SANTAN SUN NEWS STAFF
North Chandler Place, a senior living community, now has a permanent tribute to residents who served their country – and some spouses who made a sacrifice of their own.
With some fanfare provided by a local scout troop and VFW Post, North Chandler Place earlier this month dedicated a veterans’ wall of honor,
The wall features photos of about 15 residents who served in the military – including Don Bowers, the only World War II veteran and resident who will turn 100 on Aug. 1– and five honorees’ spouses.
Three shadowboxes, two containing uniforms and the other an American flag, along with framed portraits of the vets have been mounted on a decorated wall in one of the common areas of the senior living complex on Price Road.
One uniform is an Eisenhower Class A Dress Uniform jacket that belonged to a master sergeant who served in the 9th Army Air Corps in World War II and had been serving in the 5th Army Infantry when last worn.
The other is 1950’s Class A Officers Uniform worn by a lieutenant colonel in the Signal Corp Branch of the Army that has ribbons representing theaters of operations he served in during different conflicts.
“Our team has worked collaboratively with the veterans who reside at North Chandler Place to make this possible,” said Christopher Frere, executive director, “The photos, stories and memorabilia collected are a remarkable representation of the bravery and sacrifice these men and women have made for our country.”
Frere said the idea originated with the facility’s enrichment director, Robin Everett, who worked with the in-house veterans club to organize the tribute.
“For us it was quite the honor to be able to dedicate the wall to the veterans and for the service and dedication that they provided to our country,” Frere said, adding the wall occupies “a significant amount of space” in an area where residents gather for entertainment or visit with guests.
He said the residents were pleased with the way it turned out as well.
“They’ve talked about how proud they were that North Chandler Place was willing to put forth the effort and the money and the time to organize such a nice space to dedicate to them,” he said of the residents who are veterans.
“Every visitor that comes through is able to see that space,” he added.
