Some folks think Veterans Day means a day off from school or a blowout sale at the local mall. But at Blue Skies of Texas senior living community in San Antonio, we’ve never forgotten that celebrating Veterans Day means acknowledging the courage and dedication of those who served in the U.S. Armed Forces.
Veterans Day is observed on November 11 and while the entire Blue Skies team makes it a point to honor our retired service members every day, there’s a palpable spirit of patriotism in the air as this important day draws near. As part of our Veterans Day observance, we asked three members of our Blue Skies family to share their thoughts about service, sacrifice, and camaraderie.
For Alan, Every Day Is Like Celebrating Veterans Day
When Retired Air Force Colonel Alan S. and his wife were looking into senior living communities, they knew they wanted to stay in San Antonio, the city they’ve called home since 2000. Blue Skies quickly rose to the top of their list.
“We liked the fact that Blue Skies is not-for-profit, so they don’t have to answer to corporate shareholders,” Alan explains. “Also, the independent living homes here were the nicest, and all levels of senior care were available without leaving the campus.”
Now after four years, Alan’s daily routine is pretty well set. He stays fit by running, biking, and swimming and can often be found playing blackjack with his neighbors. He also serves as a member of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), which is dedicated to supporting all service members at every stage of their careers.
While Alan deeply appreciates the Veterans Day observances at Blue Skies, he points out that every day feels like Veterans Day in our community. “I’m always running into people who’ve served, yet nobody wears their rank on their sleeve … they’re just Chuck, or Bruce, or John,” Alan says. “There are also lots of former POWs and other real heroes living here … they just sit down and join other folks for meals and conversations.”
He also reflects on how the general public’s attitude toward veterans has evolved over the past few decades. “I was in Army ROTC during the nation’s anti-war campus demonstrations,” he explains, “and as a young officer I sometimes felt like a second-class citizen.”
“Now, it’s not unusual for someone to see my license plate and tell me how much they appreciate my service. I’ve learned to respond with ‘Thank you … we served for people like you.’”
Kathy Says It’s All About Camaraderie Among Her Fellow Retired Veterans
Retired Army Major Kathy D., who also served in the Active Reserves as a medical technician, has called Blue Skies home for three years. “I’m a widow, so I wanted a community with all levels of senior care,” she explains. “It also didn’t hurt that Blue Skies has a strong reputation as an outstanding retirement community for veterans.”
Like most folks here, Kathy starts her day early (old habits die hard) and spends much of her time in service to her neighbors. “I volunteer at the thrift store, which keeps me plenty busy even on days when it’s not open,” she says. “I’m also a hospice volunteer which, fortunately, doesn’t keep me nearly as busy.”
Kathy also values the camaraderie she’s cultivated among her fellow veterans. Like Alan, she’s a lifetime member of MOAA and a frequent attendee of its Alamo chapter meetings. But what she finds most meaningful is meeting other veterans and hearing their stories. “Lots of former fighter pilots live here, and I’m in awe of their bravery and what they accomplished in service to America,” she says.
This Veterans Day, Kathy (as usual) plans to fly her American flag and attend the ceremonies at Blue Skies—taking great pride that her uniform still fits. As she contemplates the significance of the day, her thoughts turn to the risks and uncertainty that service members face.
“When you sign up for the military, you never know what the future will bring,” Kathy says. “Anyone who’s ever served—no matter what branch—deserves to be recognized for their sacrifice.”
Staff Member Brian Relishes the Opportunity to Continue Serving
Retired Air Force veteran Brian G. joined the Blue Skies team in May as Director of Resident Services for Blue Skies West. Yet, our San Antonio Life Plan Community has been on his radar for quite some time. “San Antonio is such a veteran-friendly city, and Blue Skies in particular has a reputation for amplifying the desire to serve those who wore the uniform,” he says.
One of Brian’s duties is helping to coordinate our community’s annual Veterans Day ceremonies, which will include the presentation of colors and a tribute to resident veterans who have recently passed away. Our Village Voices choir will also present a stirring medley of patriotic songs, including anthems of the six branches of service.
Celebrating Veterans Day 2024 at Blue Skies will also include a few notable firsts. “This year, we’re introducing the flag of Space Force, America’s newest service branch,” Brian explains. “That’s great news for all the Trekkies out there,” he laughs. “Also, one of our resident Coast Guard veterans will talk about the history of the Coast Guard (it’s been around since 1790) as well as his experiences protecting our country from maritime threats.”
Reflecting on the meaning of Veterans Day, Brian points to the importance of remembering our past. “Many folks consider World War II, Korea, and Vietnam to be ancient history,” he says. “But these conflicts—and the people who fought them—are part of the fabric of America.”
“One of the best parts about my job is that I get to talk with veterans about their service and to truly understand the impact they’ve made on this great nation of ours.”
Honoring Veterans Is Built into Our Community’s DNA
Blue Skies first opened its doors in 1964 as Air Force Village, a community for Air Force widows. Since then, we’ve evolved to become the #1 retirement community in San Antonio and #14 in the nation for veterans—and seniors from all walks of life.
Come see how we’ve combined a culture of service with a chore-free lifestyle, warm camaraderie, and a nationally recognized continuum of high-quality care. To schedule your tour of our vibrant senior living community in San Antonio, click here or call 866-553-5389.
Sources:
History of the U.S. Coast Guard:
https://www.uscg.mil/About/
Newsweek’s list of America’s best Continuing Care Retirement Communities in 2024:
https://www.newsweek.com/rankings/americas-best-continuing-care-retirement-communities-2024/texas
