Just two days ago, Lulu Gribbin took part in the celebrity pro-am at the Regions Tradition golf tournament. When SEC football and basketball coaches reached the 17th tee, they made a point to connect with the teenager from Mountain Brook, impressed by her skillful drives with each group that came through.

On Friday, Lulu returned to Greystone Golf and Country Club - this time at the driving range -participating in the annual adaptive golf clinic.

Nearby, Noah Galloway watched as Lulu enthusiastically introduced the game to others. What many around them may not have realized is the powerful connection they share.

Nearly a year ago, while vacationing at the beach, Lulu and two other young people were attacked by a shark while searching for sand dollars. Lulu was the most severely injured, losing a hand and part of her leg.

Galloway, a former U.S. Army soldier, lost his left arm and leg two decades ago during the Iraq War. Moved by his father’s experience with limb loss, he has since devoted his life to supporting others facing similar challenges.

When he heard about Lulu’s experience, he reached out to her father, Joe Gribbin — first by text, then through phone calls. The two only met in person last week.

“I told him, ‘I’m here if you ever need anything — advice or support,’” Galloway recalled. “Because what really matters most is mental health. The body adjusts over time. It’s our minds that present the hardest obstacles. Making sure we care for that part of ourselves is crucial.”

Galloway has become a nationally recognized motivational speaker, advocate for wounded veterans, and television personality. He’s also the author of Living with No Excuses: The Remarkable Rebirth of an American Soldier.

Supporting others is the driving force behind the adaptive golf clinic, which is hosted each year through a partnership between Regions, United Ability, and the Champions Tour. This year’s event welcomed over a dozen participants, each receiving personalized instruction from local golf professionals and volunteers.

Schiela Peña, who manages Disability Services and Outreach at Regions, was there to witness the impact.

“It’s incredibly fulfilling to see people come together and show others they can push past expectations,” Peña said.

Adaptive golf opens doors for inclusion and equal opportunity on the course.

“Lulu being here is truly inspiring,” Peña added. “She hasn’t just overcome adversity — she’s actively using her story to uplift others.”

Lulu’s father, Joe, emphasized that the journey to recovery extended beyond Lulu herself. Her sister, Ellie, was with her during the attack and supported her through the trauma and the critical surgeries that followed.

“They’ve done specialized therapy together to work through it,” Joe explained. “No one wants to go through something like this. But Lulu knows how fortunate she is to be alive — and she’s faced everything with resilience and grace.”

As a founding sponsor of Chicagoland Habitat for Humanity, Wesco has played a vital role in supporting home repair initiatives that change lives and foster brighter futures.

Roy, a U.S. Army veteran, dedicated 12 years of service to his country with strength and perseverance. During Operation Desert Storm, he worked as a mechanic, maintaining essential military vehicles under the most demanding conditions to ensure the safety and mobility of his fellow soldiers. His time in the military instilled in him a deep sense of discipline, precision, and steadfast commitment. After completing his service, Roy transitioned into civilian life, applying his technical and security expertise to continue supporting military personnel. He eventually made his home in North Chicago, Illinois, where he spent 28 years creating a lifetime of memories with his family in a house filled with warmth and love.

Over time, however, Roy’s home began to deteriorate. The kitchen floor started to give way, persistent leaks became a source of stress, and the bathroom no longer met his physical needs. Most concerning, safely entering and exiting his home became increasingly difficult. The place that had once been a haven now posed daily challenges, threatening his well-being and independence.

That’s when Lake-McHenry Habitat for Humanity stepped in—offering more than just repairs, but a renewed sense of comfort and peace of mind.

A dedicated team of volunteers set to work, making critical improvements to restore both the structure and spirit of Roy’s home:

When the renovations were complete, Roy stood in his revitalized home with gratitude in his eyes. The upgrades meant more than just repairs—they brought renewed safety, comfort, and stability. After years of dedicated service to his country, Roy can now enjoy his home of nearly three decades with confidence and peace.

Thanks to the commitment of Lake-McHenry Habitat for Humanity and their focus on critical home repairs in the Chicagoland area, veterans like Roy receive more than just assistance—they receive hope and the reassurance of a secure home. Habitat remains honored to serve those who have served our nation, ensuring they have a safe and dignified place to call home.

Click here to know more about Wesco's commitments.

Introducing Eric Spaner: Advocating for Veterans and Building Inclusive Communities 
Eric Spaner, a former U.S. Army service member, is dedicated to cultivating community and inclusivity at Henkel and beyond. As a mentor and leader, Eric actively supports fellow veterans, fosters meaningful connections, and raises awareness about the unique challenges they face. 
 
At Henkel North America, the shared purpose of being "pioneers at heart for the good of generations" drives innovation and collaboration. This vision thrives on the diverse experiences, talents, and perspectives of its employees and partners, who work together to make a meaningful impact on the world. Through the series "Pioneers for Good," Henkel highlights individuals like Eric who embody this mission. 
 
A Journey from Service to Civility 
After five years in the U.S. Army, Eric faced the complex task of transitioning into civilian life—a challenge familiar to many veterans. As he prepared to welcome his first child, finding a stable career became a priority. With perseverance and the support of his community, Eric successfully transitioned his military skills into a role he’s passionate about. 
 
In March 2022, Eric joined Henkel as a Senior Project Manager for Adhesive Technologies North America. Beyond his professional role, he is committed to advocating for veterans as the President of Henkel’s Military Employee Resource Group (ERG) and through various community initiatives. 
 
Creating Impact Through “Little Moments” 
Eric cherishes the “little moments” that foster connection and belonging. Whether it’s introducing new members to the Military ERG, sharing military traditions, or leveraging advocacy groups to support those in need, Eric’s efforts create ripple effects of positivity. 
 
One standout moment was a collaboration with Foster Grandparents, a program supporting youth in underprivileged communities. Spearheaded by Henkel’s Military ERG and led by Dana Kunz, the initiative provided over 50 care packages filled with Henkel’s personal care products and a new washer and dryer for Ms. Flo, a foster grandparent who had lost her home to a fire. Reflecting on the experience, Eric recalls Ms. Flo’s unshakable positivity: “Her spirit was incredible, and it was a deeply emotional moment for all involved.” 
 
Eric continues to lead impactful projects across Henkel’s ERGs. Recently, the Military ERG partnered with the Awareness of Visible and Invisible Disabilities (AVID) ERG for an event aimed at destigmatizing the mental and physical challenges veterans face. Eric views these efforts as part of a broader mission to transform obstacles into opportunities. 
 
Mentorship and Giving Back 
Community organizations played a pivotal role in Eric’s own transition from military to civilian life. Among them, Hire Heroes USA proved instrumental in helping him navigate employment challenges, particularly after losing an opportunity due to color blindness. With their guidance, Eric found a fulfilling career path and now serves as a mentor for Hire Heroes, guiding veterans through their own transitions. 
 
Eric believes that veterans' journeys require support beyond just finding employment. He frequently shares advice he received from a Navy veteran: “Sometimes, you need to step back to reflect on how to move forward.” This perspective has become a cornerstone of his mentorship philosophy, helping veterans approach their paths with resilience and clarity. 
 
Building Bridges and Recognizing Contributions 
For Eric, fostering a community of understanding and appreciation for veterans is vital. He emphasizes the importance of valuing veterans’ skills and recognizing their contributions year-round, not just on Veteran’s Day. By listening and understanding their unique experiences, organizations and individuals can play a key role in easing the transition from military to civilian life. 
 
As a "pioneer at heart for the good of generations," Eric strives to bridge gaps between cultures and backgrounds, working toward a more inclusive future. His journey serves as a testament to the power of perseverance, mentorship, and community in creating meaningful change.