The men who define the Greatest Generation are connected by their unwavering sense of community, duty, resilience, and resolution. As veterans, they served with courage. At home, they contributed to industrial efforts and ushered in a period of unprecedented economic growth and innovation. The values they embody — hard work, integrity, and responsibility — have left an indelible mark on subsequent generations, earning them the fitting title of the Greatest Generation. As we honor all our veterans on Monday, November 11, we are thankful for how they continue building bridges to create a bonded community.
At Cape Albeon, a lakeside retirement living community off Big Bend Road, a group of men have created something unique. What started as a few veterans meeting for donuts and coffee has evolved into a gathering of over a dozen men who come together each week to share stories, talk about current events, and solidify friendships.
Lam Padberg, one of the group's founding members and a resident of Cape Albeon for over eight years, recalled how this active group began. "The men's group started over twelve years ago. It was a couple of guys getting together for coffee in the morning, grabbing donuts, and chatting for an hour or so," he said. "Eventually, the dining room director said, 'If you guys are meeting every week, I'll make sure you've got fresh coffee and some donuts or rolls.' From there, it grew. We started with about three or four guys; our biggest group is about 18."
Bill Ehrs fondly remembers his first experience with the group. "I was invited to join when I first came here. Coming into a new community is hard if you don't know anybody. This group is a great way to feel like you belong," he said. Bill's experience speaks to the men's deep care for one another. "I was involved in a serious car accident last November. The men's group signed all their names on the back of a letter and sent it to me… I can't tell you what that meant."
The meetings are simple in format but rich in connection. "We get together, talk about current events, tell jokes, and just get to know each other," said Lam. "This morning, two new men told us a bit about their backgrounds. It's how we hit the ground running with new guys."
The group also plays an important role in connecting the community to Cape Albeon's resident council. Cape Albeon is unique because residents have a bridge between management and council members. Lam explained that the men's group often discusses council matters, helping those who may not attend meetings stay informed. With several council members attending the men's group, it's become an informal way to bring issues forward.
Charles Schafer, another active member, sees the Men's Group as a reflection of the deep sense of connection that Cape Albeon fosters. "It's a caring community," he said. "We may have different backgrounds but are similar in many ways. We want to help everyone feel like they are a part of the group."
These men, who have experienced so many challenges and changes throughout their lifetime, are inspirational as they intentionally come together to build community and create change.
Veterans are recognized for their sense of community, dedication to charitable causes, and civic service. They are some of America's most trusted voices. U.S. Navy veteran and Webster Groves resident Eric Bronner works with veterans of all ages from across the country to intersect patriotism with civic duty. The result is that veterans are once again on the frontline, creating a positive change through collaborative innovation.
After being inspired by a Freakonomics podcast titled America's Hidden Duopoly, Eric felt compelled to be a change agent. "The podcast highlighted the lack of healthy electoral competition in almost 90% of our elections, from a business perspective," said Eric. This inspiration led to the formation of Veterans for All Voters, a nonpartisan 503(c)(3) organization that engages the innate desire of veterans to continue serving their country. The organization emphasizes the need for a unified effort to improve how America engages with its voting process, ensuring everyone's voice is heard, regardless of political affiliation.
As the Co-Founder and COO of Veterans for All Voters, Eric is a nationally recognized leader in election reform and holds a J.D. from Washington University in St. Louis. Veterans for All Voters harnesses the credibility of veterans to promote meaningful change that transcends political parties. Its mission is not to support candidates but to reform the voting process, ensuring a fairer, more inclusive system. Over 50% of military veterans are independent voters who want to vote for the best candidate, regardless of party affiliation. That's the mission of Veterans for All Voters."
What sets Veterans for All Voters apart is its focus on fostering a community of problem solvers. The veterans involved, often individuals with young families and small businesses, seek a platform that allows them to contribute without being tied to a specific political ideology. Veterans for All Voters offers them a mission—an opportunity to be part of the solution, advocating for reforms that strengthen the voices of everyone. The organization builds bridges across political divides by mobilizing veterans to champion these voting reforms and instills hope for a more united, collaborative future.
"Veterans want a mission. They're hungry to keep serving their country," said Eric. "Most of our volunteers have never been politically engaged. They don't want to have to sign up for the red or blue teams when we all should be on the red, white, and blue team."
At its core, Veterans for All Voters poses a profound question they borrowed from a new documentary, "Majority Rules" - What if changing how we vote could change everything?
Learn more at https://www.veteransforallvoters.org/
"We may have different backgrounds but are similar in many ways. We want to help everyone feel like they are a part of the group.”
"Veterans for All Voters offers them a mission—an opportunity to be part of the solution, advocating for reforms that strengthen the voices of everyone."