The Unifour Senior Games, an athletic and artistic event for seniors 55 years of age and better in Alexander, Burke, Caldwell and Catawba Counties, is currently seeking volunteers to assist with the 2013 Unifour Senior Games.

The 29th Annual games began on April 19, and run through through May 17, at locations throughout the Greater Hickory Metro.

Over 800 area seniors are participating in this year’s Games. Senior Games events include track and field, tennis, bowling, table tennis, swimming, billiards, and many more.

Volunteers are especially needed on Monday, May 6 at the Highland Recreation Center in Hickory for opening ceremonies, spincasting, softball throw, football throw, and basketball shooting events.

Volunteers are also needed on Monday, May 13, at Lenoir-Rhyne University for track and field events.

The USO of NC, the leading organization responsible for lifting the spirits of troops and their families in North Carolina announced Thursday that Jeff Byers, a center for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League, as their ambassador.

“As a child I remember looking up to soldiers with admiration, thinking of how honorable they were for their service to our country,” said Byers. “I've never lost the appreciation for their sacrifice and am grateful I can finally give back through the USO of NC. It's an honor to be part of such a selfless organization, and serve our troops for all they've given to protect our nation and our freedoms.”

Byers entered the NFL in 2010 and signed with the Carolinas Panthers in 2011.

Air Force Airman Kailie H. Benfield graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.

The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.

Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

Benfield is the daughter of Douglas Benfield of Johns River Loop, Morganton, and sister of Ronnie Benfield of Stallion Drive, Jacksonville.

She is a 2011 graduate of Freedom High School, Morganton.