The Legacy of Service

Service does not always begin with us. Often, it’s a torch we pass, fueled by the examples we see, the values we learn at home, and the quiet sacrifices of those who came before. For Brenda Stoerkel, United Bank Vice President and Mortgage Division Manager, the foundation of service was built while watching her father, MSgt Michael Kuhr, USAF (Ret.).

Michael served in the United States Air Force for twenty years. As a child, Brenda didn’t fully grasp the weight of a twenty-year commitment. To her, military service meant a life defined by long hours and the crisp lines of a pressed uniform. It meant a devotion to something larger than oneself—the country, the mission, and fellow airmen. For Michael, duty didn't end at the base gates; he was equally committed to being a husband, father, and friend.

Brenda learned about character through observation rather than formal lectures. She saw her father’s integrity in the small moments and his perseverance through the difficult ones. He modeled a rare versatility: one moment he might be contributing to a historic Apollo mission, and the next, he was meticulously crafting award plaques for his colleagues. He demonstrated that no task was too large for his talent, and no gesture was too small for his care.

Children often learn more from what their parents do than what they say. Brenda began to find her own footing in the world of service when her parents encouraged her to join the Girl Scouts and various community groups at a young age.

Growing up in a military family meant frequent moves, and the transitions were often difficult. However, Brenda turned those challenges into opportunities to help others. While her father was stationed in Japan, she joined the Teen Welcoming Committee, helping her peers navigate the culture shock and loneliness of moving overseas. She realized then that being part of a community means ensuring no one feels left behind.

Today, Brenda extends that legacy through her long-standing commitment to the community. Since 2003, she’s served on parent and community boards, and in 2010, she joined the leadership of the Griffin Gators Swim Team. For Brenda, the reward isn't a medal or a rank, it’s the look on a young person's face when they master a new skill they’ve worked hard to achieve.

Each December, Brenda and her family gather at the Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemetery for a poignant ceremony of gratitude. As the names of the fallen are read aloud, they place remembrance wreaths upon the graves, ensuring no veteran is forgotten. For Brenda, these moments are doubly sacred. They represent a time to honor the fallen and a cherished opportunity to serve alongside her father. She also involved her sons in the occasion at a very young age – three generations of her family standing together on those hallowed grounds to share this solemn moment.

When asked what the military taught him about fatherhood, Michael responded with a testament to the legacy Brenda continues to carry.  "It didn’t teach me to be a father," he said with enthusiasm. "My dad did. He taught me everything, and I tried to pass that down to my children."

Generational service doesn’t require following the exact same footsteps. The form may change. From a military uniform to a community boardroom, the spirit remains the same. Watching her father serve for two decades, Brenda learned investing in others creates a ripple effect that extends far beyond what the eye can see. Now, she’s busy creating ripples of her own, instilling the same values in her children and the community around her.

That is the true legacy of service—a gift that continues to grow long after it’s given.

A Hero’s Welcome

The spirit of service takes on a more jubilant tone when Brenda and Michael join the crowds at the Middle Georgia Honor Flight homecomings. The mission of the Honor Flight is simple yet profound: to fly veterans of World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam era—as well as those who are terminally ill—to visit their memorials in Washington, D.C., at no cost to them.

This life-changing experience is made possible by the generosity of volunteers and sponsors. Michael, who serves as the Vice President of the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 946 in Forsyth, Georgia, helps ensure the chapter provides annual donations to keep these flights soaring.

On March 21, 2026, the first Honor Flight of the year touched down at the Middle Georgia Regional Airport in Macon, Georgia. Brenda, her husband Todd, Michael, and his wife Carolyn were among a crowd of over 100 people who gathered to provide a thunderous welcome home for the veterans. It was a celebration of the sacrifices made to ensure our freedom.

Thank you, Brenda and Michael. Through your tireless dedication, you ensure that the flame of gratitude never flickers, and that our veterans always know they are remembered.