About Trans World Assurance
Who We Are
Trans World Assurance Company was founded in 1963 by Charles P. Woodbury, a decorated WWII Marine. As a combat aviator, Mr. Woodbury was instilled with a sense of purpose and commitment and all the values and traditions that make our military and country the strongest in the world.
After retiring from the military, Mr. Woodbury returned to Pensacola, Florida, and began working with local families (military and non-military) to help them increase their quality of life, as well as their level of security, by offering them unique and stable financial products designed specifically for their needs. He worked with thousands of people who all had a similar problem: a lack of retirement and insurance planning. Mr. Woodbury also realized that most companies providing programs to the men and women of the US Armed Forces were out of touch with their unique needs. Mr. Woodbury believed he could provide a better program for our U.S. military and civilians worldwide by forming his own company — Trans World Assurance Company.
TWA was founded on tradition and built to provide a solid future for its customers. Since its inception, TWA has been dedicated to providing only the safest and strongest cash accumulation life insurance products available. With a simple and systematic approach to investing in United States Government bonds, highly rated corporate bonds, and great service, TWA has grown into one of the strongest and most stable insurance companies in America. Since its inception, TWA has remained solid, even during times of uncertainty. TWA continues to stay true to the vision of Mr. Woodbury by continuously providing protection, cash accumulation, and secure retirement for its customers, military and civilian alike.
TWA is also proud to be a founding underwriter and reinsurer of the U.S. military’s Servicemembers Group Life Insurance (SGLI) program, which protects all military members worldwide. We strongly encourage participation in SGLI and feel that our flexible universal and whole life insurance plans and their extraordinary record of building cash are an excellent supplement to government or other programs you might have.
As was the goal of our founder, we remain committed to the highest standards of business and to products that incorporate sound planning, flexibility, “tax-deferred” capital/cash accumulation, and life benefits for our customers. TWA is licensed in 47 states and worldwide, and our track record speaks for itself.
Our Founder
1919 – 1996
Charles P. Woodbury was a man of vision. His forward-thinking and blue-collar work ethic helped him become one of northwest Florida’s most successful businessmen. He was also a man who loved his country and the military members who fought to protect it. He was a family man and a community leader who gave back generously. Few people in American history have been as devoted to their country and community as Charles P. Woodbury.
1919-1938
Birth and early years
Born in Kansas City, MO in 1919, Charles Putnam Woodbury learned an early lesson at age 19 about the importance of life insurance when his father passed away prematurely, forcing him to leave school and return home to take care of his mother and four sisters.
1939–1945
Military service
Soon after WWII began, Mr. Woodbury joined the Navy as an aviation cadet, eventually taking to the skies as a decorated combat fighter pilot in the Marines, earning numerous awards and medals, including a Purple Heart and the Distinguished Flying Cross.
1940s-1960s
Post-war service
After WWII ended, Mr. Woodbury married fellow Marine Eleanor Gunn and settled in Pensacola, FL, where he continued to serve as a reservist until his retirement as a Major. During this time, he also served as a volunteer firefighter, chartered the first Boy Scout troop in Warrington, FL, and earned Florida’s first Northwest Business Man of the Year award for his work in the insurance and banking fields.
1960-1996
Enduring legacy
Mr. Woodbury’s insurance companies were among a group of carriers that founded the Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) program and which continue to serve as part of its underwriting group. Today, these companies are proudly run by Mr. Woodbury’s family with the same spirit of selfless service that defined his life, helping servicemembers and veterans get closer to achieving their life goals and dreams.
Relied On By The Military Community
Open Letter from Former Military Commanders
In support of access to responsible businesses offering reliable financial products and opportunities
We are writing to encourage your support for our men and women in uniform by ensuring their access to legitimate, reputable financial opportunities beyond those offered by the U.S. government.
Specifically, Trans World Assurance Company and American Fidelity Life Insurance Company have a long history of serving and supporting our military. Founded more than 45 years ago by WWII veteran Charles Woodbury, these companies served as a founding underwriter of the Servicemembers Group Life Insurance, (SGLI) which continues to provide insurance to our military families today. The Woodbury family remains deeply involved in the business, dedicated to the mission of supporting our military personnel. Based on many years of experience, each of us considers Barbara Woodbury-daughter of these companies’ founder-to be a true patriot. In both her personal and professional endeavors, Barbara works tirelessly in support of our troops and their families, and we hold her in the highest regard.
Sadly, we recognize that all companies and their executives do not maintain the same ethical standards that we accept as “common virtues” of those in uniform. We applaud vigilant leaders who protect our dedicated military personnel from unscrupulous sales practices, but we would ask that you not punish all companies for the actions of a few.
We are not employees or otherwise affiliated with either of these companies. Our only interest is in providing today’s military members with access to credible, legitimate financial opportunities. We believe that those who defend our country deserve the opportunity to supplement their government programs with products from other providers, especially when those providers have a good track record. We encourage you to ensure they have access to the same diversity of financial opportunities enjoyed by our nation’s civilian workforce. Armed with accurate information on available opportunities, we are confident that today’s men and women in uniform will make educated decisions that will positively impact their future.
Talk to An Agent Today
Contact Trans World Assurance today to secure your family’s future with tailored life insurance solutions. Your peace of mind is just a call away.
