Each November, Presbyterian Senior Living communities come together to honor the men and women who have served our country in ongoing traditions rooted in gratitude, respect and remembrance. Across our communities, residents, families, team members and more gather to celebrate the service and sacrifice of veterans who call PSL home. Every event reminds us of that honoring veteran in senior living means keeping their stories and legacy alive all year long.
Service and Legacy: How Our Communities Pay Tribute to Veterans
This year, as our Life Plan Communities prepare to honor their veterans next week, we reflect on past events and celebrations.
Glen Meadows, Glen Arm, MD
In 2024, residents, families and team members showed their appreciation and support for the Glen Meadows veterans at the annual Veterans Day celebration. The Glen Meadows Veterans Group planned for team members and residents to speak during the celebration. In addition, the planning committee worked with the Glen Meadows Quilters to present four Veteran Quilts of Valor during the program
Green Ridge Village, Newville, PA
Every year, Green Ridge Village celebrates its veterans by lining its entrance road with photo placards honoring residents who served in the US military. New residents are added the year they join the community.
In addition, Green Ridge hosts a Wine and Cheese Reception for veterans and their Spouses. Recently, Lt. Col. Tom Dangle and Col. Mike Norton from the U.S. Army War College, led a discussion on “Leadership in. Today’s Military.” They were joined by six other military members from the strategic education program. The residents actively participated, sharing thoughts and comments.
Pine Run Village, Doylestown, PA
In 2021, Pine Run Village marked Veterans Day with the dedication of a “Never Forget Garden,” part of a nationwide initiative to mark the 100th anniversary of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, originally established to inter an unidentified service member from World War I. Pine Run resident, Tom Barnett, helped spearhead the garden at Pine Run. He envisioned the transformation of a small flower garden, which included an understated monument to veterans, into a grander tribute.
Today, the serene space is a welcoming respite of flowers, greenery, remembrance and relaxing views.
Presbyterian Village, Hollidaysburg, PA
Presbyterian Village has a history of hosting a dinner honoring veterans and their families. In 2022, Pennsylvania State Representative Jim Gregory joined them to celebrate Veteran Day in the community.
St. Andrew’s Village, Indiana, PA
In 2024, The Village House at St. Andrew’s Village celebrated Vetsgiving, honoring veterans and their families. The community was honored to host Sheriff Robert Fyock from the Indiana County Sheriff’s Office, along with jack Lucas, the community chaplain, at this special event. Each veteran was celebrated and presented with a heartfelt gift.
Ware Presbyterian Village, Oxford, PA
A large display showcasing resident veterans is part of the celebration at Ware Presbyterian Village. Residents share their photos, memories, uniforms and memorabilia from various stages of service, wars, and military actions. Guests not only gain an understanding of the military service but of the role it has played in US history.
Westminster Woods, Huntingdon, PA
Each year, Westminster Woods recognizes Veterans Day with a special meal for veterans and guests. Robert Pennington, a Marine Corps veteran and assistant director of dining services, wears his Dress Blues for part of the celebration and his military chef jacket while working the meal.
Are You a Veteran Ready for Senior Living?
Download “A Veteran’s Guide for Choosing a Retirement Community”
Our Senior Living Communities and Military Bases
In addition to commemorations at our communities, PSL has two communities which are home to many retired military and their spouses.
Green Ridge Village is just minutes from Carlisle Barracks in Carlisle, PA. This offers veterans in the senior living community access to a great number of readily available military services, including a great golf course!
Residents Kathy and Conrad (Capt. US Navy, Retired and Spouse) shared. “Historic Carlisle is home to the Army War College which offers commissary, PX and Pharmacy. The area abounds with educational, cultural and recreational opportunities. We really do love where we live.”
Carol and Raymond, also residents, agreed: “The proximity of the Carlisle Barracks with PX, commissary and pharmacy fulfilled one of our retirement community search requirements. Fair winds and following seas have finally brought us home.”
Westminster Village, Dover, DE, also is home to many retired military and their spouses. The proximity to Dover Air Force Base provides a great number or readily available military services for veterans.
Our Commitment to Veterans
PSL has a long-standing commitment to supporting veterans and their spouses. We are committed to providing exception care and support to them, including help for lesser-known military benefit programs.
Gary Dwyer serves as Veteran Assistant Specialist at PSL, helping residents and prospects access benefits that not only help them financially, but also highlight the recognition these veterans deserve. As a veteran with 24 years of Army service, Gary brings a wealth of experience to his position and has assisted veterans with access various Department of Veterans Affairs benefits, including two critical pensions: one for military veterans and another for surviving spouses. These pensions provide financial assistance to veterans in nursing centers and can significantly alleviate the costs of long-term care.
“The veterans really need to look into the veteran programs that are out there,” Gary says. “Many of the men and women don’t take advantage of things available to them. The pension program isn’t a secret, but it’s not a well-known program.
To learn more about these programs and Gary’s assistance, read our blog
Veterans and Surviving Spouses Can Access Benefits through PSL
While our communities near the Carlisle Barracks and Dover Air Force Base have welcomed many former military members, we celebrate veterans in all our communities. Whether creating living legacies on our senior living campuses to honor veterans or helping military families access essential benefits, we focus on ensuring all veterans and their spouses thrive in a vibrant community and celebrate their service.
