PROJECT: 2015 HERO[series]
LOCATION: Grand Rapids, Michigan
VETERAN: Bill Lanford
BRANCH: U.S. Army
DESIGNER: Terrance Weinzierl
VIDEO: Sawyer Thurston
PORTRAITS: Adam Bird
VENUE: A.K. Rikk’s
PARTNERS: AIGA West Michigan, FLOR, Marx Moda
Following a career in the U.S. Army as a paratrooper, leader, and recruiter, Bill was a high school football coach and owned a floral shop with his wife. His passion for working with others towards a shared goal is evident throughout his life. Always armed with a good story, Bill is also quick to coach and help others through his years of wisdom and range of knowledge.
One lesson he shared with Terrance is the power in finding small moments of peace. Amidst the war in Vietnam, Bill recalled looking up to see his fellow paratroopers floating down towards him with their parachutes resembling flower blooms. In that moment, he felt a sense of peace and beauty that helped him push on. It’s within life’s smallest moments like this that we can find peace to help push through tough times.