????????
VOLUME XII NUMBER 8 AUGUST 31, 2015
Page 2
Gulfport Resident
Highlight,
Andy Lemstra
Page 3
Former Senator
Robert “Bob” Dole
visits AFRH-
Washington
Page 6
DC Hawaiian Luau
A
rmed Forces Retirement Home
Communicator
Gulfport, MS & Washington, DC
AFRH-WASHINGTON
Republic of Korea Delegates honor veterans of
the Korean War at AFRH-W
By Shaun Servais, Administrator
Photos by David Eichaker
Saturday, July 25th, Ruling Party Leader Kim Moo Sung toured the Scott
Building and addressed approximately 30 Residents in the Hall of Honors. Major
General Shin was escorting the group of 20 visitors, including legislators from the
Korean government, and numerous Korean journalists and photographers. A crystal
Korean War memento and a cash donation were received by two Korean War
Veteran Residents representing the home. During a heartfelt speech, numerous thank
you’s were given to the Veterans for their service and sacrifice in defense of the
Korean people and freedom. It was an honor to host the group who was so gracious
to visit and pay their respects to the Korean War Veterans.
After visiting with residents, the delegation paused for photos with the Lincoln
statue before embarking a private tour of President Lincoln's Cottage.
The Korean Delegates pose for a photo with several residents of the AFRH-W.
INSIDE
THIS
ISSUE
Korean War Veteran Bill Opferman (center) attended the
recognition ceremony in the Hall of Honor.
AFRH-GULFPORT
The Mississippi Gulf Coast is thriving, yet
still re-building, 10 years after Hurricane
Katrina
By Becki Zschiedrich, Public Affairs
W
hen Katrina roared ashore August 29th, 2005, the Gulfport
Home was filled to its practical capacity of 564 residents. The Armed
F
orces Retirement Home Residents expected to be displaced for only
a few weeks after Hurricane Katrina damaged their facility in 2005.
Little did they know, they wouldn’t be home for 5 long years.
It’s hard to believe it’s already been 10 years since Hurricane
Katrina changed the lives of so many residents of AFRH-G. Katrina,
which was the worst natural disaster to hit the U.S., damaged the 11
story AFRH-G tower beyond repair. When Katrina blasted through
M
ississippi, 414 residents rode out the storm for 17 long hours at the
G
ulfport Home and 150 residents had voluntarily evacuated in their own cars. Being
that the building was elevated 20.6 feet above sea level everyone thought they could
ride it out at the Home including The Weather Channel’s Meteorologist, Jim Cantore.
When the hurricane came through Gulfport it was said to be a 28 to 35 foot surge and
allowed water to rise in the building about 3 to 4 feet. The storm surge completely
wrecked all the medical and mechanical equipment plus destroyed the emergency
generator. With winds exceeding 100 mph the water tower fell over on the property and
destroyed the steel-and-concrete perimeter. Surprisingly no injuries were reported
within the building. However, with no electricity and no running water the building could
n
o longer be cooled and food couldn’t be prepared. Katrina’s wind and water dealt a
crushing blow to the AFRH and forced its residents to evacuate. The Residents of the
Home were evacuated to Washington D.C. the very next day via charter buses that had
b
een pre-staged away from Katrina’s reach. Many of the residents who rode out Katrina at
the facility moved in with family members and some moved away into their own apartments.
Some residents decided to stay in D.C. while others were scattered throughout 32 states.
When Hurricane Katrina forced the 11-story AFRH in Gulfport, Mississippi to close,
Congress appropriated $236 million to demolish the old structure and build a new
state-of-the-art facility. After the implosion of the old Home in 2007, the government
contractor began the construction of three eight-story buildings to replace it. The new facility
was designed to lessen the effects of a category five hurricane, and included 582 rooms
t
hat are more than four times larger than the rooms in the old facility. In the fall of 2010,
more than 200 former residents of the home returned to the new Gulfport facility after being
forced to relocate to D.C.The first 126 veterans returned home five years after Hurricane
Katrina on October 4, 2010 to a larger and more lavish facility.
A decade later, recovery is still underway on Mississippi’s Gulf Coast. There are still
empty lots and for sale signs scattered from Bay St. Louis to Pascagoula, which are
reminders of the thousands of people who didn’t return to their homes, or couldn’t afford to
come back. We are very fortunate and so ecstatic to have our Residents back in Gulfport.
Every vehicle on the property was totalled, including
t
he 5 vehicles that The Weather Channel had on site.
Residents get on the charter
bus to D.C. the very next day.
The old building the day after Katrina.
Keith Van Doren (center) listens to guest speaker, Kim Moo
Sung.
The front lobby of the old building was flooded
and full of debris after the surge came through.
The new AFRH-G re-opened October 4, 2010.
Meteorologist, Jim Cantore
broadcasted live from
AFRH-G to commemorate
the 10 year anniversary of
Katrina.
2
AUGUST 31, 2015
T
he AFRH Communicator is an authorized publication of the Armed Forces Retirement Home.
R
esidents and employees are encouraged to submit photos, art, news items, and features.
M
aterials will be edited by the AFRH Communicator staff for journalistic style and length. The
a
rticles included in this publication do not necessarily reflect the opinions or views of the
m
anagement, staff, or residents of the AFRH.
Sheila Abarr- AFRH Public Affairs Officer
Sherry Lawrence - AFRH-W Public Affairs
Rebecca Newton - AFRH-W Public Affairs
Becki Zschiedrich - AFRH-G Public Affairs
AFRH COMMUNICATOR
Phone: 1-800-422-9988 Web site: www.AFRH.gov Email: [email protected]
A
FRH is not just a place to live but a place to live more. Our model retirement communities are designed for residents to maintain an independent lifestyle in an environment designed for safety, comfort and personal en-
richment.
Eligibility:
Military veterans from each service branch can live at AFRH. The following persons who served as
members of the Armed Forces, at least one-half of whose service was not active commissioned service other than as a warrant officer or limited-duty officer, are eligible to become residents of the Retirement Home:
-who are 60 years of age or over; and were discharged or released from service in the Armed Forces under
honorable conditions after 20 or more years of active service.
-who are determined under rules prescribed by the Chief Operating Officer to be incapable of earning a livelihood because of a service-connected disability incurred in the line of duty in the Armed Forces.
-who served in a war theater during a time of war declared by Congress or were eligible for hostile fire special pay were discharged or released from service in the Armed Forces under honorable conditions; and are determined
under rules prescribed by the Chief Operating Officer to be incapable of earning a livelihood because of injuries, disease, or disability.
-
who served in a women's component of the Armed Forces before June 12, 1948; and are determined under rules prescribed by the Chief Operating Officer to be eligible for admission because of compelling personal circum-
stances.
To receive an informational brochure please contact the AFRH Marketing Office at 1-800-422-9988, or write to AFRH, PAO/Marketing, #1305, 3700 N. Capitol St. NW, Washington DC 20011-8400. Visit us on the web at:
http://www.AFRH. gov
AFRH-Gulfport waiting time for residency is
27-29 months from the date of application approval
A
FRH-Washington has no waiting time for residency
Serving Washington, D.C. and Gulfport, Mississippi
A CARF-CCAC Five-Year Term of Accred-
i
tation was awarded to the Armed Forces
Retirement Home. http://www.carf.org
http://www.carf.org/aging
ARMY NAVY AIR FORCE MARINE CORPS COAST GUARD
By Christine Baldwin, AFRH-W Librarian
James Judy
w
as born in
Pennsylvania, the
y
oungest of thirteen
children; six brothers
a
nd six sisters. He
maintained the Honor
R
oll throughout school
and was valedictorian
a
t the High School
graduation
ceremonies. Jim
intended to attend
college and applied to
Indiana State College
(PA). He received a
prompt reply which
said he was
academically
acceptable, but was
denied admission
because there was no room in the women’s residence hall.
Apparently the ‘Judy’ in his name made for confused gender
identification. He worked in the local public library for the first
year after graduation, while sorting out what he wanted to do.
In 1951, Jim enlisted in the U.S. Navy, rather than be
subject to the vagaries of the draft. Following basic training at
Bainbridge, MD, and Airman’s Flight School at Jacksonville, FL,
AFRH-W Veteran Highlight
AFRH-G Veteran Highlight
By Lori Kerns, AFRH-G Librarian
Andrew Lemstra was
born in December 1933 in a
northern province of Holland
called Friesland. He was
the third child of seven. As
a child, he spoke the local
language, Frisian, until he
began grade school where
he learned to speak Dutch.
He vividly remembers
German occupations
coming in May of 1940.
Luckily, his family got
liberated by the Canadian
part of the Allied Forces in
May 1945. It wasn’t until
after the war that he found
out his dad had been
drafted and had joined the
Resistance.
During high school Andy would ride his bike 10km to
school and back. The children attended school six days a
week. He and his classmates were also required to learn
three foreign languages, German, French, and English. He
and his friends/siblings would have fun and pass the time by
playing soccer.
At 18, Andy got drafted in the Dutch Navy and served
two years. Upon completion, he went to work in a candy
factory. In 1957, he decided to follow one of his brother’s
footsteps and immigrated to the United States. At that time,
immigrants were obligated to sign up for the draft. Within six
months he was sent a draft notice. He decided to join the
Army before he was drafted. He completed his basic training
at Fort Ord, CA. His first assignment after basic and AIT was
for The Old Guard at Fort Myer, VA. As part of B Company,
he pulled cordons for dignitaries. His next assignment was to
Fort Belvoir, VA, and then on to France. While in France,
Andy would spend his downtime playing soccer with a French
team on Sundays. Next, he was sent to the Canal Zone in
Panama in a unified command at Quarry Heights. Right
about this time, he became a U. S. citizen because it was
required for him to have a T. S. clearance. He was about to
be sent to Vietnam for one year but was required to go to Fort
Bragg, NC, for PSYOP training and to Fort Bliss, TX, to learn
Vietnamese. In Vietnam, he served his whole tour with the
G5 of the Third Marine Division Dong Ha doing things like
putting leaflets in artillery shells and dropping leaflets from
planes. After Vietnam, he was sent back to the Canal Zone
where he stayed for three years. During this time he served
as an admin specialist. After a short stay in Fort Ord, he was
sent to Germany for three years to do housing referrals
finding housing for military personnel. His last assignment
was to Fort Leonard Wood, MO. Here, he worked in housing
until he decided to retire from the military in 1979. During his
time in Vietnam, he was awarded the Navy Commendation
with a V device and a Joint Service Commendation Medal.
Upon his military retirement, he began civil service
working with trainee clothing issue. He also worked at a
Greyhound bus station selling tickets to troops. Getting tired
of this job, he went to work for the contractor who had the
contract for the mess halls. After a few years, he finally
decided to retire for good.
While stationed in Panama, he fell in love and got mar-
ried. He and his wife had two children, a boy and a girl. Both
of his children now live in Missouri. His son comes to visit
often and they enjoy each other’s company by going
fishing. Andy also goes back to Holland at least once a
year to visit his brothers and sisters.
Always knowing about AFRH, he decided to visit
both the DC and Gulfport campuses. He decided to move
to AFRH-G and has been here over four years. A very
dependable and hard-working resident, he volunteers four
days a week. It is very common to see him working the
Admin or Library Circulation desk with his iPad watching
soccer. He also enjoys reading the Dutch newspaper and
skyping his brother. When asked what he likes about the
home, he stated that he enjoys living here “because it’s
new and the rooms are nice, the people are extremely
helpful, and the facilities are excellent. The food is great
too!” He also mentioned that he loves that “the old
soldiers are here.”
he attended Aerography School at Lakehurst, NJ. After
completing his training, Jim was assigned to the USS Valley
Forge out of Norfolk, VA. In December of 1951 Jim was
transferred to the re-commissioned USS Hornet and embarked
from Norfolk to cruise through Mediterranean, the Suez Canal
and across the Indian Ocean to the Hornet’s permanent
assignment in the South China Sea and Japan Sea, flying
reconnaissance flights into the interior of communist China for
the next two years. (Of a 182 compliment of aircraft on board at
t
he start, none returned due to hostile gunfire). Jim returned
stateside in late 1954, completing a round-the-world tour of duty.
H
e completed his service at San Ysidro Naval Air Station in
California.
J
im left the service after the war and attended college
under the GI Bill. He received his bachelor and master’s
d
egrees in history in 1958 from Kent State University, where he
began a teaching career. A believer in life-long education, Jim
completed additional graduate work in history at Western
Reserve University and Rutgers University. He taught Modern
European and world History until 1963. Jim then accepted an
appointment at Glassboro State College, NJ, as the Assistant
professor in History, becoming the Associate Academic Dean as
well in 1967. In 1968, he was appointed the New Jersey’s
Director of State Colleges. In 1969, Jim was one of six
individuals tapped to create a new college in south Jersey – a
seminal experience in his vocation of higher education and
student development. This new college was named Richard
Stockton State College (named for the signer of the Declaration
of Independence), and is now Stockton University. While at
Stockton, Jim served as Vice President 1971-1978 and as
President 1978-1981. Jim then went to Thiel College in
The Joint Commission
www.jointcommission.org
G
reenville, PA to work with students in a Lutheran setting as
Vice President for Student Development. In 1991, he
became Regional Consultant in Leadership for the
Evangelical Lutheran Church of America serving
Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia. In 1995 Jim was
appointed Lay Pastor of a small rural church in Northwestern
Pennsylvania. He was ordained a Lutheran Minister in 2010.
His life-long passion has been working with youth and adults
in developing leadership skills helping them to use those
skills to improve society.
Though a relatively new resident at AFRH-W, Jim is
quite familiar with the place and its programs as his oldest
sister, May, was a resident at the home from 1985-2002,
where she died in
the LaGarde
Health Center, and
was buried at
A
rlington following
services in
S
tanley Chapel.
These days
Jim contents
himself with
reading, playing
bridge and giving
back to the home
through
volunteering in the
library and the
Chaplain’s office.
Andy today at AFRH-G volunteering at the
Administration front desk.
Andy in 1959 at The Old Guard
in Fort Myer, Virginia.
James Judy in 1951 on the USS
Hornet.
James Judy today living life at
AFRH-W.
and sacrifice all lend towards my positive memories of a devastating time.
Four years ago last weekend, an earthquake shook AFRH-Washington; the earthquake
registered 5.8 magnitude and though no harm came to Residents and staff, but the facilities
took a major hit. The hardest hit building was the Sherman Building which was home then to
the AFRH Corporate staff, and a D.C. Charter School (not Creative Minds). The Sheridan
B
uilding also received damage, as three of the then five elevators were compromised.
Sherman South was the most heavily damaged and unstable, due to the damage of the Clock
T
ower. I still remember looking into the Sherman Parking Lot and seeing a piece of the Clock
Tower sitting on the hood of the car of our Chief Human Capital Officer’s husband!
Through both of these significant natural disasters AFRH stood strong, a testament to
our Residents, staff, and surrounding communities. AFRH is simply more than the brick and
mortar of our buildings, it is people that makes us strong!
If I seem to be a bit nostalgic this month, it is with good cause; I have formally
a
nnounced my retirement effective January 2016. I will discuss more in the coming months
but it is simply time. I’ve devoted a great deal of my life to AFRH, and with my wife retiring this
p
ast summer, it is time for me to switch gears.
Steve McManus
ARMED FORCES RETIREMENT HOME
3
AUGUST 31, 2015
Message from the Chief Operating Officer
T
ime flies, but memories are everlasting; this weekend
marks the ten years anniversary of Hurricane Katrina’s
d
evastation. AFRH-Gulfport was destroyed, but despite being
at what the then AFRH-G Command Master Chief Perrone
c
alled the “tip of the spear,” all of our Residents and staff came
though safe. As devastating as Katrina was my memories are
p
ositive; I think of how our staff jumped into action, how
welcoming our AFRH-Washington Residents were, and
p
robably most poignant, how resilient our AFRH-Gulfport
Residents were!
I
have to stress the efforts of all involved in getting our
Residents out of Gulfport safely, getting to and settling into
W
ashington, was nothing short of Herculean. In Gulfport, due
to the power outage resulting from Katrina, Residents had to
b
e carried up and down stairs, and transporting Residents to
Keesler Air Force Base for military airlift had to be proficient.
P
reparation of bed spaces in Washington had to be accomplished, transportation from An-
drews Air Force Base had to be arranged. All of these things were achieved by Residents,
s
taff, and volunteers throughout the surrounding military communities (the assistance
provided by the SeaBees and their trainees was invaluable). The efforts, communication,
Statue of Liberty - A work of art from the heart
Artist Ronald Washington signs the masterpiece.
Barbara Folk, Gerry Gorsky, and Ray Eckert couldn’t wait to
get started on the Statue of Liberty project.
B
y Milton Williams, Art Specialist
I should say, hearts plural, for many collaborated on this group project.
During one of our many discussions in our AFRH “School of Arts and Sciences”
room, Dianna Lamb and other resident artists came up with the idea of painting
a type of “mosaic” rendering of the Statue of Liberty. Twelve resident artists
came together and painted 24 separate canvas panels, each one depicting a
section of the statue and each painted in the artist’s own style and technique.
All used the same colors and followed a set pattern, so when placed next to
each other they came together as one piece. Marion Wolke, Gerry Gorsky and
Fredi Van Pelt helped install all the canvas panels in a frame made by
woodworker, PJ Johnson. A signature strip of wood at the base was used by all
to sign and PJ inserted a special coin that has an American Flag and the words
“United We Stand”. This unique painting of the Statue of Liberty is an
outstanding work of art and a nice addition that will be displayed on a column in
the Art Display Room of our Home. It is, however, a whole lot more. It
exemplifies how our veterans, who served together, helped keep our “One
Nation, Under God” safe and secure for us. The alliance of all is a moving
reminder of the uniqueness of the United States of America, its citizens and
those who serve. Thank you to my Art Class and I’m looking forward to the next
Art Adventure…
The artists include; Gerry Gorsky, Wanda Webb, Barbara Folk,
Frances Scott, Ray Eckert, Ted Wesolowski, Frank Haney, Clifford Smith,
PJ Johnson, Ron Washington, Corena Wash and Ron Persing.
A sign up sheet for the
Statue of Liberty project
hangs in the art room.
The artists gather for a group photo. From left to right - Barbara Folk, Wanda Webb, Ted
Wesolowski, Gerry Gorsky, Clifford Smith, Col Wilhite, Milt Williams, Ray Eckert, PJ Johnson,
Frank Haney, Frances Scott. Missing from group photo are Ron Washington, Corena Wash
and Ron Persing.
Photographs by Becki Zschiedrich, AFRH-G Public Affairs
Former Senator Bob Dole visits AFRH-W
By Rebecca Newton, AFRH-W Public Affairs
Armed Forces Retirement Home, Wash-
ington recently had the honor of hosting a
distinguished visitor, who had previously visited
the home. Senator Bob Dole visited AFRH-W
b
ack in 2005 and gifted neck ties to the
Residents.
T
his time, he sat, chatted with Residents and
answered questions. Senator Dole even joked
about his 1996 bid for the Presidency, being
n
eighbors with Monica Lewinsky and old age.
His visit to AFRH-W and President Lincoln’s
Cottage was arranged by Harry Miller, an
AFRH-W Resident.
At 92 years old, Senator Dole is still very
a
ctive. He makes television appearances, con-
sults at a DC law firm and strongly supports
Veterans’ causes. A war veteran himself, Sena-
t
or Dole visits the WWII Memorial in DC, every
Saturday from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.
Senator Dole with Resident Harry Miller.
Senator Dole speaks to the Residents in at the AFRH in
Washington D.C.
A
RMED FORCES RETIREMENT HOME
4
AUGUST 31, 2015
From the AFRH-W Administrator
The
s
ummer is
drawing to a
close and
b
reathable
weather is
finally coming
b
ack! Football
season is just
around the
c
orner as well
as the Hunt for
October in
Major League Baseball. I bumped into
two decked out residents in Nationals’
gear on their way to the ballpark one
a
fternoon this month. Did you know the
Georgia Ave/
Petworth Station connects to Navy
Yard/Nationals Park by the Green Line
Metrorail? No need to switch lines, it’s
very easy to travel and root for the home
t
eam!
In August, we hosted a focus group
on the Ruppert Landscaping Company
F
ield Day scheduled for September 18th.
T
he focus group explained to residents
the agenda for Field Day, the campus
beautification projects that will be
c
ompleted, and what we can expect to see
throughout the day. Included in the
agenda is one of the 12 largest tree spade
t
rucks in the country will plant a 40-foot
tree in a little less than 5 minutes; what a
site! This is a very special event that the
h
ome competed against other
organizations to win. I may be biased but
feel strongly AFRH-W is a very special
p
lace, and a worthwhile location for Field
Day 2015. Residents should be excited to
see the sod unroll, with more than 700
Ruppert Landscaping Employees getting
their hands dirty. The events of the day will
be transformative and I want to graciously
t
hank the Ruppert Landscaping Company
for their generous donation. Our Chief of
Campus Operations, Patrick Benjamin,
w
as heavily involved with securing Field
Day. Patrick also celebrated 30-years of
service to the Home August 8th.
Congratulations Patrick!
As we head into fall, there are a
couple other key dates I’d like to share with
Residents and their families. On Saturday,
I awoke today
k
nowing it was time
to pen the monthly
a
rticle with no
e
arthly clue what I
would focus on. At
1
300 inspiration hit!
S
o here goes…..
During the Ice
C
ream Social meet
a
nd greet with our
new neighbors at
C
harter School International numerous
teachers mentioned how wonderful it would
b
e if residents came over periodically to
s
hare their stories with the students. I
began to think how enlightening that would
b
e, not only for the students to hear the
s
tories but also for the residents who would
be interacting and hearing the reactions of
the students to the story they were just told.
More about this opportunity will be forth-
coming shortly. Please consider
volunteering for this magnificent
opportunity.
Which leads to a nice segue into the
topic of volunteering. There is always a
need for volunteers, in so many areas, as I
mentioned in last month’s article. Although
volunteers, many of the positions come with
some responsibility. Trip calling is not just
calling out the loading order for the bus. It is
also making sure the number of residents
who were at roll call are actually on the bus.
It is about making sure that resident’s ac-
commodations are attended to
(MPV’s/walkers, etc.). It is customary and
much appreciated to allow the trip caller to
have the front seat, and for the most part
the rule during a trip. The trip caller makes
the decision when the bus is ready to
depart from the home and more importantly
when it is ready to depart on the return to
the home. The trip caller has to ensure that
every person who came from the home is
onboard or accounted for on the return trip.
Please cooperate with trip callers, for it is
not the most enjoyable volunteer position
due to the myriad decisions often times
having to be made.
We, resident volunteers, (including
myself and all the floor reps), seldom hear
a thank you, but let something occur to a
resident’s disliking and we sure get an
earful quickly. We like to be proactive and
not reactive. If you have a concern or
suggestion please let us know. It is easy to
‘Monday morning quarterback’ but help us
on the frontlines help you. It would be ap-
preciated.
Often times I receive calls to meet
with a member of the staff or administration
because a resident had a concern voiced to
them. That is fine and comes with the
territory of being the RAC Chairman. I
simply ask if there is an issue you want to
have addressed, a concern about some-
thing you would like addressed, talk to me
or a floor rep. We are the front line for trying
to ensure that AFRH-W remains the pre-
miere retirement home that it is. It is your pre-
r
ogative to put ‘anonymous’ notes in the RAC
b
ox, the Administrator’s box or the C.O.O’s
box. However often times further information
or clarification is needed and it cannot be
o
btained if it is submitted anonymously; thus
no action is taken. I assure you that I, any
RAC member (remember we all have easily
i
dentifiable yellow name tags), and volunteers
‘in charge’ of various activities (trip calling,
bowling center, and golf course are three that
come immediately to mind) will do our best to
listen and hear what you are saying and
p
roceed accordingly. Your voice does make a
positive difference.
As always, if you have something you
w
ould like me to include or discuss in this arti-
cle, let’s sit and chat.
H
ighlights of our August 19, 2015 meeting;
Chairman’s Welcome to all / Announcements
➢Please be reminded that emergency pen-
dants are available at no cost from Security.
➢The RAC Fund always welcome donations,
and requests that residents consider
remembering the AFRH-W RAC Recreation
Fund in their final bequests(wills).
➢Please place comments and concerns in
RAC box in Tunnel for the most expeditious
handling rather than waiting for a RAC
meeting. All RAC representatives have yellow
ID tags.
➢Between meetings of the RAC each month
the Chairman and Vice Chairman meet with
the Chief of Residence Services,
Ombudsman, Chief of Health Care (or
designee) and Chief of Campus Operations on
Mondays. Numerous items remain under dis-
cussion. The RAC does listen and is involved
with discussions with Administration and staff
on a regular basis to keep AFRH-W the
premiere retirement facility that it is. (note: see
new business)
AFRH - W Ombudsman
➢Please leave a note if not in office and he
will contact you. A majority of day is spent out
of office advocating/working for and with
residents.
Business Office
➢A representative of Business Office (Shaun
Servais) discussed letter all residents had
placed in their mail boxes on Tuesday, August
11, 2015. Senior Leadership at DOD is
working on obtaining the needed information
directly from V A. NOTE: No resident will have
their fee increased because they did not
submit a letter from VA showing benefits
received or showing no benefits received.
➢Fines and Forfeitures levied by military
(which go to trust fund) has decreased
significantly and AFRH (W and G) are
earnestly working to ensure that all fees are
calculated correctly based on total income of
resident.
➢It is important that you provide all necessary
documentation requested (except for V A
letter) or you may (will) be calculated as pay-
ing the Maximum fee .
➢If you sign waiver to pay maximum fee and
your level of care is changed (from
Independent to Assisted Living/Long Term
C
are/Memory Support you will be assessed
m
aximum fee there as well based on waiver.
Residents are encouraged to submit required
forms for fee calculation if they earn less than
7
0,000 per year to ensure the pay properly
calculated fee for level of care they are in.
Please see any member of Business Office
d
uring regular posted working hours.
RAC FLOOR REPRESENTATIVE REPORTS
and COMMITTEES
FLOOR REPS: No report
CAMPUS OPERATIONS:
➢Numerous projects underway. See project
board in tunnel. Thank you extended for
having stairwell doors prominently labeled on
i
nterior side.
➢Waiting for vendor approval for safes. If you
w
ould like a safe for your room, and have not
signed up for one, please call in a work order
request and your name will be placed on list.
FOOD SERVICE:
➢Discussion about repetition of certain items
held with Food Service. Changes to menu
being considered.
➢Please put your comments, suggestions
and concerns in suggestion box located
between the menus at entrance to dining hall.
They are read and addressed.
GOLF:
➢Two tournaments planned (one in morning,
one in afternoon) for October 4, 2015. All
donations / sponsorships of wounded warriors
for these tournaments goes directly to RAC
Recreation Fund. Donation of $100.00 by
RAC members made to sponsor 4 wounded
warriors.
➢Sponsorship/donations forms available in
recreation office. Please consider donating /
sponsoring a wounded warrior for $25.00.
➢Request made to consider changing
employee-resident golf tournament back to
1300 as it had been in previous years instead
of new time of 1600. Next resident - employee
Tournament is Oct 1, 2015.
HEALTH AND WELLNESS:
➢When the Medication Distribution Room is
closed during posted hours (Monday through
Friday 8AM to 4 PM) please go to the
Wellness Center front desk for assistance.
There are procedures in place to get your
medications dispensed during posted
distribution hours, if Pharmacy Tech not
present.
➢All residents are encouraged to have an
‘emergency bag’ available that includes
change of clothes, underwear, toiletries, cell
phone charger, etc. in case it is needed for an
unexpected hospitalization.
➢A focus group is being planned in the near
future that on Wellness Center and
Healthcare issues.
MORALE WELFARE and RECREATION:
Please volunteer. There is always a place
your skills can be put to use! See Carolyn
Haugh in Volunteer Services and sign up
today, PLEASE ☺!.
MASTER PLAN:
➢Ruppert Landscaping has selected
AFRH-W to be the recipient of their yearly
service project. They will be donating approxi-
mately $150,000 of materials and labor to
enhance the landscape of the campus.
Resident Services will be holding a focus
group on August 21, 2015 at 10 AM in Media
Room (Theatre) to announce details and in-
form residents of the timelines.
➢A ‘buy a brick’ fundraising campaign is
being planned. Current areas under
discussion. Stay tuned for its roll-out soon!
RESIDENT FUND ADVISORY COMMITTEE:
The resident fund is expending more than it is
receiving. Approximately 15-20% cuts to the
budget are being submitted. It does not ap-
pear that any current services or functions will
b
e impacted! A true win-win!
SECURITY: The new Charter School will
begin operation on August 24, 2015. Please
b
e patient as there may be some minor is-
sues that arise with traffic flow.
OLD BUSINESS: Secretary for RAC still
sought.
NEW BUSINESS:
➢Motion made to have Tom Myrick represent
6th floor as alternate floor Rep by Marvin
Archer, 2nd by Al Brotski. No discussion.
Passed unanimously
➢Resident Suggestion received to have
military birthday ceremony and other events
held in Media Room (Theatre). After short
discussion the RAC endorsed suggestion
going forward to Administration for
consideration. ( 7 in favor, 1 opposed)
➢Request made to have all speakers in
dining hall operating during birthday dinner.
(request submitted to have this accom-
plished).
➢Did you or someone you know immigrate to
the United States? If so, please consider
sharing your story with President Lincoln’s
Cottage! In October 2015, the Cottage will
open a special exhibit on President Lincoln
and immigration, and they are collecting
personal accounts for potential use in the
exhibit. To schedule an interview, or find out
more details about the interview process,
please add your name and contact
information to the sign-up sheet in the
Recreation office.
RESIDENT CONCERNS FOR
ADMINISTRATIVE REPLY
None
Motion to adjourn at 10:23 passed, Next
meeting at 10AM on September 16, 2015
Thank you for supporting your
Resident Advisory Committee. RAC
meetings are held the third Wednesday of
every month at 10 AM in the Scott
Community Room. The Resident Advisory
Committee (RAC) is here to serve you!
Please contact us; a) in person, b)
through submission of form placed in RAC
box in tunnel, or c) by e-mail at
[email protected]. Minutes approved for
posting on August 19, 2015
Phil Ford
September 12th from 10AM-3PM,
President Lincoln’s Cottage is hosting its
f
ourth annual Family Day. All are welcome
to enjoy the day’s festivities, including live
entertainment, creative activities, and the
e
ncampment of the “Bucktails,” soldiers
from the 150th Pennsylvania Volunteers
who guarded the Lincoln Family here at the
S
oldiers’ Home. Many consider this
Presidential Guard a precursor to the US
Secret Service. The Bucktails will camp on
t
he Cottage south lawn from Friday,
September 11 to Sunday, September 13.
The main event families should
consider making travel plans to attend Fall
Fest October 4th. Fall Fest is the third and
final annual campus event when gates are
o
pen to the public. The Friends of the Old
Soldier’s Home (FOSH) is the main
sponsor. An antique car show, whiskey
t
asting, food trucks, petting zoo, and
military vehicle display are all in the works.
The fall weather is my favorite time of year
and hope to see many in attendance for
this year’s Fall Fest.
August was indeed a busy month. I
want to extend a very warm welcome to
Creative Minds International Public
C
harter School, the new tenants of
Sherman Building North Wing and Annex.
The school opened its doors August 24th
a
fter extensively renovating much of the
Sherman Building vacant since the 2011
earthquake. In speaking with the faculty at
the ice-cream social, I could feel the buzz
of excitement for the first day of school
and the future. The teachers could not
wait to get started educating kids
p
re-school through 5th grade. I thank the
Residents for their patience as traffic flows
and best practicing for minimizing
h
eadaches is learned and implemented.
Finally, I was selfishly sad to hear of
the decision announced by our Chief
Operating Officer, Steve McManus, to
retire this coming January, 2016. No
q
uestion his passion, influence, and
l
eadership will be missed by the AFRH.
Personally, I’ll be picking his brain every
c
hance I get between now and then. My
b
est wishes for a very happy, healthy
retirement with his wife, Marianne.
S
haun Servais
Notes from the AFRH-W, Chairman, Resident Advisory Committee
ARMED FORCES RETIREMENT HOME
AUGUST 31, 2015
5
Professional bull rider
visits AFRH-G
Resident volunteer shout out
This is an
open letter to
Charles (Chuck)
Dickerson, a
really good
friend of AFRH.
I say AFRH be-
cause you are a
good friend to us
here and to the
Washington
campus. I hope
the next few
months will be
the best months
for you and nothing like the past few. Last
month AFRH-Gulfport, the residents, and I
lost a truly good friend. You are, as my fa-
ther would say ,“A Mighty, Mighty Man”.
Being the
Administrator is a hard job with little reward,
except for the occasional handshake and a
cheerful good morning from some of the
residents. You, though, always had a
cheerful greeting and smile for us. With
every interaction I had with you, Chuck, I
knew that you put the welfare of the Home
and the residents first. You took time to talk
and listen with an open mind and open heart.
I first met you Chuck in 2008 when I
arrived at the DC home and you were the
Chief of Resident Services there. At that time
I didn’t know you well, but when you won the
job of Administrator here in Gulfport, and I
began working closely with you, I found you
to be truly dedicated to us and the Home and
I believe that you made it your passion
seeing that we had the best of care and the
best living conditions. I believe that when
you retired we lost the best friend this Home
has ever or will ever have.
I was at your retirement ceremony but
could not bring myself to stay until it was
over. I tried but could not take it any longer
because I was beginning to choke up and I
felt like I was going to cry. So Chuck here is
my farewell and good luck to you and yours.
Remember when it’s your time to enter the
Home I will be here to welcome you and hope
we will continue our friendship… Your friend,
Henri
around, go on trips, volunteer, do something to
make your life here more rewarding.
Henri D. Gibson
Now this is for the residents. We
are coming up on the new fiscal year
and I think it will bring new challenges
for the RAC and Home. Money will be
tight and budgets will have to be
watched carefully. However, the
Resident Fund is still in good shape and
we will be able to continue with our
recreational programs as they now exist.
But, in order to keep the fund solvent we
must come up with new ways to infuse
more money into the fund that is why we
will be starting our “Memorial Brick”
fundraiser in a few months. By now you
should have received the Memorial
Brick “interest survey”. Before the RAC
will continue with the project we need to
have at least 250 positive responses by
the 3rd of September. If you have any
questions about the program talk to your
floor Rep. If you don’t have a Floor Rep
on your floor, see Roy Cook or me and
maybe think about becoming a Floor
Rep and making a difference. Stop
being a couch potato, get up, move
By Jennifer L. Briley, Volunteer Coordinator
I would like to give a great big shout out to Mr. Robert Agolia who
attended the Coast Guard Birthday Celebration in honor of his friend from the
Washington D.C. Campus Mr. Reid Hawthorn. Mr. Hawthorn was a Chief in the
U
.S. Coast Guard during World War Two, and passed away around May 13th
2015.
Mr. Robert Agolia told me about a mission that his friend had completed in
t
he Everglades. Mr. Reid Hawthorn was the assigned swimmer attached to a
Helicopter Unit when a civilian transport flight crashed near the Everglades. Mr.
Hawthorn and his Helo team were tasked with looking for and rescuing survivors.
W
hen his Helo team made it to the crash site they quickly discovered that there
were no survivors; so Mr. Hawthorn began to pull bodies out of the water. The
helicopter filled up quickly and they ran out of room. Mr. Hawthorn was left in the
water while his team took the bodies back to land and then they came back to
pick him up. He said that while he was waiting, he was scared for his life
b
ecause there were alligators in the water, but thankfully they left him alone. For
his sacrifice and bravery, his Unit Commanding Officer awarded him a replica of
the helicopter that he was assigned to.
I
would like to thank Mr. Agolia for sharing his friend’s story with me during
the Coast Guard Birthday Celebration, and in remembrance of Mr. Reid
Hawthorn, thank you for all your dedicated service to our country.
Cross-stitch artist
By Milt Williams, Art Specialist
William “Bill” Sanders, a
new resident in Gulfport, has
been doing cross-stitch for 37
y
ears and is showing his works
of art in our Display Room
through September. These
w
orks of art are on 18-count
Aida cloth utilizing cross-stitch,
half cross-stitch, backstitch,
s
atin stitch, quarter cross-stitch,
couching and French knots. He
said, “Most of the cross-stitching
was done using two pieces of
DMC floss with approximately 324 stitches per square inch. Working approximately 15 hours a week
t
akes 4 to 5 months to complete one piece of work. It is a relaxing hobby and I get enjoyment seeing it
completed and framed”.
My favorite art piece is the “Wolf piece” which looks like a photo – even close up!
T
hank you Bill for sharing your cross-stitch art with us. All who have seen these pieces likewise share in
that enjoyment and we look forward to seeing more new pieces.
Above is the wolf
piece that Bill created
that resembles a
photo, even though
it’s cross stitch.
To the left is Bill
standing in front of his
many cross-stitching
works of art on display
in the Art Room.
Robert Agolia and Reid Hawthorn a few years back.
Col Wilhite, Jamie Gominger & Michelle Gargiulo
(Liaison/Office of U.S. Congressman Steven
Palazzo), Elizabeth Gray Henry (Legislative
Aide/Office of U.S. Senator Thad Cochran) and
RAC Chair Henri Gibson.
By Sean Campbell,
L
ead Recreation Specialist
Professional Bull Riders, Inc. (PBR)
s
ensation Chase Outlaw visited veterans at
the Armed Forces Retirement Home in
Gulfport to promote the upcoming “Battle at
the Beau”, a Professional Bull Riding
Competition to be held at the Mississippi
Coast Coliseum this upcoming weekend.
C
hase entertained questions from AFRH
residents explaining the intricacies of bull
r
iding and the PBR career.
Chase began riding calves at the
young age of 4 and from that point on there
was no question of what career he wanted
to pursue. Being a third generation bull rider,
Chase quickly rose through the ranks of
a
mateur bull riding and began riding in the
PBR events as soon as he turned 18. Chase
h
as qualified for 3 straight PBR World Finals
and was the PBR Touring Pro Champion in
2013.
Unfortunately, Chase is rehabbing
f
rom a previous shoulder injury and did not
compete in Biloxi, but 30 lucky AFRH
r
esidents were on hand to watch some of
C
hase’s competitors in action as they rode
2
,000 pound bulls in search of that elusive
8-second ride.
Chase Outlaw talks with Obie Webb and discusses his belt
b
uckle.
What a Treat – Fried Green
Tomatoes!
By Susan Bergman, MT-BC , Recreation Therapy Services
Residents & Recreation Therapy on Loyalty Hall were
caught shaking up some fun. What a treat – preparing fresh fried
green tomatoes (it’s a Southern thing) from the gardens of IL resi-
dent, Don Ober.
Music Therapist Susan Bergman gets ready to fry up some
h
omegrown green tomatoes from the
vegetable garden at AFRH-G.
Notes from the AFRH-G, Chairman, Resident Advisory Committee
ARMED FORCES RETIREMENT HOME6
AUGUST 31, 2015
AFRH-W June Activities
By Ken Rubotzky
Tomatoes, beans, peanuts, eggplants,
c
orn -- these items from the Armed Forces
R
etirement Home-DC gardens are delicious
and nutritious. Not every tomato is perfect,
but they're still tasty. Now in its fifth year, the
gardening partnership of Home residents and
volunteers from Friends of the Soldiers Home
is the centerpiece for a relaxing time in a
hectic city. Vegetables in more than 25 plots
p
ush through the long hot days of summer
w
ith the help of over 50 volunteers. Garden
socials offer opportunities to serve beer and
grilled food, and to swap tales. Residents
bring their coolers filled with bubbly treats.
Recent incessant rains has everything in the
gardens spiraling skyward, including the
weeds. Swallows nesting in Matthew's new
birdhouses flit above everyone's heads,
making tasty morsels of mosquitoes and
other pesky garden critters. Michael, Enid,
Casey and others carefully tend to Roger's
row of flowers. Kelly's stewardship of the cut
flower bed is rewarding us with yellows,
purples, and reds. Good times are ahead too
-- the cool growing weather is just two
months away.
Summer in the city means residents,
friends partner in gardens
By Nicole Chappell, Recreation Specialist
Aloha Kakou! On August 14th, the AFRH-W residents celebrated
the “Hawaiian Luau on the Scott Patio. Although the sun was hot and
beaming, the residents were all thrilled to engage in the festivities
outside. The Ukulele Band provided an exciting introduction of
traditional Hawaiian music which set the mood for the upcoming
activities.
The residents had the opportunity to engage in Lei making, using
the most beautiful Dendrobium Orchids, while waiting for the dance and
fire show to begin. As the day progressed, the Hula Polynesian Ladies
performed a non-traditional dance using their hips and hand gestures to
the rhythm of the music.
Soon after, the Polynesian Men performed a traditional dance
using hand and facial gestures that told a historical story of the
Hawaiian Island. A few of the residents even participated in the dance
too!!! The highlight of the event was the fire show, which left an anxious
yet eager expression on everyone’s face as the Hawaiian Fire Men
tossed, turned, and twirled the fire sticks!
On the menu for the evening was a wonderful Hawaiian spread
of Sweet & Sour Chicken, Sweet & Sour Pork, Pineapple rice, and a
variety of fresh fruit including the resident’s favorite, pineapples and
mangos! As the night went on, more and more residents moved outside
where everyone could listen to the music and enjoy the Hawaiian mixed
drinks, which were fresh Pina Coladas and frosty Mango Margaritas.
Special thanks to Sarah Kennan and Constance Maziel for all of
their assistance in planning the event. In addition, thanks to our
wonderful volunteers from the Walter Reed Medical Center, Mr. William
Ernestberg from the Coast Guard, and Dining Hall staff. Aloha until
next year!!!
2015 Hawaiian Luau at AFRH-W
The Hawaiian Fire Men had everyone’s attention when they started twirling the fire sticks.
WINGS performing arts put on a special production
for the AFRH-W Resident.
AFRH-G Music Therapist, Susan
B
ergman, played “Amazing Grace” on
the bagpipes.
National Guard 257th Army
Brass Band Concert
By Amanda Jensema, CTRS
Residents were treated to a wonderful concert put on by the
N
ational Guard 257th Army Brass Band. The music played was a wide
variety of different styles and tunes from Broadway, Popular, Jazz, and
Patriotic. During the concert they spoke about each song and medley and
shared stories. One such song they did was a version of “Shenandoah”
that was entitles “Ragged Old Flag” composed by Johnny Cash. This
s
ong was a hit with the residents, as one of the band members read the
poem as the song was played. It was a very moving tribute and received
a
standing ovation. Another song that resonated with the residents was a
s
ong that was led by a tuba. This song was “Rubber Ducky”. Other
popular songs performed included, “American Patrol”, “When the Saints
Go Marching In”, and “My Country Tis of Thee”. The members of the band
were SFC Fred Marcellus, SGT Brandon Lebe, SPC Charles Berry, SGT
Paul Deschene, SSG Dave Tarquine, and SGT John Rosa. We look
forward to having them return next year to perform for our Veterans.
The Hula
Polynesian
Ladies
performed a
non-traditional
dance for the
residents.
By Amanda Jensema, CTRS
The residents at AFRH-Washington had a special treat on August 6th.
W
INGS Performing Arts put on a special production for us entitled
R
emembrance. They are from Gulfport, MS, and on Veteran’s Day last year
t
hey performed for the residents at our Gulfport location. After that, WINGS
w
as invited to perform this special production at the Kennedy Center, which
brought them to Washington, DC.
Remembrance is performance that focused on the time during WWI. It
is based on poems, letters and music written during WWI. It honors the
patriotism, sacrifice, and aftermath of that time, following all those involved,
s
oldiers, and loved ones. It was a touching tribute and performed beautifully.
T
here was music and dancing throughout the performance that portrayed all
e
motions felt during that time in our history.
Susan Bergman, the Music Therapist at AFRH-Gulfport had a part in
this production. Dressed in full Scottish garb, she played “Amazing Grace” on
her bagpipes at the end of the show. As she played she walked through the
audience and exited out the back as we all listened to the haunting melody
until it could be heard no more.
W
INGS is a nationally recognized program held at the Lynn Meadows
D
iscovery Center that works with youth of all ages to nurture talent, spirit, and
l
eadership. We would like to thank all of the youth who worked so hard on this
p
erformance, as well as their parents and directors. This surely will be a
production many will not forget.
WINGS presents: WWI Remembrance
Photographs by Rebecca Newton, AFRH-W Public Affairs
ARMED FORCES RETIREMENT HOME
7
AUGUST 31, 2015
AFRH-G June Activities
Hawaiian good times
By Jen Biernacki Recreation Assistant
T
he Residents on Valor Hall enjoyed a variety of Hawaiian
goodness from music, decorations and cuisine starting Wednesday
A
ugust 15, 2015 and ending on Friday August 14, 2015. On
Wednesday, a steel drum and a ukulele were played at music time
with Susan Bergman singing the songs of the beach and ocean, to
the tiny bubbles in the drinks to the classics we all remember so
well. A “Luau” themed cookout followed the music group. For the
cookout, the dining room was decorated with flowers, bright colors
a
nd swinging Toucans. On Friday, a Luau lunch served coconut
shrimp, mango and key lime pie and Hawaiian rolls just to name a
f
ew of the delicious Hawaiian cuisine selections. At 1400 on Friday,
the Residents then were surfed over to the Happy Hour that cov-
ered Hawaiian trivia and more great music. Finally the Hawaiian
days ended with a night time Luau Dance to put an end to the
“Hawaiian Good Times.”
Clifford “Smitty” Smith works hard on the mountain scene for the
train layout.
Frances Scott tries on a new headband while Jack
Horsley holds a mirror for her.
The man behind the scenes
Cribbage Tournament
By Dennis Crabtree, Recreation Specialist
On Tuesday August 11, 2015, residents were competing
in a Cribbage Tournament on the 2nd floor Club Room. Mary
German is keeping an eye on Bill Hill for that trick card shuffling.
Ron Persing and Fredi Van Pelt are making sure their counting
comes out right. Wayland Webb and Bob Klotz are studying
each other to win the game. Six residents signed up and six
players played in the tournament.
There could only be three winners for that day.
Fredi Van Pelt took 1st place, Bob Klotz took 2nd place, and
Ron Persing took 3rd place.
Marvin Haynes
e
njoys the
coconut shrimp.
A small thank you….
By Rob Miller, Recreation Assistant-Fitness
Yes, I would like to take the opportunity to thank all the residents of this facility for allowing me to come
into your home. Thank you for allowing me to be your Fitness “guy”. The most important thing however,
thanks for helping me with my health. It may not seem like much, but I have been here for four months and
have seen vast improvement with my flexibility, my blood pressure and just my overall health because I feel
b
etter.
You might ask yourself, “How did we help”? The answer is simple….Chair Exercise and Stretch class.
T
he classes are held on separate days, chair exercise is Monday, Wednesday and Friday. As for the stretch
class, they are held Tuesday and Thursday. These classes are held at 9:00 a.m. The best thing about it is,
w
hile working to improve your health, you also get support from others and have some social interaction, which
h
elps your mental health component.
The chair exercise size class can be as strenuous as you want it to be. We begin with some simple
stretches. Once we are finished we start with our “clusters”. Clusters are the groupings of movements or
exercises that have a similarity of some sort (such as a cluster that uses the resistance bands), which we have
seven of. These are done at a fast pace to allow for some Cardio work to be completed. We do 2 sets of 10
r
epetitions for each grouping. The weights we are using are all light dumbbells and each person can pick the
weight that is best for them. The class is about 45
minutes long, and covers the whole body. At the
e
nd, we all feel better. The class is not strict and
there are only two rules: (1) If it hurts or you have an
injury, don’t do it and (2) Let us keep it fun! I
e
ncourage suggestions to make it a better workout.
I know when you think of a class it sounds like it is
going to be a drag, but I like to think of it as “Chair
Exercise Club”, because we all are part of the pro-
gram. The stretch class is the same way, it should
f
eel good and we do good to our entire body through
simple stretches that only take about 35 minutes.
In closing, it is my honor to help you. Try
coming down for a couple of the classes, even if it is
only for a few exercises. Even a little bit helps and if
it could help me, it can help anyone!
AFRH-G volunteers are priceless on recreation
therapy outing!
By Susan Bergman, MT-BC, Recreation Services
On Friday, July 24, 2014, residents on Valor,
Loyalty, & Allegiance Halls enjoyed a Recreation
Therapy outing to K-Mart for shopping and Cracker
Barrel for lunch. AFRH-G Resident & Community
volunteers paired up with residents to assist and es-
cort individuals through K-Mart to find their needs.
Resident volunteer, Jack Horsley, said “it was a
ball…I love helping those folks…we have a great
time!” Frances Scott was all smiles shopping for
the perfect accessory for her hair and said, “I just
love Jack…he is a great help.” Other resident vol-
unteers included Clifford “Smitty” Smith and Ernest
Rousch along with community volunteers, GiGi
Boettcher and Leann Wise. A great big thank you to
our volunteers who brighten the lives of the resident
veterans and help to make our community outings a
success!
Big wins, big smiles
By Jen Biernacki Recreation Assistant
On Saturday 7/18/2015 the LA 1 Molly
Marine Chapter, Women Marine Association came
to Loyalty Hall to share a morning game of Bingo.
Each Resident was paired off with a volunteer to
double the odds of winning. Many shouts of
“Bingo” echoed during the event as the smiles and
cheers followed. The prizes were awarded that
also created many sounds of joy. Thanks to the
Molly Marine Chapter for sharing a fantastic day
with our AFRH-G Loyalty Residents.
Warren “Penn” Penney smiles after his big win!
Larry Papale shares a toast of Hawaiian
good times.
Mary German keeps an eye on Bill Hill during the Cribbage
Tournament.
Rob teaches his chair exercise class on Monday,
Wednesday, & Friday at 9:00 a.m.
Jen Biernacki, Recreation Assistant
The scenery for the train layout has been filled with many talented
ideas and developments from Clifford Smith, known as “Smitty” to all in
the train yard. Smitty has spent many hours creating mountains, rivers,
streams, bridges and buildings for the train layout. The roads, gardens,
a
nd terrain have taken shape. The mountains contain ridges, peaks, an-
imals, hikers, lookouts and water that when viewed provides a sense of
a
rtistry. The foundation of the layout is now done. Minor changes and
holiday additions will continue as the train layout is here for many more
t
o enjoy. A sincere thank you to Smitty for his hard work and talents as
o
ur foundation for the layout is complete. We couldn’t have done it
without you!!
By Rebecca Newton, AFRH-W Public Affairs
S
oldiers of the 704th Military Intelligence Brigade HHC, Fort Meade, recently visited the Armed Forces
Retirement Home, Washington and were treated to a tour of the campus. Sheila Abarr, Public Affairs Officer,
p
rovided the history of the buildings and grounds, as well as an inside look at the facilities and services provided to
the Residents.
The tour, which consisted of thirty-five Soldiers, stopped at the arts and crafts studio, bowling center, hobby
shop, GI Gym, library, Sheridan Residence Hall and the Hall of Honor. Members of the unit were extremely
appreciative, and stated that they would love to visit again, and volunteer.
A
RMED FORCES RETIREMENT HOME
8
A
UGUST 31, 2015
Local soldiers visit D.C.
Resident Leslie Wilson (center) was the representative for
the oldest Coastie present. Coast Guard Reserve Force
Master Chief, Eric L. Johnson (right) assisted in the cake
cutting.
Soldiers of the 704th Military Intelligence Brigade HHC, Fort Meade, visited and toured the Armed Forces
Retirement Home, Washington.
Happy 225th Birthday Coast Guard
Joe Kelly enjoyed the trip to Mobile, Alabama to watch
the Mobile BayBears and the Biloxi Shuckers.
By Becki Zschiedrich, AFRH-G Public Affairs
Happy 225th birthday to the U.S. Coast Guard! The Coast Guard is one of America's five armed
forces and traces its founding to Aug. 4, 1790, when the first Congress authorized the construction of 10
vessels to enforce tariff and trade laws, prevent smuggling, and protect the collection of federal revenue.
Responsibilities added over the years included humanitarian duties such as aiding mariners in distress.
On August 4th the Armed Forces Retirement Home, along with members of the U.S. Coast Guard
in Gulfport, Mississippi celebrated the U.S. Coast Guard’s 225th birthday. Acting Resident Services
Chief, Christopher Alexander was the emcee. A touching Coast Guard Tribute Video was shown after
the invocation was presented by Father Joseph Uko, AFRH Chaplain. Our guest speaker was BMCS
Rebecca Wynnes, USCG, who volunteers often at AFRH-G. The cake was cut by the youngest Coast
Guard member and the oldest Coast Guard resident at AFRH, Ed Proctor. To close the ceremony,
everyone sang along to “Semper Paratus”.
DC celebrates USCG
225th birthday
Jack Frizzell enjoys the game with BayBears
mascots.
The game is on between the Biloxi Shuckers and the
Mobile BayBears.
The cake was cut by the youngest Coast Guard member and
the oldest Coast Guard resident at AFRH-G, Ed Proctor.
By Rebecca Newton, AFRH-W Public Affairs
R
esidents and staff of the Armed Forces Retirement
Home, Washington celebrated the 225th birthday of the US
Coast Guard with the help of local Coast Guardsmen, including
Coast Guard Reserve Force Master Chief, Eric L. Johnson.
Ombudsman Rob Webb offered a warm welcome and
gifted coins to the guests. Chaplin John Goodloe offered a
prayer and Resident Advisory Committee Chair, Phil Ford,
presented AFRH mugs. The celebration culminated with the
singing of the Coast Guard song and the ceremonial cutting of
the cake by the youngest, and oldest Coast Guardsmen present.
Master Chief Johnson concluded the celebration by
s
haring warm sentiments with attendees.
By Sean Campbell, Lead Recreation Specialist
For several years the AFRH-G residents have been able to enjoy local AA Baseball in Mobile, AL as the Mobile BayBears hosted AFRH veterans each year at Hank Aaron
Stadium. Now that the Biloxi Shuckers organization is in full swing, residents went one last time to Hank Aaron Stadium in Mobile, to watch the BayBears take on the new home team.
Residents enjoyed food and drink as well as great seats and air conditioned access to enjoy the game. For years the BayBears were the "home team" and now Biloxi has found a home
on the Mississippi Gulf Coast at MGM Park. In addition to enjoying a game between the two rivals in Mobile, residents will attend a game in Biloxi in September to cheer on the Biloxi
Shuckers.
Biloxi baseball is back!
WASHINGTON
GULFPORT
