest Virginia Honor Flight is recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
