Michigan
March/April 2022
Jesica Brooks
“You’re too pretty to be a cop!”
Lauren Cook
Women Can Do It And Rise To The Challenge
Kim Lefler
Honoring and Empowering Women Veterans Harley-Davidson Style
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Gather Veterans Team “Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.” - Helen Keller
Hannah Bouwmeester Owner/Publisher Gather Veterans
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TABLE OF CONTENTS March/April 2022
08
Publisher’s Note
10
Kim Lefler
14
Theresa Robinson
17
VA Update
18
Lauren Cook
22
Whispers of Honor
24
Grit for the Grind of Life
26
Jesica Brooks
28
Stifel
30
INSURANCE 101
32
Letter from a Hometown Hero
34
Coffee Table Coach
35
Shroonin’
36
Michigan Officers Association of America
38
Hasselback Stuffed Chicken
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Photo Credit: Facebook
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Publisher’s Note The Beauty of Women
Photo Credit: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Loretta_Perfectus_Walsh
As a mother of five daughters, I am committed to the importance of teaching my girls to celebrate their strength and significance in this world and yet embrace their femininity. I am always astonished when in the course of study or research, the blatant disregard of women as powerful, beautiful, passionate, and capable human beings in our world’s history confronts me. Even today, there remains the barbaric and subhuman treatment of women in parts of the world. Disgraceful and sad. How grateful I am to live in a country that not only treats women as equal now but allows women to soar to pretty much any height they desire. While we may have a little further to go, we are way ahead of most parts of the globe comparatively. Military.com shares the story of one such beautiful, passionate, brave, trail-blazing woman,
Photo Credit: https://www.navyyard.org/ theyardblog/2019/03/06/ loretta-walsh-first-woman-toenlist-in-the-u-s-navy/
“On March 21, 1917, Loretta Perfectus Walsh became America’s first official enlisted woman of any service when she joined the Navy. In the spring of 1917, the United States began preparing for the inevitability of war. However, men were not enlisting in sufficient numbers. On March 19, 1917, Navy Secretary Josephus Daniels determined that women could be enrolled in the U.S. Naval Reserve Force and issued an order authorizing their enlistment.”
Not only did Loretta swing wide the door that had barred women in the military, but she also became an example to motivate the young men who had refused to take up the banner of war. “A few days later, permission was granted to enlist one woman, with the idea that the enlistment of a woman might prompt young men to follow suit.” I am delighted to share the story of various such women in this issue of GVWH. We are shining the light on just a few of the many women who have faced obstacles, fears, and prejudice to blaze personal trails of impact in our world. Who knows how many readers will take action by us sharing their stories. Our March/April issue is dedicated to not only these featured women but to all women who serve our country as first responders, nurses, teachers, and, of course, our military branches. Veterans often choose to serve their country first and then continue their legacy of service as community heroes as do other women of note. Thank you to all the women who have dedicated their lives to selfless service and sacrifice. We salute you. Girl Power, Owner/Publisher
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Featured Veteran Supporter
Kim Lefler
Honoring and Empowering Women Veterans Harley-Davidson Style By Amanda Renkiewicz Motorcycle Photos by Veteran Rachael Sherman - Picture It By The Bay Photography
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A Veteran, whether active duty, retired, national guard or reserve, is someone who at one point in his or her life wrote a blank check made payable to the United States of America for an amount of up to and including their life. Every Harley-Davidson Motorcycle is special and unique to the owner, but few stand out as much as the 2005 HarleyDavidson Softail Deluxe owned by Kim Lefler. The brilliant blue bike is airbrushed by hand with striking tributes to female Veterans. “Working with female Veterans, I discovered that they aren’t recognized as Veterans,” Kim explains. “Most don’t even wear a Veteran hat like their male counterparts. If they’re at an event, it’s assumed that the male next to them is the Veteran and not them.” Disturbed by the trend, Kim decided to act. “I wanted to change that perception because women
are Veterans too, and have been since the start of wars in America.” was Kim’s impressive knowledge of the subject has become a lifelong passion. Her dedication to bringing women Veterans to the forefront led her to commission a masterpiece on her motorcycle for everyone to see. While Kim’s husband, John, obtained his motorcycle endorsement when he was 16 years old, Kim didn’t have hers until her son Evan wanted his own. They took the class together, and she’s been on a motorcycle ever since. Her bike has
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87,000 original miles and was painted by a man they met through mutual friends. “He had a career in painting and now does this for friends. He did a lot of research about my theme of Women in the Military. I gave him what I wanted on the bike, and he filled in the blanks. From concept to completion, it took about a year, and painting was finished at his home over the winter months,” Kim explains. The art on the bike thoughtfully showcases military tributes in a flowing, gorgeous array. All branches of the military are represented, including the Reserves and Guard. A purple heart ribbon weaves throughout the motorcycle, bringing it together. A challenge coin on the fender is an Army Challenge coin from Kim’s husband, covering three holes for the license plate.
The artist explained how he painted one historic and integral part on the front of the bike, the Medal of Honor. It’s dedicated to Mary Walker, the only woman recipient of the prestigious award. She graduated in 1855 as a medical doctor, an unprecedented feat. When the Civil war broke out in 1861, she tried to join the Army as a surgeon but was denied. She chose to volunteer for the Union Army. Mary eventually moved to Tennessee when her medical credentials were finally accepted, and she was appointed as a War Dept. Surgeon. She was captured in April 1864 by the South and held as a POW for about four months. President Andrew Johnson awarded her the Medal of Honor even though she was a civilian who had never been a commissioned officer in the military. Terribly, her medal was rescinded in 1917, two years before her death. In 1977, President Jimmy Carter restored her honor in her name, thanks to the strenuous efforts of her family.
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history since before the Civil War.” Kim reminds others that there was never a draft for womenthey volunteered. On the Vietnam Memorial Wall, eight women’s names, all nurses, are among the thousands lost in battle. Kim’s own story is inspirational as well. “I’m a daughter, sister, wife, mother, and grandmother,” she says proudly. She’s been an RN since 1982 and a Family Nurse Practitioner since 2000. She’s worked in northern Michigan for her entire career, at Munson Medical Center, the Traverse City State Hospital, and outpatient rehab programs and Community Mental Health. Kim says, “My career at the Col. Demas T. Craw Traverse City VA Community Based Outpatient Clinic provided me with a greater understanding and awareness of the Veterans in our area. I’m currently retired from the VA after a 20-year career.” History and local culture are combined on Kim’s bike. Bright art showing wings with cherries is a nod to the Traverse City community. “Since we live in Coast Guard City, I asked for a tribute to them. This depicts Sleeping Bear dunes and the Manitou Islands National Park. The Coast Guard has female pilots, crew chiefs, mechanics, rescue swimmers and all other jobs in the Coast Guard. Coast Guard Air Station became Coast Guard City TC in April 2010, and the Cherry Wings became a symbol of the Air Station in March 2013,” details Kim. One unforgettable aspect of the bike is the depiction of five female soldiers in different branches of the military. “On one of our many rides to Rolling Thunder in Washington DC, we visited the Women Military Memorial in Arlington. There was a very large American Flag hanging on display over the information booth. Looking straight on to the flag, you saw the American flag, and from an angle, you saw the five head covers of Women in the military. It shows that women are in ALL branches of the military,” Kim says. People’s reaction to Kim’s bike is always inspiring. “This bike has been in dozens of shows and won many awards, and I tell the inspiration of it to all who will listen,” Kim explains. “Women Veterans thank me for helping to tell their stories and making people aware of what women have done in our
Retirement has not slowed down this rider, as Kim is an active member of the: • Grand Traverse Area Veterans Coalition • American Legion Post 35 Auxiliary and Am. Legion Riders Post 35 • DAV Auxiliary Ch. 38 • VFW Auxiliary Post 6333 Part of Kim’s legacy is through her family history, with many members who have been strongly involved with the military. Her father served in the late ’40s at Camp Grayling in the Army National Guard, her oldest brother Kurt was a career Air Force member, and her brother Keith was in the Army during the Cold War. Two of her uncles were active, one in the Navy during Korea and the other in the Air Force during Vietnam. Her husband John was drafted into the Army in 1966-1968 as a combat Engineer Spec 5 in Vietnam. Kim encourages everyone to research women in the military to see all they have accomplished and continue to accomplish. “Women are trail blazers and have provided great leadership, advocacy, and skills to our military and beyond,” she advocates. Everyone knows the iconic 1940’s art with a woman rolling up her sleeve and flexing, saying, “We can do it!” Women, you have done it and continue to do it! Hats off to women!
Featured Veteran Supporter: Do you know a Veteran Supporter who you would like to nominate to be featured in an upcoming issue? Or would you be willing to share your story? Email pam@gatherveterans.com
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Featured Veteran
Theresa served her country in the Navy from 1974 through 1976.
Theresa Robinson
Female / Miss / PN3 / Mrs / Mother / VETERAN By Karen Rieser
The United States military, initially an organization of men, traditionally regarded females as persons to be protected due to their weakness of mind and body. This idea, honored by men, never really held water for women determined to participate in protecting their country.
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Theresa has become known as a helper. She receives many requests for help for a wide variety of concerns from both men and women.
Kent County Theresa - Serving in the Veterans Honor Guard. For the most part, women served in the military as cooks, seamstresses, secretaries, laundresses, and nurses, unless disguised as men. On June 12th, 1948, the change began when President Harry Truman signed Executive Order 9981, the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act, allowing women to serve in all military branches, thus establishing the Women’s Army Corps (WAC). However, the order put a cap of two percent for the military population of women, thus limiting female involvement. It wasn’t until 2015 that women were free to earn any position a man held, including combat duty. Life for women in the military continues to change, but not without obstacles to overcome and the constant need to demand respect. It has taken a multitude of women to fight these battles, Theresa Robinson being among them. In the nineteen sixties and seventies, our country was rocking in Vietnam and here at home. Peace,
love, war protests, sexual liberation, pot, blue jeans anything challenging the status quo was on. Theresa enlisted in the United States Navy during this era, serving her country from 1974 through 1976. The Navy assigned Theresa to the challenge of processing, welcoming, and providing base tours for all Monday morning trainees reporting to her squadron. Her MOS was that of a Personnelman; note the suffix “man”. Theresa realized her purpose later in life, although it had been present for a great while. Her gift, the strong desire to help people and take on challenges that make a difference for herself and the lives of others. In order to learn to use this unrealized gift, Theresa felt God led her to the Navy. During her time in the military, Theresa enhanced the skills she would use for the rest of her life. She learned how to prioritize, stay organized, have
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expectations for herself and others, manage her business, and that there are times when you just have to do what you are told to do. Theresa has applied these skills in her life roles as a female, wife, mother, and businesswoman. However, it was not long before Theresa realized an additional calling to support the veteran community, emphasizing female soldiers. Remembering her own Vietnam-era postmilitary experience, she realized a need for the VA to provide veterans’ services and educate each individual about their availability and use. As a result, Theresa became involved with the veteran community at both the local and state levels to satisfy this yearning. As an active member of the American Legion, Walter Durkee Post 311, Theresa presently serves as Adjutant and holds titles of Past Commander, Past 1st Vice Commander, and 2nd Vice Commander. Theresa also works with the United Veterans Council of Kent County and holds the titles of Past Commander, Past 1st Vice Commander, and Past 2nd Vice Commander. Presently she serves as Assistant Judge Advocate and Parade Co-Chair of this organization. As Parade Co-Chair, Theresa and her partner organize both the Veteran’s Day and Memorial Day Parades, always a big job. But, as strong veterans, Covid-19 wasn’t going to hold them or the parades hostage. So rolling up their sleeves, they created virtual parades on YouTube, the council’s Facebook page, and other social media outlets. Being a Kent County Veteran’s Honor Guard member honoring fallen veterans is the position most dear to Theresa. In addition, she is a member of a State of Michigan committee serving female soldiers. The committee’s goal is to inform the civilian community of the needs of female veterans and the fact that SHE IS A VETERAN TOO!
Theresa with her parents Ray and Margaret Novakoski
Theresa at Kent County Airport arriving home from boot camp
As a real estate agent, Theresa experiences great pleasure guiding veterans as they establish their homes. She finds the ability to speak veteran to veteran extremely helpful in doing the best job she can for her clients.
Being active in the veteran community, Theresa has become known as a helper. She receives many requests for help for a wide variety of concerns from both men and women. In Theresa’s view, directing these veterans to the best and most appropriate resources is of great importance. In taking on tasks serving veterans, Theresa continues to serve her country and serve it well. After coming to know Theresa, I feel she has made many noteworthy contributions and supports her country and its veterans, female and male. Life for women in the military is changing, albeit slowly. But, change is occurring due to women’s actions, such as Theresa Robinson. Yes, SHE IS A VETERAN TOO! To hear Theresa speak for herself, check out YouTube - “SHE IS A VETERAN - Theresa Robinson”.
Featured Veteran: Do you know a Veteran who you would like to nominate to be featured in an upcoming issue? Or would you be willing to share your story? Email pam@gatherveterans.com
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VA Update
Airborne Hazards and Burn Pit Exposures Certain veterans can now file for newly listed presumptives of asthma, rhinitis, and sinusitis. Veterans must have gotten one of these conditions within 10 years of separation from active duty to be eligible.
By Michael Roof
Director, Dept. of Veteran Affairs, Grand Traverse County
The recently added three presumptives for veterans who served in: • Afghanistan, Djibouti, Syria, Uzbekistan during the Persian Gulf War, from September 19, 2001 to the present, or • The Southwest Asia theater of operations from August 2, 1990, to the present Military service members could have been exposed to many different hazards including:
• Smoke and fumes from open burn pits • Sand, dust, and particulate matter • General air pollution common in certain countries • Fuel, aircraft exhaust, and other mechanical fumes • Smoke from oil well fires Veterans who have been diagnosed with one or more of these conditions can file for VA disability. VA Healthcare is also available for free to combat veterans that have separated within five years. Veterans can also file a claim for compensation and benefits with your local county Veterans Affairs office. Go to www.macvc.net and find a counselor for assistance near you.
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– 17
Featured Coast Guard
Women Can Do It And Rise To The Challenge
Lauren Cook By Amanda Renkiewicz
Strong support is an essential part of success, and that fact is no different for our local Coast Guard and their team. While the pilots and rescue members are tasked with the adrenaline rushes of searches or recovery events, behind the scenes help is ongoing and important. “People are still surprised when I say I’m in the Coast Guard,” laughs Lauren Cook, “but I am!” As a First-Class Yeoman E6, Lauren works what she calls the human resources side of the organization. Her primary duties are in administration, helping with written orders, filing claims, ensuring proper benefits and pay, and even coordinating logistics when Coast Guard members are moving. “It’s a less glamorous job, but I still feel like part of a team,” she says. “I’m not flying the planes, but we all work together to keep our community safe and secure in different ways.” Lauren is a key part of the action through answering the distress calls, starting the alarm, and communicating with the helicopter. “I love supporting my co-workers and working with these heroic people,” she says.
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e Lauren over th lls Niagara Fa
Lauren with her husband Matt, and kids Everett and Ruthie
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A Coast Guard career wasn’t on Lauren’s radar when she graduated from college with a degree in International Relations. She had the misfortune of graduating during the recession, making the path to her plans much tougher. She hoped to find a job in the government or attend law school, and both were impossible to do with the hiring freezes and lack of jobs in the fields. Unsure how to move forward,
Marching at a Veterans Day parade
Lauren took a position in Puerto Rico through the Enterprise Car Rental Management Program. While there, she met a group of Coasties who inspired her to join with their talks of adventure through their missions. She joined the Coast Guard at age 26 and could have been stationed at any unit, but to her happiness, that unit was Michigan. What Lauren dubbed as a trial turned into a job she’s been at for eight years. She first worked in the Detroit area and was part of the cases, even flying over Niagara Falls on a mission. She was transferred to Traverse City in 2020 and brought her husband and two kids with her. “I’m gaining so much experience here,” she says. “I’ve learned practical skills to have in this field that would translate to the civilian sector, and I’m able to have a work-life balance that fits our family.” Calls to the Coast Guard range in drama and needs. “It can be a false alarm, like when there was a sick person on a freighter they thought would need to be airlifted out, but later didn’t have to be,” Lauren recalls. “But then we answer frantic calls about lost people, where time is running short. On Christmas day, we picked up a missing hiker. While winter
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slows down here, people are still ice fishing, snowmobiling, and exploring the outdoors, and we’re on call when they need help. Christmas doesn’t stop the Coast Guard; COVID doesn’t stop us. We are available 24/7 for our community.” The team spirit of the Coast Guard is prevalent for everyone involved. “My position at the Coast Guard isn’t operational, but with this particular unit, we have that team bond. Also, the residents here LOVE the Coast Guard and are proud and thankful that we’re here,” Lauren says. “It feels good to live in an area where we are so appreciated.” Lauren and many members of the Coast Guard give that feeling
of appreciation right back to the community. “We just started a Coast Guard enlisted association chapter here in Traverse City, and I’m the Vice President. We do fundraisers to help both local coasties in need as well as the community and plan to volunteer as well to give back! We recently did a food drive over the summer and a coat drive in December - both for Father Fred’s,” says Lauren. “There’s a different perspective as a woman in a mostly maledominated field,” Lauren reflects, “although we have amazing aircraft mechanics and pilots who are female. I’m lucky to be at an air station that can be more flexible, but juggling a job and children can be hard. Our night calls go for a full 24 hours,
Lauren volunteered at an air show at Selfridge ANGB outside of Detroit and we can’t leave, so I have to make sure to coordinate with my husband’s schedule. Fortunately, our unit is incredibly familyfriendly!” Lauren says that many of her female friends and coworkers are gone for a month at a time for service, and don’t bat an eye. “Women can do it and rise to the challenge,” she says. “I see it every day.”
Today and every day, we offer our sincere thanks to our nation’s veterans.
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Inspiration
Whispers of Honor Tricia Donegan and the Mid Michigan Honor Flight
By Amanda Renkiewicz (with Tricia Donegan and Deb Ankerson)
Tricia, who is going to take my Veterans?
The anxious question was asked by a woman suffering from the end stages of cancer, a person desperate to know how the Honor Flight program would continue without her leadership. She had mentored Tricia and encouraged her involvement with Veteranbased charities and now faced the unknown of who would step up to take her place.
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Tricia Donegan, a lifelong volunteer, was born with a servant’s heart which she attributes to her mother and grandmother. She also comes from a family of Veterans. Her passion for helping others has led to over fifty years of fundraising experience and five years as the Hub Director for Mid-Michigan Honor Flight (MMHF). She called her mentor a month after that fateful question was asked to reply, “I will take your Veterans.” Her mentor’s husband told her his wife had passed away, and when he heard Tricia’s news, he answered emotionally, “She’s smiling at you from heaven.” Though newly retired, Tricia fully dedicated herself to being the Hub Director of the MMHF with a mission to transport America’s Veterans to Washington, D.C., to visit
the memorials dedicated to honoring those who have served and sacrificed for our country. W hile the program in Michigan was initially limited to a few specific counties, Tricia took on all the rest, refusing to let any Veterans be missed due to location. Time was ticking away. “Many of the Veterans were in their eighties and nineties, and I felt the pressure of needing to move fast,” she says. “It wasn’t a question of if or when, but HOW to do it and make it happen. Our board members and volunteers felt that same sense of urgency.” In 2012 Tricia stood before an audience of approximately 280 people and promised that she would find a way to fly WWII heroes to Washington, D.C. “And then in May 2013, I stood before the group and let them know that Mid-
Michigan Honor Flight had been born and we were going to fly in 2014,” Tricia recalls. “I was fueled by the fact that I had come to know many of our local WWII Veterans and we needed to act fast. Time was not on their side. This grassroots organization needed funding and with a tremendously capable Board, we were able to fly twice in 2014. Through the course of flying ten times, I have been a witness to so many extraordinary moments that can only be described as happening with the hand of God. I realized that we were only the catalyst that brought these heroes together, and then God did the rest. Many of our Veterans who flew had tears in their eyes, broke down, and afterward thanked me for the healing they didn’t realize they needed. ‘Survivor’s remorse’ was the predominant emotion seen. Still, the gratitude afforded them by total strangers and the grandeur of the memorials helped take the sharpness out of its hold on them.” Allowing others to be involved in meaningful ways let Tricia and her team expand fundraising and Guardianship involvement. Three students going for their Eagle Scout badges together raised over two thousand seven hundred dollars through a pancake breakfast and presentations to various organizations and businesses in their communities. In recognition of their efforts, they flew with the Hub. “Special circumstances were tricky sometimes, but we’d do our best to make it happen. Anything we could do to make our honorees and Guardians walk away with that WOW feeling we would,” Tricia explained. And, although Guardians on an Honor Flight need to be 18 years old, MMHF permitted a 14-year-old to experience this “day like no other” together with his Grandpa by having his mother as the Guardian and he along as extra help.
“My most impactful moment was on our Inaugural flight,” Tricia remembers. “We visited the Marine memorial. A WWII Vet who was in a wheelchair insisted on standing and saluting. He became so overwhelmed with emotion that he dropped to his knees and sobbed. He was at Iwo Jima and lost most of his buddies. Just before leaving that memorial, I noticed a lone, young, uniformed Marine at the memorial, and I approached him and asked him if he would like to meet a brother in arms from WWII. We entered the bus; he took off his hat, saluted our WWII Vet, and knelt beside him in the aisle. They hugged deeply, and our WWII Vet told him, ‘You serve your country proud.’ I gave that young Marine a Challenge Coin. My heart swelled and my eyes leaked.”
and enough logistics to make your head spin. “Thankfully, there were SO many people willing to help, and the Veterans saw how people truly cared and valued their sacrifice for our country,” Tricia said. Along with the Guardians and Veterans, photographers and media outlets were brought along to document and capture the memories of the trip. “We collaged pictures of Veterans with their service photos from decades before and put in the photos of them from our present trip. We made it into a book of the entire experience for them to keep, and it was a precious keepsake for everyone,” Tricia said proudly.
“There was a phenomenon that occurred every time we flew,” explained Tricia. “It was called Honor Flight Flu. Symptoms included a lump in your throat, eyes that leaked, runny noses, and sobs. We ALL experienced this; we ALL understood that that was the price we paid to be emotionally involved with our mission. Forever in my heart, I will carry those ‘whispers of honor’ that happened on my watch.”
“I have now retired after five years serving as Hub Director, but I support the organization and will never stop supporting our Veterans. I only wish I could have done more,” said Tricia. “There’s no way to describe my first Honor Flight. There just aren’t enough words. It was magical and surreal. Everyone treated each honoree like a rock star. I could not be prouder, and I know MMHF will continue to flourish with the dedicated and focused staff currently at the helm.
Every step of each flight had to be carefully coordinated, even before the plane took off. Imagine accommodating 177 people on a flight where many have medical issues. There were room assignments, bus assignments,
“These are the most important heroes of our lifetime,” Tricia stated, “Honor Flight serves to connect these people: to each other, to their histories, and their emotions.”
After all, “It’s never too late to thank a Veteran.” For more information go to: www.midmichiganhonorflight.org
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Health & Wellness
Grit for the Grind of Life By Alysia Boynton-Fisher
Athletics and fitness have always been a big part of my life. I have played many sports and tried almost everything the fitness world offers. It wasn’t until I attempted CrossFit 9 years ago, after years of being too intimidated to try it, that I found my fitness match. It was love at first WOD (I had to throw at least one CrossFit cliché in here). I loved it so much; I became a CrossFit Level 2 coach and got a USA Olympic weightlifting certification. It is a series of constantly varied functional movements performed at relatively high intensity for those who don’t know what CrossFit is. We do everything from climbing ropes, flipping tires, running, jump roping, squats, handstands, push-ups, jumping to Olympic weightlifting, and we do it together, as a group! Variety is the beauty of it. CrossFit pushes you to do things that you just don’t think that you can do, but somehow you do it anyway, and you do it surrounded by a group of people that become your gym family. You sweat, cry, laugh, you try things and fail, try things and succeed, get stronger and more confident with what your body can do, and you push yourself mentally, time and time again.
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You become comfortable, being uncomfortable. About five months ago, my 43-year-old husband of 16 years, father of my three children, went to work and never came home. He died very suddenly, and we are still waiting to figure out the exact cause of his death. Losing my husband is something I never saw coming. It’s the kind of thing that you never think will or could happen to you, but let me tell you, it can, and it’s terrible. But I was prepared mentally and physically. Thanks to CrossFit, I am very comfortable being uncomfortable, translating to real life. We squat and press barbells to strengthen us to pick up heavy things from the ground and put them on high shelves, and we push ourselves mentally so that when life gets heavy, we are strong enough to carry the weight. At my husband’s Celebration of Life, a good friend said to me, “All of this that you are going through is just like CrossFit. It’s so hard, and you don’t think you can do it when you look at it all together. It’s overwhelming, and you want to quit before you even start, but you don’t quit because you can’t. You break down the hard
parts into manageable pieces and do one part of it at a time, and before you know it, you are doing it and getting through it, and you are a better person for it at the end.” Ain’t that the truth. So here is what I recommend to all of you. Find something that pushes you physically and mentally that you love. Do it often and with good people. It might be the thing that saves you and gets you through some of that most challenging days, the days you don’t think you will ever get through, but somehow you do because you have to, and you know you can do just about anything you put your mind to!
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MSP Trooper
Michigan State Police
Jesica Brooks By Amanda Renkiewicz
You’re too pretty to be a cop! Police Trooper Jesica Brooks has heard that mix of compliments and confusion many times in her profession. “A lot of people look at females differently when on the road,” she admits with a smile, “but I’ve always believed I can be one of the boys, if not better.” As an officer with licenses as a Motor Carrier and a Trooper, a feat that took 45 weeks of training, she carries both qualifications and knowledge in everyday Trooper life. “It was strange to do one program, then go back years later, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I think I’m the only female to have done both, and
The family together for the last time before a deployment overseas. San Antonio River Walk.
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MCO Brooks at firearms training in Jackson, MI.
it makes my kids and husband proud of me,” she says. “It gives me confidence, so when I’m dealing with equipment and trucks on the road, I can stand up tall and have that tone of authority. People can try to take you for granted as a woman, or even try to ignore you. I won’t let that happen!” Becoming a police officer wasn’t Jesica’s initial plan. She grew up in Webberville, a small village between Lansing and Brighton. After graduating, she attended trade school at Specs Howard School of Media Arts, focusing on broadcasting and design. Jesica worked at the Spartan Sports Network and edited and produced games before feeling ready to investigate something else. “Law enforcement fell into my lap,” she recalls. “I wanted to serve my community and did a ride-along. It was inspiring, and I signed up right after!” She went through training and found mentorship through fellow officer Christopher Russo. “We learn how to survive and be safe during training, but you have to learn how to do the job out in the field where it’s real. That’s where Sergeant Russo helped settle me in, and he’s still a major role model and friend.”
On one of her first days, Jesica learned how crazy her job could really be. “I was called out for a fender bender, but I discovered that the woman who had crashed her car committed murder during the initial crash investigation,” she says incredulously. “It was totally baffling and not what you’d expect!” Undeterred, Jesica was posted out of Jackson for 3 years, then worked in the Ionia detachment in Lake View. Currently, she’s living in Reed City and has been with Michigan State Police since 2016. Jesica’s family is supportive of her career, even as they juggle two residences. Since Jesica’s husband (her high school sweetheart) is in the Army National Guard, he’s been deployed three times to Iraq, Kuwait, Afghanistan, and Turkey. While Jesica is stationed in Reed City, her husband and their two daughters are downstate, so days off and weekends include a long commute. They’ve been married for twelve years, and their commitment to their family and each other has kept the challenging times from becoming overwhelming. “In 2017, I was a Varsity Softball coach at Stockbridge High School while
Jesica and her husband, Jordan, at the grand Ledge Armory where he as getting ready to leave for his 3rd deployment.
Peyton and Phebie joined mom, MCO Brooks, while she served as a Motor Carrier Officer at the Jackson Post open house.
in the field training program (FTO) as a MCO in Jackson, all while raising my little ones when my husband was deployed overseas,” Jesica says. “It was tough juggling my new law enforcement career, being a full-time parent, and being head coach, while my husband was gone for a year. But my softball team won the district championship!”
MCO Brooks and her husband SSG Brooks at her grandfather’s funeral in Ann Arbor in full uniform as her grandfather had wanted.
Youth involvement is an active part of Jesica’s life as an officer. “I worked with the Michigan Youth Leadership Academy in Lansing, where we take in fourteen and fifteen-year-old kids who are often troubled. They’re looking for a challenge, and they find a new purpose that serves them and their futures instead of finding trouble,” she explains. “We go over bullying, drinking laws, water and road safety, and more. The kids don’t know what they’re coming in for at first, and by the end of the week, we see a change. They thank us and hug us; they want to stay in touch and share their stories. I’m often told that they’ve always been afraid of cops, but after just a week, they trust us, and a friendship has formed. The program shows these kids how to seek help, and I hope to continue volunteering with them,” she says.
the training academy; everyone emphasizes it, even the troopers and the teachers. They say, “This right here, this will get you through your career and life.” It’s a mindset that’s been here forever and has great meaning. It’s a Michigan State Police tradition, and it sticks with me as a female and an officer: Treat others the way you want to be treated. I’ll live by that rule for the rest of my life,” Jesica concludes.
Jesica offers advice for women considering the police force. “People say it’s a man’s world, but it’s really not. Don’t be discouraged by that. Go out there and hold your ground. You can reason with someone, and it can fail, or you can give it your best, but people may still be upset, so you’ve got to move on. Your actions and attitude dictate how the situation and your day can go, so keep moving on,” she recommends. “You’ll meet great people out there, and you’ll come out of eerie situations with civilians and co-workers that aren’t easy, but it’s truly rewarding.” “It’s a cliche, but the Golden Rule is my favorite quote and one we all take seriously. There’s a sign with it in the auditorium of
– 27
Behind the Brand
By Amanda Renkiewicz
Kevin Dunklow
Annuities! Diversified portfolios! Asset allocation!
Traverse City hosting six advisors and three assistants. “We can provide clients with financial guidance, advice, retirement planning, IRAs, employer-sponsored plans, 401ks, SIMPLE and SEP IRAs; basically everything you can think of!” Kevin says with a laugh. They’re unique in the fact that Stifel owns its own bank, so they can do commercial lending, mortgages, trusts, and wills. “We’re a multifaceted, full service, one-stop shop,” he says.
of return.” Investing blindly is a common affliction for today’s population. “It’s all too often where people have retirement accounts but don’t have the desire or knowledge to spend more time on them to look at where and how they’re invested, just like I did. I help clients make sure their money is actively managed and find a diversification that fits their unique risk tolerance. The greatest portion of an overall portfolio’s return is not necessarily the best stock or bond, but the asset allocation and proper diversification. Not taking the time to research can make a serious dent in building wealth.”
Financial Advisor (231) 995-7000
If 2022 gives you one valuable skill, let it be financial literacy. Intimidated already? Then Kevin Dunklow at Stifel Nicolaus and Company is the person for you. Not only can he help you navigate the path to financial success, but he has a background in service and community involvement like our readers. “I was a police officer for seventeen years before getting into the financial services industry,” Kevin says. “I worked with the Grand Traverse County Sheriff’s Department and the Traverse City Police Department. I relate to people in these professions: Veterans, firefighters, first responders, and more. I have a certain respect and understanding of their lifestyles and how their minds work because I’ve been there and done that.” Stifel is a smaller regional financial services company based out of St. Louis, with an office in downtown
Like many people, Kevin’s relationship with his own personal finances was initially more of an afterthought. “When I was a police officer, I had retirement benefits, and I just signed up, put the money in, and didn’t pay much attention to it,” he admits. “Then, when I started my job in financial services, I saw how there was a disconnect between those employees who are simply putting the money in and those who are aware of the management expenses or better rates
Kevin has been a Financial Advisor for five years and covers many areas of the field. He has his Securities Licenses for Series 7 and 66, as well as life insurance and variable annuities license, so he can assist with life insurance. His passion is leading people into the finance field so they, like their money, grow. “I hope to work with people who have a vested interest and want to be involved in their retirement planning and financial journeys. I
Cherry Festival Air Show 2015. Kevin Dunk lo Financial A w, dvisor
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want to spend my time and energy with someone who wants to take the initiative to listen to my ideas and put forth the effort to actually act upon them,” he explains. “At the end of the day, in order to provide clients with the best experience and advice, every client has to have some level of involvement.” This philosophy can be likened to the old proverb, “If you give a man a fish, he is hungry again in an hour. If you teach him to catch a fish, you do him a good turn”. Kevin goes beyond the basics, making finances approachable and understandable for his clients. With a distinctive background in law enforcement, Kevin has become an advocate for people in these professions. He notes the significant crossover with law enforcement and the military, along with the service-minded people in hospitals. “Everyone will need financial guidance in their lives, and it’s so important to reach out to find someone you can trust and know is working in your best interest. Finances are very private,
Kevin with Former Vice President Mike Pence at the Cherry Capital Airport during the 2016 presidential race.
so I hope to offer a level of comfort and comprehension that will make a difference in your bottom line. I take pride in being able to translate some of the complex and sophisticated aspects of finance and put them into a more understandable form. I’m always happy to go over questions and concerns, and I have a special place in my heart for people who are involved in our community and dedicated to it.”
Outside of the office, Kevin is on the Executive Board of the nonprofit Charlie Golf One, a housing community for qualified Veterans and their families. Their mission is to raise money to build a community center and housing complex for Veterans transitioning from active duty to civilian life. “Being surrounded by those people in similar situations helps our Veterans feel connected and cared for,” Kevin explains. “We aim to offer easy access to Veteran services, offering a central hub where Veterans can ask for help in any aspect and can get the answers they need. Charlie Golf One is the military term for standing by to assist.” Whether interested in financial guidance or the charitable services of Charlie Golf One, Kevin and his team are standing by, ready to assist. Learn more about Stifel at https:// www.stifel.com/branch/mi/traversecity-center Learn more about Charlie Golf One at https://cg1nomi.com/
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– 29
Insurance Info
INSURANCE 101 By Jeff Needham
Owner/ Multi-Line Agent Needham Insurance Group / Farm Bureau Insurance Michigan Auto Insurance, the basics. The question on everyone’s mind is, “What can I do about my auto insurance since the reform changes, and what changes happened?” On May 30, 2019, the Governor signed the first step to the no-fault reform legislation, Public Acts 21 and 22 of 2019. This legislation gave options to help lower rates for Michigan drivers. The final changes applied to all auto policies issued or renewed after July 1, 2020. So what are my options for change on my policy? Well, you may qualify to opt-out of PIP, but not thru the VA Coverage.
“The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has determined that VA coverage is not Qualified Health Coverage (QHC) under Michigan’s new auto insurance law, so consumers may not use VA coverage to exclude or opt-out of PIP medical coverage. DIFS has confirmed with the U.S. Department of Defense that TRICARE and CHAMPVA coverage is QHC under Michigan’s new auto insurance law. Consumers may use TRICARE or CHAMPVA to exclude or opt-out of PIP medical coverage. TRICARE or CHAMPVA should provide you with a document that tells you your policy is considered QHC. You may have to contact TRICARE or CHAMPVA to get this documentation before you make a certification to your auto insurance company that you have QHC.” Information provided from www.Michigan.gov/autoinsurance My professional opinion stems from 14 plus years in the insurance world as an agent, 10 of which have been on the radio educating the public, bringing me to these conclusions.
When protecting your Auto, Home, Life, Business, Farm and more, the
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Keep your PIP as primary and as unlimited. We are the only state that allows for unlimited coverage and attending care services. Attending care services seems to be the area most overlooked by individuals. How much coverage do you want if a car accident occurs and you are put in a wheelchair? Limiting PIP limits your attending care services if you select the optional coverage endorsement to cover the attending care services. Take the time to sit down with your agent and discuss what options will work best for you. If you don’t have an agent, please feel free to call my office at 231-499-5209 and set up an appointment or go online at www.MyAgentSchedule.com to set up a review over coffee.
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Reynolds Jonkhoff
Letter from a Hometown Hero A local veteran shares his Hometown Heroes experience By Brandon Lohr, Veteran Benefits Specialist Each year, the Grand Traverse County Senior Center Network and Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home hosts a special event aptly named “Hometown Heroes” to honor local veterans and their families. Sgt. David A. Taberski, a Vietnam veteran, participated in this year’s event for the first time and felt compelled to share his moving experience: My daughter, Niki Westrick, informed me that she had signed me up for an event called Hometown Heroes held at the Senior Center on November 12th. She gave me a brief summary of what to expect and hoped that I might be interested in participating. I told her I would. My wife Kate and I arrived about twenty minutes early and watched a few different “stations” being set up. Due to COVID restrictions, it was a drive through event and at 11:30 am a city police officer started letting the cars proceed past each of these stations. The first one was a group of high school band drum corps members.
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David’s daughter, Niki Westrick with the winning quilt.
They performed a cadence as each car passed. The second station consisted of Coast Guard members who stood at attention and saluted as we drove by. Very Moving. The third and final station was a volunteer passing out a bag containing lunch, a commemorative Veterans Day pin, and an entry form for a handmade quilt that would be given to a lucky veteran whose name would be drawn at a later date. There were a few other incidentals in the bag, but the one that meant the most to me was a letter. This letter was written by a sixthgrade student and after reading it three or four times, I knew I had to find out who this student was so I could write a letter back to her. After a little checking, I was told that she was a student at Glenn Loomis Montessori. I drove to the school, spoke with school personnel and found out that her mom was a teacher there! They called her and she came to the area where I was waiting. She read her daughter’s letter and gave me their address
so I could send a return letter to her daughter. We’ve since exchanged a couple of “pen-pal” letters… letters that I will keep. One of her return letters contained another letter from her twin sister! I look forward to possibly meeting them one day this spring. Sgt. David Taberski
And if that wasn’t enough, I found out a couple of weeks ago that my name had been drawn as the winner of the handmade quilt. I have seen a photo of it and thanks to my daughter Niki, she picked it up at the Senior Center and is keeping it safe until I return home in April. In summary, a half hour event has provided so many unexpected great memories! I am certainly proud to be a veteran! -David A. Taberski If you would like to learn more about the Grand Traverse Senior Center’s Hometown Heroes event and other programs, contact Michelle Krumm, Manager, at 231-922-4911.
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Inspiration
Coffee Table Coach
Processing Grief and Loss By Hannah Bouwmeester
Some days I feel I am in the twilight zone! I feel like I am suddenly walking in a different dimension and trying to make sense of this new reality. While we may not all share the same fears or views of how to approach life with COVID, many of us find ourselves dealing with the reality of death and loss in our lives. With the onslaught of all things COVID-related, the mental and emotional burden we each carry has increased substantially. Now more than ever before, people we are close to or people we know of are dying. My church has lost 22 people in 8 weeks. Personally, I have lost someone very close, others I knew and interacted with, and still others I knew of or had met. My family and friends have lost people. I have heard “So and so passed away....” more times in the past year than the whole 50 years prior. I don’t know about you, but all this leaves me feeling the burden of not only processing my grief but trying to understand how to approach others in their grief as well. I heard a speaker outline a few points that were helpful to me the other day. I hope they, along with some of my suggestions, will help you as you navigate the realities of increased levels of grief in our world. Trust me, if you have not had grief touch you yet, you will. There is a 100% chance death will touch us, our dreams, our relationships, or any other source of grief that occurs in our lives. Knowing how to handle death and grief can empower us to process without losing hope. One of the prevalent emotions that we experience when grief hits are how unfair it seems. A week before
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Christmas, a dear friend of our family shared the news that her beloved adult daughter had passed away. We were saddened and grief-stricken with her! We loved her daughter, and we loved her. Two days later, our same friend lost her beloved husband as well. Soul-crushing. Unfair! How could this be? Whether you claim to be a person of faith or not, something deep within us rises up and shouts, “If God is good, how could this happen?” The unfairness of the loss or the unanswered question of “why” can suffocate us if we don’t process this with emotional honesty. Whether you recognize and follow God or not, the truth is He can handle your lament. Shout your grief, declare your confusion, question the reasons. As a God-follower, I can tell you, He is a good God, but His ways are not always understandable. It’s okay, be honest about how you feel w your questions. That kind of honesty helps us to process healthily. And if you really want to know why, then once you ask, be prepared to meet God in a new and fresh way. He will reveal Himself to you and give you peace that will go beyond human understanding. Once that initial gut-punch of loss and grief hits and you declare your anger and disbelief, you still have to allow for the process of grief to work in your life. You have heard there are stages, seasons we pass through as we deal with our grief and loss. Some define them as denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and finally, acceptance. We don’t all necessarily experience every stage or stay a particular stage as long as others. Regardless, here are a few more things to consider when journeying the path of loss.
1. Don’t do it alone. Isolation is a sure destination of deep depression. 2. Seek professional help. A grief coach, a counselor, a therapist. So many of us think we have it all together and can do it all independently. We don’t realize that if we don’t process loss in a healthy manner and just stuff or ignore our pain, it will result in dis-ease in our lives. Whether emotional or physical. “Emotions buried alive will make other organs weep.” 3. Don’t rush the process. You may think you are too busy to deal with this season of life, but hurrying through the process is no different than buying the emotions. Like a volcano, the unresolved feelings and grief will erupt someday. 4. Practice gratitude for what you have left. Write it down. Don’t let the longing for what was lost slay the appreciation and enjoyment of what is left or what is to come. 5. Remember, you are not alone. Many others are dealing with grief as well. Find a community of people that you fit in with and allow them to become a womb of healing. Relationships with others experiencing grief or loss help give stability to your process and a voice of reason in your emotional overload. Grief and loss are part of life. With a healthy approach to emotions, along with a community of people you trust and a foundation of faith, you can and will heal and ideally go on to help others through their times of grief. For more information and resources, contact Beautiful Balance Coach at BeautifulBalanceCoach@gmail.com or (231) 492-7870.
Great Outdoors
Shroonin’ By Pete Lathrop
It’s understood that America is made up of five regions: the East Coast, the Midwest, the North, the South, and the West Coast. Each region has their own, peculiar ways of living and communicating. For those of us who live in northern states like Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota, we kind of have our own language. I feel somewhat bad for all those folks who moved here from California, Oregon, and Washington State. You know, the great wave of people who ran away from high taxes, riots, and, well “wokeness” and decided to settle right here. Well, they pretty much had to learn a new language and a very different culture. Let me give you a few examples. The word “crayon”. Our accent in Michigan makes crayon sound like “cran”. Or the word, “for”- we make this word sound like “fir”. For the word mirror, you really hear “meer”. Milk is usually pronounced “melk”. Also, a native of our state would perfectly understand these words: Cloze, Didja, Jeet, Lookit, and Secretariah State. Michiganders also know who a Troll, Yooper, Fudgie, Flatlander is. When Michiganders (Misheeganders) here the word “shroon”, they really get excited. Springtime in Michigan is Morel Mushroom time. Maybe I’m speaking to the home crowd here, but If I’m not, when someone from Michigan asks you to go “shroonin” with him, he just invited you to one the most sacred ceremonies and cherished pastimes. In fact, if
someone actually asked you to go out and shroon with him, watch your back. He may have to swear on your grandmother’s grave not to tell anyone where you went and sign a document of confidentiality and have it notarized. Believe me, I live in the area where there’s a Morel Mushroom Festival every spring. It’s big and the shrooners are serious. Don’t ask me how the Michigan vernacular took Morel Mushrooms to be known as “shroons”. But being a Michigander myself, it makes perfect sense. So, when you’re shroonin, you’re looking for the Morel Mushroom. God made shroons absolutely delicious. But He made them darn-near invisible. Because they blend into their background of last fall’s leaves and dead grass, they are hard to see even if you are looking right at them. Your “eye” for morels will sharpen with practice, and you will need to retrain it every spring. You have not seen obsessivecompulsive behavior until you’ve seen a serious shroon hunter at work. It’s kind of like “deep-woods ballet”. Take a few steps; stand and look carefully, repeat. For hours. And for rookies looking on, their jaws usually go slack when the shroon hunter methodically fill his paper grocery bag full of shroons. They’ll stand right next to the hunter, looking in the same direction and never see one. Fortunately, if you’re not privileged to know an
experience shrooner, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources has a webpage to explain how to do it. Just type in “Morel Mushroom Hunting”. If you’re new to the area and you’re privileged enough to have been invited to look for and eat the shroons that someone was willing to share, you will see why you had to sign and notarize the confidentiality agreement as to where he found them. Finding a patch of Morel Mushrooms is equivalent to finding gold. After washing and cleaning each of the shroons, cut them in half vertically and let them soak in saltwater for an hour or more. Then put flour in a pie pan and coat them liberally. Next, take a skillet and pour oil or butter so that there’s approximately a quarter inch of oil to which you place your battered shroons. Fry them till they’re crispy. Scoop them out on a paper bag or paper towel and let them drain off, and sprinkle salt all over them. I guarantee your knees will go weak with the most glorious, mushroomy, crispiness that you’ve ever tasted.
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Service Provider
Michigan Officers Association of America Never Stop Serving By Jason Bouwmeester Henry Drummond said, “Happiness consists in giving and in serving others.” The Northwestern Michigan Chapter of MOAA must be incredibly happy. Their motto is “Never Stop Serving”. In that spirit, each year for the past few years, they have awarded scholarships to high school students from across northern Michigan. These students come from military families who have served or continue to serve in the armed forces. On December 10th, 2021, at the Park Place Convention Center, the Northwestern Michigan Chapter of MOAA awarded scholarships to seven students during their Christmas gala. Before I acknowledge the recipients of the scholarships, I would first like to recognize the event within the event that night. Captain Bob Kutulis, USAF Ret. has served as the Northwestern Michigan chapter president since he started the chapter years ago. On this night, he was officially retiring and handing the reigns over to Tom Haase, USCG Retired, as the new chapter president. Tom has been serving as a board member of the chapter. Mark Benjamin, board member and Master of Ceremonies.
Evan Renn, graduating class of 2020 from Grayling High School. Evan is currently at the University of Michigan.
Caroline Ducharme proudly displays the newly established Robert Kutulis Scholarship Award she had the honor of receiving.
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Marissa Kohler, Suttons Bay High School graduate and currently enrolled at NMC.
Olivia Lowe, 2020 graduate of Leland High school and currently attending Hope College.
Bob said of his time as president, “It’s been an honor to always keep serving, it’s a way to give back, and I tried to do that with this chapter.” After moving from Pennsylvania, Bob Kutulis started the Northwestern Michigan Chapter of Military Officers of America. He was active in that chapter, and when he saw there wasn’t one in Northern Michigan, he started making phone calls. One of the people on the other end of the phone was Major General Mike Lenhert, US Marine Corps, Retired, who happened to be the speaker for the evening. This chapter has given over $20,000 in scholarships over the past few years, totaling 27 altogether. On this night, the scholarships would total $5,000. Brigadier General Scott Dennis, USAF Retired and board member, presented the scholarships. Of those awarded, two were recipients of the scholarship given to previous winners. This year, awarded $500 each, were Olivia Lowe, 2020 graduate
of Leland High school, and Evan Renn, graduating class of 2020 from Grayling. Olivia is currently attending Hope College while Evan is at the University of Michigan. In the community college/trade school category, this year’s winners were Lane Cool, Kalkaska High School/Career-Tech Center, $750; Marissa Kohler, Suttons Bay High School/NMC, $500. In the Overall category, the winners were: Elizabeth Kucharek, Grayling High School, $750 Daniel Smith, St. Mary Cathedral School in Gaylord, $1,000. As the first recipient of the newly established Robert Kutulis Scholarship Award, Caroline Ducharme from Elk Rapids High School was the number one overall winner with a $1,000 scholarship. Before the evening was complete, Bob Kutulis gave some closing remarks to the winners. He challenged them with something
Tom Haase USCG Ret., received the official gavel of MOAA as the new chapter president from Captain Bob Kutulis, USAF Ret. and founder of this Northern Michigan chapter of MOAA.
to think about when considering a career in the military. “The military is a great career. You’ll never have as much responsibility at a young age as you will in the military. And you’ll never learn leadership and practice leadership at a younger age than you will in the military; you will learn leadership. You will also have accomplishments in the military. And you need to think about that.” Bob has facilitated a spirit of giving back to the community. It showed that night, and all the students expressed gratitude for furthering their education with scholarships. Scholarships are available solely by the generosity of the members from the MOAA chapter in Northwestern Michigan. The concept of giving back to the community comes from a heart that Never Stops Serving. That is the heartbeat of the Northwestern Michigan Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America. Find out more at www.moaa.org.
Military Officers Association of American - NW Michigan Chapter’s Retiring president Bob Kutulis thanks Mike Renhert for his engaging and funny speech.
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In the Kitchen Ingredients • 2 1/2 pounds (6 small) boneless, skinless chicken breasts • 3/4 Cup (6.4 ounce jar, drained) finely chopped marinated artichoke hearts • 1/2 Cup (4 ounces) finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes • 1/2 Cup freshly grated Asiago fresco cheese, divided • 1/2 Cup freshly grated parmesan cheese • 2 (1 teaspoon) garlic cloves, peeled and minced • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano • 1/8 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
Hasselback
Stuffed Chicken
By Kirsten Kubert (comfortablydomestic.com Mother of an Active-Duty Military Son) Hasselback Stuffed Chicken is filled with artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, plenty of cheese, and then roasted until tender and bursting with flavor.
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1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a half sheet pan with aluminum foil. Set a wire cooling rack on the foil lined baking sheet; set aside. 2. Working width-wise, use a sharp knife to cut each chicken breast with a series of slits, spaced 1/2inch apart, and going 3/4 of way through the depth of the meat. The slits will act as pockets for the filling. Briefly set the chicken aside while assembling the filling. 3. Fold the artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, 1/4 C. of the Asiago cheese, all of the parmesan cheese, garlic, and oregano together in a small bowl to combine. Stuff 1 to 2 teaspoons of filling into each pocket of the chicken, working until each pocket is full and all of the filling has been used. Transfer the stuffed chicken to the rack on the prepared baking sheet. Scatter the remaining 1/4 C. of Asiago cheese over each stuffed chicken breast, and then sprinkle paprika over all. 4. Bake the chicken for 30 to 35 minutes or until the internal temperature in the thickest part of the chicken registers 165 degrees F with a meat thermometer.
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