Creston Village Assisted Living & Memory Care is proud to announce that four residents traveled on an all-expense-paid trip to Washington D.C., as part of the nationwide non-profit known as the Honor Flight. These four individuals served in various branches of the armed forces during various conflicts and now boast an average age of 86.
The Honor Flight program, per its mission statement, “celebrates America’s veterans by inviting them to share in a day of honor at our nation’s memorials.” It accomplishes this mission by overseeing the travel arrangements, which take veterans via a chartered flight from their hometown to Washington D.C. to get a first-hand glimpse of some of our country’s great monuments.
Two of the four residents who attended had never seen the sights of our great nation’s capital. Jim S. (U.S. Air Force, 1951 – 1955) is one of the individuals who went on the trip. When asked if he had been to D.C., he thoughtfully replied that he had been to “other cities on the East Coast, but I’ve never been to Washington.” He added, “It is exciting to see the monuments to our nation.”
Jim was one of four veterans from across the country chosen to lay a wreath at The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Jim felt the weight and reverence of this high honor, sharing that doing such a thing was beyond his wildest imagination of what he thought he would be doing at 95.
The community’s participation in the trip was spearheaded by their Life Enrichment Director, Julie Tacker. A woman with a profound sense of civic pride, Julie was a champion for the residents who were all selected by the Honor Flight committee. She enthusiastically shared, “I’m extremely thrilled to see these four amazing individuals be recognized and be able to go on this trip. Creston Village has more veterans than any other senior living community I have worked with previously, and we are committed to sharing their stories and honoring their sacrifices.”
This trip of a lifetime for these residents took place between May 13 and May 15, 2024. The residents attending were James “Jim” S. (U.S. Air Force, 1951 – 1955), Troy W. (U.S. Air Force, 1962 – 1966), George C. (U.S. Army, 1958 – 1962), and Michele R. (U.S. Navy, 1975 – 1981).
Fellow veterans, well-wishers, family members, and friends were all invited to welcome them as they returned home on May 15 to give them the heroes’ welcome that some did not receive when returning from duty.
This occasion not only showcases Creston Village’s dedication to providing exceptional care but also recognizes the invaluable contributions of veterans to our nation.