By Jan Mat the ws Ph otos by J osh Sno w Community HEROES Created and sponsored by Jan Matthews Team - Homes for Heroes Affiliate and VUE Magazine Homes for Heroes is an amazing program that focuses on helping heroes, such as firefighters, EMTs, police officers, military, active and inactive, medical professionals, and teachers. This month’s Feature Focus is on POLICE. These hero professionals, much of the time, are dealing with the worst situations of humanity in our society. They help protect us, keeping us civilized and human. They often see their community citizens at their worst. They’ve sworn to protect and serve, and this comes with sacrifice to themselves and their families for the good of us all. Giving of themselves in ways which we all appreciate. They share a common mindset of helping others. We are proud to present our next hero community highlight, Marshall County Deputy and Army Veteran, Chris Greenfield. Chris was born and raised in Waterloo, Illinois, and his family still resides there. He grew up with a military family, telling me how all the influential men in his family have served their country. He grew up knowing he wanted to serve his country as well, and after high school he joined the Army. The Army provided him with seven key core values to live by: loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage. This was profound for him as he learned how these values were expressed in action. He explained to me that most people have these values. They just don’t realize how they are expressed or how to label them. The Army taught him that and impacted his ability, understanding, compassion for people, and how he could be of best service. Chris always found himself wanting to protect others, starting at a very young age. He witnessed and, very often, defended his older brother from bullies on the school bus and at school. Chris shared with me an event that touched him to the core of his protective nature. He was stationed overseas with the Army military police at a field hospital with detainees. He was watching some children playing soccer when they were injured by a mortar (muzzle loaded weapon). Witnessing this fired that passion to protect the innocent and he knew he wanted to protect and serve. After his time in the Army, he met and married his wife, Brandi Greenfield, and moved to Marshall County where he has made his home. Chris and Brandi have three beautiful children: Colton (12), Priscilla (5), Rowan (20 months). Chris was quick to contribute much of his success to his wife. He exclaimed proudly, “She is my biggest supporter.” He explained he couldn’t do what he does without her strength, courage, and support she provides at home. INTHEVUE.COM | MARCH 2023 79
