Page 3 - Senior Link Magazine Fall 2023 - Online Magazine

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Welcome to the 10th Anniversary Issue of the Fall Veterans edition of Lubbock
Senior Link!

The first Veterans issue debuted in Fall 2014. I was sticking my toe in the water to the
decide if owning a magazine was something I wanted to pursue. I wrote an article
about my neighbor, Howard Mercer, and his picture was on the cover. I was surprised publisher
at how rewarding that was, and I took ownership by the next edition.
During the last decade, I have gotten to meet many incredible men and women
who have served our country. The most impactful (for Senior Link) event was a
dinner with Lubbock’s four outstanding Generals (Fall 2017).
The most memorable evening took place at At’l Do Farms, who
engineered a veteran-themed cornfield maze (Fall 2018) and
hosted a delightful banquet. The truth is, every Fall, when the
Veterans issue comes around, I am so blessed by the hands I get
to shake.
Lubbock has developed a reputation for creating a veteran-
friendly atmosphere, and the work our citizens and civic
leaders are doing is making a difference at the city, state, and
federal levels. The new VA Superclinic, the prospective state
Veterans Cemetery, and a new section of Memorial Circle on
the Tech campus dedicated to current and former military
all communicate to Veterans that we are grateful for their
service. The Hospice of Lubbock Food Pantry meets the needs
of countless Veterans who struggle with day-to-day living
expenses. Many more services and organizations are stepping
up to meet specific needs. A few years ago, another general
told me that Lubbock is the friendliest city in America for
Veterans. It’s not official, but the Hub City really does go the
extra mile in honoring and respecting those who have served us
in defense of our country.
Lots of people help make this edition our largest. We could
not produce this big keepsake issue without the tremendous
support of ABC Bank and the We Honor Veterans organizations who partner with us for our Veterans Cover Photo and
Tribute. Thank you to Beyond Faith Hospice, Hospice of Lubbock, and Interim, all of whom invest extensively in our
community.
This year marks the 70th Anniversary of the Korean War Armistice, so this issue includes articles intended to educate
our readers about the Korean War, as well as honor several local Korean War Veterans. Many more of our articles
honor Vietnam Veterans. Most of them served without hearing any expression of gratitude. We hope they and their
fellow soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines hear it now.

I say it every year, but it’s important: If you see a Veteran, it’s okay to go out of your way to thank them. They went
out of their way for you. If you have your kids or grandkids with you, take a minute to teach them about the value of
freedom and why these men and women deserve our thanks. It is good to remind ourselves.

Erin Agee

The Mission of Senior Link

Our mission is to tell the stories of local seniors, not only to honor them,
but also to inspire and challenge younger generations. We endeavor to link
seniors with the resources they need to ensure quality of life. We believe in
the strength of the chain, in linking with one another, and in linking all of
us to information which can enhance our lives. We recognize the value of
every season of life and the uniqueness of every story.
Senior Link’s mission rests in the power of connection.