Senior veterans honored for their service

64 Wellington at Hershey’s Mill residents receive certificates at ceremony

In observation of Veterans Day on Monday, West Chester-based senior living community, Wellington at Hershey’s Mill, honored 64 residents and one staff member who are veterans.

All five branches of the military were represented by the residents who received a certificate of appreciation in a frame and a pin. Staff members from Wellington and Bayada in Media assisted at the Veterans Day pinning ceremony.

“We are honoring veterans today who came from all walks of life, but they shared fundamental qualities. They possess courage, pride, determination, selflessness, dedication to duty and integrity. All the qualities needed to serve a cause larger than oneself,” Executive Director Douglass Buttner said. “Many of them didn’t ask to leave their homes to fight on distant battlefields. Many didn’t even volunteer. They didn’t go to war because they love fighting. They were called to be a part of something bigger than themselves. They are ordinary people who responded in extraordinary ways in extreme times. They rose to the nation’s call because they wanted to protect the nation that has given them and us, so much.”

He said Veterans Day is about honoring and showing gratitude to those who have protected our country and fight for freedom. Francesca Dangelo, of Bayada Hospice, echoed his sentiments.

“The price of freedom is high. We cannot afford to forget those willing to pay it,” Dangelo said. “Thank you for the sacrifices you

made and your willingness to serve our country. The selflessness you displayed in your willingness to endure hardship and to risk your life to ensure this nation’s freedom for future generations is inspiring.”

Resident and Navy veteran Ruth Snyder said she lied on her application so she could serve in the Navy during World War II. She was only 19 at the time and didn’t want to wait until she met the minimum age requirement, which was 20 years old back then.

“I wanted to enlist. I was surprised I got in. I wanted to go and leave home to serve,” Snyder said. “I wanted to see what was on the other side of the mountain. There was no money in my household for college.”

She served in New York, Illinois, and California, assisting with office work for ships that required repairs. She trained in New York and lived in an apartment with other women who also served as part of the Navy WAVE. They shared a unit that had six bunk beds and one bathroom.

She served from August 1944 to November 1945. She explained that the women in the Navy were stationed in the states and it wasn’t until after the war ended that the Navy would deploy women overseas.

“I had a good time in the service,” Snyder said. “I really enjoyed all of it.”

Army veteran Sabrina Codella is an R.N. who works at Wellington at Hershey’s Mill as the Director of Residency. When she finished her active duty and returned home to New Jersey, she said she enjoyed her time working at the VA and she wanted to continue to work with veterans.

“If I know someone is a veteran, I let them know that we share that and we can talk about our experiences,” Codella said, adding that a lot of military nurses live at Wellington. “I want people to know that no matter how many years have passed since a veteran served, that they need someone to talk to, especially with fellow veterans.”

She encouraged people to volunteer at their local VA and offer to listen to stories that veterans tell.

“They have a special place in my heart,” Codella said about all veterans.

GINGER RAE DUNBAR – DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA Wellington at Hershey’s Mill resident and U.S. Navy veteran Ruth Snyder, who served from 19441945, receives a pin and certificate during the Veterans Day pinning ceremony at Wellington at Hershey’s Mill.

West Chester-based senior living community Wellington at Hershey’s Mill on Monday honored 56 residents who are veterans. Photos and newspaper clippings were on display.

PHOTOS BY GINGER RAE DUNBAR – DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA West Chester-based senior living community Wellington at Hershey’s Mill on Monday honored 56 residents who are veterans.

Residents May and Vince Mollure, an Army veteran, pose together at the conclusion of the Veterans Day pinning ceremony Monday at Wellington at Hershey’s Mill.