GENERATIONS COURAGEof
Photo: Abbey Evans Photography
GENERATIONS of COURAGE: A Father-Daughter Story of Service and Sacrifice
BY BRADY EVANS | PHOTOS COURTESY OF STERLING & STACY GRAHAM
For the Graham family, service to country runs deep. Sterling Graham answered the call during the Vietnam era, and decades later, his daughter Stacy followed in his footsteps, joining the Navy in the wake of 9/11.
Though their service spanned different wars, eras, and even continents, their experiences share a common thread: sacrifice, resilience, and the unbreakable bond of military life.
Answering the Call
Sterling was only 19 years old and working at the Ohio Bell Telephone Company when his draft notice arrived. “The night before I was ordered to report, I enlisted in the Navy Reserves,” he recalls. “I figured my electrical and electronic training would give me a chance at better schools.
Stacy’s path was shaped by family tradition and history unfolding in real time. “My dad and my oldest brother both served in the Navy, and I was a Navy Sea Cadet when I was younger,” she explains. After high school, she wasn’t sure what to do next — but then came September 11, 2001. “I was already in the process of enlisting when 9/11 happened. That just ignited the fire. I left for boot camp on September 26.”
Life at Sea
Despite the decades separating their service, father and daughter found common ground in the Navy’s demanding lifestyle.
“Our experiences were similar in the sense that we both understand ship life,” Stacy says. “It’s lonely at times, but the camaraderie is unlike anything else. You become part of something bigger than yourself.”
Sterling agrees. “Deployment brings long stretches of isolation, but also friendships you carry for a lifetime. That’s something both of us share — a very patriotic sense of pride.”
For Sterling, that pride was often tested during his Vietnam-era service aboard the USS Kittiwake (ASR-13), a submarine rescue ship based out of Norfolk. His early days were spent as a deck seaman “chipping paint, painting, and learning marlinspike seamanship” before advancing to Petty Officer 3rd Class Radioman. Long days and grueling watch shifts defined his time at sea.
Stacy, meanwhile, served on the USS Eisenhower aircraft carrier before deploying to Iraq as part of a unique Navy unit attached to the Army. Her specialized training as a Mobile Electric Power Plant Technician meant she was responsible for maintaining the massive generators and chillers powering the Navy’s C-RAM
defense system — a land-based version of the Navy’s Close-In Weapon System designed to shoot down incoming rockets and mortars.
“One memory that sticks with me,” Stacy says, “was when Toby Keith came to perform a USO concert. Just as he was about to go on stage, the incoming alarm went off. One of our guns fired and shot down a rocket headed straight for us. That really hit home — what we were doing mattered.”
Sacrifices on the Home Front
Military service isn’t only measured in deployments and assignments. It’s also about what gets left behind.
Sterling recalls the heartbreak of missing his oldest daughter Stephanie’s first steps. “I was there when she was born, but I was deployed before she started walking. Coming home and seeing her running on the pier — it was a shock.”
Stacy shares a similar ache. “The hardest part was missing holidays and family milestones. I missed my sister’s wedding because I was underway. Those are moments you can’t get back.”
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Stacy Graham
Sterling Graham
Lessons That Last a Lifetime
For Sterling, service was about more than duty — it was about earning his place as an American. “Just being born in this country wasn’t enough. Serving gave me the feeling that I had truly earned the right to be a U.S. citizen.”
Stacy carries the Navy’s values with her to this day. “Honor, Courage, Commitment — those words have never left me. The people you serve with become family. The lessons you learn shape you forever.”
The Weight of War
Some memories, however, are harder to carry.
Sterling is haunted by the disappearance of the USS Scorpion submarine in 1968. “We were the first to search. For almost three months we scoured the ocean with divers, sonar, and a diving bell, but found nothing. Later they discovered her 10,000 feet down, completely crushed. What stays with me are the faces of the men who used to raft up beside us, play guitar on our ship. Knowing they were gone… it never leaves you.”
Veterans Day Reflections
For Sterling, Veterans Day is about remembrance. “Each year I think of all of us who served — drafted or volunteered. When I go to the VA, I see the aftermath of war etched on faces from different generations. That’s
“We’ve always had a good bond,” Stacy says. “Now we get to celebrate it — even if it’s just by going to Applebee’s on Veterans Day in our Navy gear.”
Stacy’s challenges came after returning home from Iraq. “You get used to the idea that any moment could be your last. Coming back, life goes on like nothing happened, but inside, you’re different. I still have anxiety when I see objects in the road. You train for war, but there’s no training for coming home.”
For Stacy, it’s also about accountability. “Veterans Day is a reminder that while life continues here, others are sacrificing elsewhere. The best way to honor veterans is to make sure sending men and women to war is truly necessary, and that we hold leaders accountable for those decisions.”
A Navy Family
The Grahams are proud of their Navy lineage. Sterling, Stacy, and her older brother all wore the uniform, creating a legacy of service that binds them even closer.
Sterling hopes future generations will continue to see the value of service. “The military gives you skills, training, and a pride in yourself that nothing else does. It’s a small club — only about one percent of the population — but once you’re in, you’ll always find brothers and sisters wherever you go.”
Stacy echoes the sentiment. “Being part of something bigger than yourself is worth it. Just make sure you prepare for life after service. The sacrifice is real, but so is the reward.”
A Legacy of Courage
The story of Sterling and Stacy Graham is more than a tale of two Navy veterans. It is the story of sacrifice passed from father to daughter, of lessons learned at sea and in war, of homecomings filled with both joy and heartache.
As Veterans Day approaches, the Graham family’s journey reminds us of the real cost of freedom — and the generations of courage it takes to preserve it.
This story is brought to you by:
Stacy at the USO concert
Gun firing down a rocket during the USO Concert
AHARDWOOD HUSTLE: Harmony Girls Basketball Gear Up for New Season
BY BRADY EVANS
s the Harmony High School girls’ basketball team gears up for another season, Head Coach Paul Strauch and his staff prepare to begin their 15th year at the helm. Over the years, Strauch has built a program known for its grit, determination, and ability to compete no matter the circumstances.
When asked what keeps him motivated after so many seasons, Strauch’s answer was simple: “Competition and watching athletes achieve things they never imagined or believed they could.” That mindset has shaped the culture of Harmony basketball into one built on hard work and toughness.
Building the Culture Coach Strauch doesn’t measure success solely by wins and losses. Instead, his focus is on daily improvement. “Success would be getting better every day and understanding not all days will be great but being able to learn from those days,” he said. The goal is always to peak at the right time—near the end of the season, when district championships are on the line.
Last year, the Longhorns showed resilience when a key player went down with an injury, yet the team still fought their way to a district championship opportunity. One highlight came when standout D’vinity Cook
earned a college scholarship—something that Coach Strauch points to as a proud moment for both the player and the program.
The biggest lesson the girls took from last season? “Hopefully, they learned that success has to be earned through determination and hard work,” Strauch emphasized.
Key Players to Watch
This year’s team features a strong senior core. Jayme Montanez, Ellah Husbands, and Emme Aslan are all four-year starters who bring leadership, experience, and consistency to the court. Alongside them, younger players will have the chance to carve out meaningful roles.
Keep an eye on Zoe Witt and Bella Yaxley, two underclassmen that Strauch expects to make an impact. With a blend of proven veterans and talented newcomers, the roster has the potential for balance and depth.
What’s Ahead
Strauch admits it’s too early to define the full identity of this year’s squad, but what excites him is the mix of players. “We have a great mix of seniors and younger girls. We will have a lot of freshmen and sophomores that will have a chance to help out and earn roles.”
One thing that hasn’t changed, though, is how much the players value community support. Coach Strauch encourages Harmony fans to be present: “Show
Longhorn Girls’ Basketball 2025-26
DATE OPPONENTTIMELEVEL
November18vsTheVillages5/6:30JV/V November19vsDr.Phillips5:30/7JV/V November21atFCA5:30/7JV/V December2atPoinciana5:30/7JV/V December4vsPalmBay5:30/7JV/V December8vsCelebration6/7:30JV/V December9vsWinterSprings6/7:30JV/V December11vsSt.Cloud5:30/7JV/V
December15atEdgewood5:30/7JV/V December16atSatellite6V
December18vsCypressCreek6/7:30JV/V January6vsMelbourne5:30/7JV/V January7atCocoaBeach5:30/7JV/V
January12OBCTournamentTBAV
January13atPineappleCove6JV
January14OBCTournamentTBAV
January16OBCTournamentTBAV
January21vsSabastianRiver5:30/7JV/V January22vsBayside5:30/7JV/V January26atLiberty6V
January27atSpaceCoast6V January29atInnovation6V
up to games. We love when people who are not parents show up to support the girls.”
Final Word
As the 2025 season tips off, the Longhorns are once again embracing the challenge of improvement, toughness, and competition. With experienced seniors leading the way and underclassmen eager to step into
bigger roles, this year’s Harmony girls basketball team is shaping up to be one worth watching.
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PROFILEPorch
This Harmony family has called the community home for 18 years, drawn by its peaceful charm, family-friendly amenities, and strong sense of connection. Their porch has been the backdrop for everything from festive parades and Halloween crowds to quiet sunsets and heartfelt family conversations. In this interview, they share the memories, moments, and even a few surprises that have made life on Cat Brier Trail so special.
How long have you lived in the community?
We have lived in Harmony 18 years. The first few years on Beargrass Rd and the rest of our time on Cat Brier Trail.
What brought you to Harmony?
We moved from Orlando to Harmony in 2007 for this beautiful neighborhood with so many amenities. We wanted a community that our children could walk or ride their bikes to school. At that time this area was more remote with no traffic, orange groves and cows. We loved all the community events like the Dark Sky festival and so many activities for the family.
What is your favorite thing about your home or your porch?
Our favorite thing about our home is that we have a front row seat to all the activities. We love the Homecoming parades, golf cart parades, and seeing the golfers out the course. Halloween is also a great time on our porch. Each year the turn out keeps getting bigger.
Do you have a favorite memory that's happened right here on this porch?
We have loved all the great family pictures that we have taken on this porch over the years celebrating many milestones.
Are you a sunrise porch person or a sunset porch person?
We are sunset people. It's so peaceful in the evening watching families out with their kids riding bikes and people walking their dogs.
What's the best conversation you've ever had out here?
This past May Brian’s father passed away at the age of 83. Prior to his passing he shared one evening on the porch how lucky he felt to have lived so long to see us succeed and spend time with his grandchildren as his father passed when he was only 10 years old. We were very lucky to have both grandparents live only 5 houses away on Cat Brier prior to their passing.
What's the strangest or funniest thing you've ever seen from your porch?
Once there was a squirrel on the side of our oak tree out front with a cigarette in its mouth. It stopped to look at us, and it appeared to be smoking!!! Which is strange because no one in our household smokes.
From meaningful family milestones to unexpected porch-side laughs, their time in Harmony reflects the heart of what makes this community so unique. It’s clear that for them, home is more than a place—it’s the memories made right on the front porch.
PRINCIPAL PROFILE:
Sandra Davenport Harmony Community School
BY BRADY EVANS
As a community, we are fortunate to have such outstanding schools, teachers, principals, and support staff leading the way. In our August issue, we highlighted insights from the principals of Harmony Middle and Harmony High School as they prepared to launch a new school year. This month, we’re excited to feature an interview with Harmony Community School Principal Sandra Davenport. Recognized as an “A” school last year, Harmony Community is striving to build on that success and continue its tradition of excellence.
Tell us about your background and experiences. How many years have you been in education and what made you want to become principal? I have worked in education for forty-two years. Although most of my years have been in the state of Florida, I have also worked in Georgia and North Carolina. I taught in elementary and middle school. I have also worked as a literacy coach, dean, district administrator, assistant principal and principal. When I was a literacy coach and a dean, I had two principals encourage me to go back to school to get a degree in educational leadership. At first, I was hesitant due to the fact that I loved being in a classroom. As I continued in leadership positions, I had great examples to follow. Dr. Pace
offered me the opportunity to become the assistant principal at Harmony Community School. I served in that position for a year, and the principal retired. I fell in love with the school and was given the opportunity to be the principal.
What are your top goals for the school this year?
My goal for the school is summed up in our vision statement. Harmony Community School: where everyone leads by example through personal responsibility, contribution and hard work. If we all accomplish this vision individually, we will be one of the top schools in the state. I am not interested in a title or name; however, I am interested in helping students become great leaders.
What makes your school special in your eyes?
Our school develops leaders. We not only have the best teachers and staff that set high standards for academics, but we also have a culture of leadership and of excellence. We expect a lot out of our students, and we get a lot out of our students.
Are there any new programs, initiatives or improvements we can look forward to this year?
We are a Lighthouse school among the Leader-In-Me schools. We would like to work toward legacy status. We will continue to learn about and practice the 7Habits. We will also continue to participate in monthly clubs and give back to the community. Last year our school gave food to the local food bank, collected coats for children in need, made cards and gifts for the elderly and collected items for pet shelters, among other contributions. In addition, our school goal is always for every student to make significant learning gains.
Is there anything you’d like to say directly to the students, staff, or families reading this?
Harmony Community School is a special place. It has been a privilege to be entrusted with the responsibility of serving as the principal. I am honored to have the opportunity to work with some of the most talented and passionate educators and staff that I have ever known. Our students are bright and work hard each day to become great leaders. Our families are dedicated to their children and support the school in all of its endeavors. It has been one of the greatest gifts of my life to be a part of this community.
What is Usual and Customary and How Does it Apply to Health Insurance?
BY KIM KIRSCH National Marketing Director Healthcare Solutions Team
U“sual and customary" (U&C) is a term you might encounter in the world of health insurance, and understanding it can help you make more informed decisions about your healthcare costs. Essentially, U&C refers to the average cost of a specific medical service or procedure within a particular geographic area. Insurance companies use this term to determine how much they will reimburse a provider for a given service.
Let’s say you visit a doctor for a routine check-up. The typical charge for that check-up in your area might be around $150. If your insurance considers this amount as "usual and customary," they will cover a percentage of that fee based on your plan—say, 80%. This means you would be responsible for the remaining 20%, which would be $30. However, if your doctor charges $200 for the same check-up, and that amount exceeds the U&C rate, you may end up paying more out-of-pocket since your insurance will only reimburse based on the U&C fee.
It's important to remember that U&C rates can vary widely depending on location and the specific services rendered. For example, a surgical procedure might have a U&C rate of $10,000 in one city but only $8,000 in another. This discrep-
ancy highlights the importance of checking what your insurance considers U&C when planning for any medical services.
Navigating the complexities of U&C can feel daunting, but you don’t have to do it alone! If you’re unsure about how U&C affects your coverage or if you have questions about specific services, we’re here to help. Understanding these details can save you money and prevent unexpected bills. So don’t hesitate—contact us today!
Thankful Harmony for
We are truly blessed to call this special corner of Central Florida home. From the stunning layout and design to the natural beauty and wildlife all around us, Harmony is a place unlike any other. But what makes it most meaningful is the diverse and welcoming community we get to call friends and neighbors. With Thanksgiving around the corner, I reached out to several Harmony residents to share what they are most thankful for this year.
BRADY & ABBEY EVANS
We are beyond thankful that we stumbled into Harmony over four years ago. Not only have we made lifelong friends, but we also get to live in a place that feels like home every single day. And let’s be honest—we’re especially grateful to live near Eric Farnsworth. Because when the AC goes out in the middle of August, friendship is nice, but cold air is priceless!
LUCY & BRUCE ASHTON
The highlight of our year has been moving to this beautiful community, and especially the chance to live only two blocks away from our children and grandchildren. We are so grateful for the many kind people who have helped us!
JANICE & DAN RILA
RAY & CARA WALLS
We’re thankful for a neighborhood that provided a space for our kids to thrive in from birth to college. The lifelong friendships that they’ve forged and that Cara and I have forged as a result are irreplaceable and something we’ll forever be grateful to Harmony for.
ERIN & BRIAN KIRKBRIDE
Our family is so thankful to have found our home here in Harmony. Every time we walk or drive through the neighborhood, we’re reminded of how beautiful this community is. From the tree-lined streets and parks to the open green spaces and stunning lake views, Harmony truly feels like a little slice of paradise. Along the way, we’ve met neighbors who have become great friends, which makes living here even more special.
I am thankful for family, my friends that are just like family, and my wonderful clients. To wake up and see the light of another day, laughter, pumpkin pie, health, fishing, Grace, and Veterans past and present that protect us and keep us safe so we can be free and live in the greatest country in the world.
RICK & ROBIN MOLNER
AMBER & GEORGE WHITE
We are thankful for the family feel that our community gives us and for how everyone looks out for one another.
JULISSA URBINA & JORGE CARRASQUILLO
Living in Harmony is something I am truly grateful for. Our neighborhood offers more than just beautiful homes— it’s a place where neighbors feel like family, wildlife thrives all around us, and a genuine sense of community ties us together. Whether it’s enjoying the natural beauty of the trails, waving to a friendly face, or gathering for local events, Harmony creates a warm environment that makes every day feel great.
BRENDAN M c GOVERN
One of the things that I love about Harmony is the peace and quiet the small town offers. I walk my dog down Schoolhouse, Cat Brier, and Five Oaks and the atmosphere there is just tranquil. Unless it is school drop off and then I avoid those areas like the plague.
We’ve owned three homes in Harmony as a snowbird but we are moving here permanently in the next couple of months. We are thankful for the Harmony area, especially for the peace and tranquility of the neighborhood. As a snowbird we have loved being able to take our golf cart for a ride and just enjoy the area which is still somewhat rural. The people in Harmony are so friendly, and we have so many amenities in the community.
My husband and I moved to Harmony about 4 years ago. I am thankful that we get to live in Harmony’s beautiful 55+ community. When I drive into Harmony, I know I am in the most tranquil and picturesque community. I am also thankful that our wildlife has a sanctuary within Harmony to call home and where we can coexist together. Mostly, I am thankful for the people that make Harmony a great place to live.
LUCAS & HANNAH CHOKANIS
There’s a lot to be thankful for here in Harmony! I am most thankful for having great schools and the best teachers in our community. The principles and standards our schools teach to our children help to shape our kids into being respectful, strong-willed and smart young boys and girls. Our family is very proud and thankful to have teachers that care so much about the development of our communities’ children.
MARY JANE & JOE SLEDZ
The Magic
IN THE MUNDANE
BY ABBEY EVANS
Being a mom means doing about a thousand little jobs that aren’t all that exciting. Most of it is dishes, laundry, packing lunches, and running kids to school and back. Not exactly glamorous. But tucked in between all those everyday tasks are the moments that actually matter—the little magic that make it all feel special.
Here’s the thing: your kids probably won’t remember if the floors were spotless or if dinner looked Pinterest-perfect. But they will remember the time you made hot cocoa in the morning “just because.” They’ll laugh someday about how you always sang the wrong words to a Christmas song. They’ll think back on silly little traditions that, at the time, seemed small… but actually became their favorite memories.
It doesn’t take much. Driveway stargazing—grab blankets, lay in the yard or driveway, and find a constellation or two. Have a candlelight dinner (even if it’s pizza) – turn off the lights, light a few candles, and suddenly Tuesday night feels magical. Let the kids help bake a pie—even if half the flour ends up on the floor. Even a quick silly joke tucked in their lunchbox can make an ordinary day feel like something worth remembering.
The important part isn’t doing it all perfectly—it’s just being there. Create the magic in their childhood. Soak it in. Because the laundry will still be there tomorrow, but the kids won’t stay little forever.
And remember, moms—YOU are the magic.
