Good morning and welcome to the Senior Spotlight, heard every Saturday morning at 9:20am on KNCT. As we step into Veterans Day weekend, we begin our celebration of America’s heroes by shining a light on those with birthdays coming up.
Coming up on Wednesday, we honor SFC(R) Lloyd Hickscolon of Killeen, a combat medic who served three tours in Iraq with the First Cavalry Division. Lloyd turns 46 this week.
On Thursday, Greg Olson of Gregory, South Dakota and originally from Kearney, Nebraska, celebrates his 54th birthday. Greg served as a Combat Engineer in Heilbronn, Germany and with the 101st Airborne Division during the 1990s.
To these incredible Veterans: Happy Birthday and thank you for your service. Your stories remind us of the sacrifices made and the lives touched by your commitment.
If you know a Veteran with a birthday coming up, we’d love to include them in a future spotlight. Just send us a message on our blog at myKNCT.com or reach out via our Facebook page.
Let’s keep this tradition going, one birthday, one hero, one heartfelt thank-you at a time.
Health Spotlight: A Timely Reminder About Breast Cancer Screening
As the holiday season approaches, it’s a meaningful time to encourage important conversations—especially those that could save lives. One such conversation centers around breast cancer screening and understanding personal risk.
Recent data shows that more women under 40 are being diagnosed with breast cancer, and these cases can often be more aggressive. That’s why the American College of Radiology® (ACR®) recommends that all women speak with their healthcare provider about their breast cancer risk by age 25.
Together, patients and providers can determine:
- Whether a mammogram is needed before age 40
- If additional imaging, such as an MRI, should accompany annual screenings
- And for those at higher risk, whether more frequent checks are appropriate
This proactive approach helps tailor screening to individual needs and may lead to earlier detection and better outcomes.
As we gather with loved ones this season, let’s also take time to prioritize health. A simple conversation could make all the difference.
For more information, visit acr.org or speak with your healthcare provider.
Advocacy Spotlight: Medicare Enrollment and a New Voice from the Texas Silver-Haired Legislature
Gary Gerstenhaber with the Texas Silver-Haired Legislature now joins us with some important updates. As we move through November, it’s a critical time for many of our listeners. Medicare and Medicaid enrollment is currently underway, and we encourage everyone to review their plans, check for updates, and make sure their coverage fits their needs for the year ahead. Whether you’re considering Advantage plans, prescription coverage, or supplemental options, now’s the time to ask questions and make informed choices.
And today, we’re proud to introduce a new voice from the Texas Silver-Haired Legislature (TSHL). Mike Taylor, a legislator from Tarrant County, joins us to share his vision and leadership. Mike serves as Chair for both the Organizational Structure Committee and the Technology Committee, helping shape how the TSHL operates and how it connects with seniors across the state.
The TSHL is a nonpartisan body that empowers older Texans to advocate for policies that improve quality of life, access to care, and community engagement. From transportation and housing to healthcare and digital inclusion, these volunteer legislators bring decades of wisdom and lived experience to the table.
Next week, we’ll wrap up our latest discussion by highlighting the active resolutions currently being advanced by the Texas Silver-Haired Legislature. If you’d like to explore more about the TSHL—including its members, legislative priorities, and examples of proposed initiatives—be sure to visit TSHL.org and check out the Legislative Report.
Spotlight on Support: Connecting Seniors to Vital Resources
Many older Americans living on fixed incomes face monthly challenges when it comes to affording essentials like food, medication, and other daily expenses. What’s less widely known is that help may be available through programs designed to ease these financial burdens.
BenefitsCheckUp.org and BuscaBeneficios.org are free and confidential websites that connect older adults to money-saving programs they may qualify for. The resources are available in both English and Spanish, making them accessible to a broad audience.
NCOA is a trusted nonprofit that has been serving older Americans since 1950. Their mission is to improve the lives of seniors through advocacy, education, and connection to services.
Event Spotlight: Killeen Veterans Day Parade Set for November 11
The City of Killeen will honor those who served in the United States Armed Forces with its annual Veterans Day Parade on Tuesday, November 11th at 11am.
For more details, including the parade route and registration form, visit centex-avac.org.
Local Spotlight: Harker Heights Farmers Market Open Today
The Harker Heights Farmers Market continues today, welcoming visitors from 9am to 1pm at the City Hall Parking Lot, located at 305 Miller’s Crossing.
Held every Saturday through December 6th, the market offers a variety of local goods. From fresh produce and baked items to handmade crafts and specialty foods, it’s a great opportunity to support local vendors and enjoy a relaxed, open-air shopping experience.
For more details, including a list of participating vendors and upcoming market highlights, visit the Harker Heights Farmers Market Facebook page.
Alzheimer’s Awareness Spotlight: Recognizing the Early Signs
As families gather this holiday season, it’s a meaningful time to reflect not only on traditions and togetherness—but also on the well-being of our loved ones. The Ad Council reminds us that early signs of Alzheimer’s and dementia are often mistaken for normal aging. But recognizing these changes early can make a world of difference.
Subtle shifts in memory, behavior, or communication may be the first indicators. These can include:
- Repeating questions or stories
- Difficulty following familiar routines
- Trouble finding words or making decisions
- Withdrawal from social activities
While these signs may seem minor, they can signal the beginning of cognitive decline. Family members are often the first to notice, making awareness and education essential.
Identifying symptoms early opens the door to better care, planning, and support. It allows families to explore treatment options, connect with resources, and make informed decisions together.
With more time spent together during the holidays, it’s an opportunity to observe, listen, and gently check in. If you notice changes, consider speaking with a healthcare provider. Your concern could lead to life-changing support.
For more information and resources, visit alz.org.
Senior Spotlight Closing Message – Honoring Veterans
As we wrap up today’s Senior Spotlight, we pause with reverence and gratitude. Each November 11, and truly every day, we honor the courage, sacrifice, and unwavering spirit of America’s veterans. From quiet reflections to community parades, this day reminds us to stand united in respect—and to carry that respect forward in action.
Whether you’re writing a note, flying the flag, or lending a helping hand, your gesture matters. Let’s turn appreciation into impact. Visit, listen, support, and uplift. Because honoring veterans isn’t just about one day—it’s about building a nation worthy of their service.
And if you or someone you know is a veteran in crisis, help is always available:
- Call: 988, then press 1
- Text: 838255
- Chat: veteranscrisisline.net
From all of us here, thank you to our veterans. Your legacy lives in every act of kindness, every moment of freedom, and every voice that says, “We remember.”
KNCT 