Page 3 - Senior Link Magazine Fall 2018- Online Magazine

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A friend recently shared something she’d witnessed in a local grocery store. She
had offered her spot in line to a Vietnam veteran whom she’d just met, but some
oblivious college students jumped in ahead of him. The lack of respect was still the
grieving her. It gave me the opportunity to share my vision, not only for this
edition of our magazine, but also my long-term hope for the city of Lubbock.
publisher
Last fall, I was at the At’l Do Farms Cornfield Maze when I had the idea of a
veteran-themed maze. The owners, James and Patti Simpson, were receptive, and
the cover this year is the result of their enthusiastic participation. We hope the
design “We Salute Our Veterans” launches
a new attitude of respect for those who
have served our country.

We would like to see Lubbock become the
friendliest city in America for veterans, but
it will take more than just a cornfield maze
design. That is a good start because At’l Do
Farms is family-friendly and hosts around
4,000 on any given weekend during the
season. Education is the most important
ingredient in effecting change, and it
is most successful when it begins with
children. As in past years, At’l Do Farms
will host countless family outings, birthday
parties, hayrides and field trips. But this
year, they have added something special
on Opening Weekend.

On September 16, At’l Do Farms, ABC
Bank and Senior Link magazine invite you
to join us for a Veteran’s Celebration. (See p. 19 for details.) All of the traditional (and FUN!) cornfield maze
activities will be available, but you will not want to miss the added attractions. We have invited every veteran
organization in this city to join us, not to fundraise but to educate. We have asked each group to set up a booth
and provide an activity which illustrates how they benefit veterans and why it is important to salute them. We
want to use this opportunity to instill appreciation in all the citizens of our area, no matter their age. We can
improve the climate of appreciation, one family at a time, by teaching everyone to respect those among us who
have served our country. Please join us - invite your friends, your family, your church, your co-workers. Veterans
will get in free, and the first 1000 children will receive free dog tags, as well as make-and-take crafts. Veterans
are also asked to bring a photo of themselves to hang on the Veteran’s Wall of Honor.

One last thing - this edition is huge. We want to make sure we document the experience of every area World
War II veteran, while they are still among us. There are 28 in this issue alone. Several Korean and Vietnam War
veterans have shared their military memoirs, too. This large keepsake edition would not be possible without
our advertisers, most especially ABC Bank and At’l Do Farms. They have gone above and beyond to make this
happen. A special thanks to Larry Williams and Katherine McLamore who have traveled far and wide to get
interviews and document stories.

We hope you enjoy the historical narratives, along with the humorous anecdotes. And please, partner with us
in improving the climate. If you see a veteran, say thank you. And if you have children or grandchildren, (or
college-age students), help them see the importance of gratefulness and respect for all those who serve(d) our
country.

Erin Agee

{ Thank you for those who have written in this edition, for sharing your knowledge {

and stories and helping to Link us. And thank you to the advertisers who make
this magazine a reality. Without all of you this would not be possible.