Legacy Peer Support Group, Council & Vet to Vet TN grateful to the Elmcroft staff

Elmcroft Senior Living Centers                                                                      October 9, 2014

ATTN: David Grady, Regional Director of Operations

Mr. Grady,

On Behalf of the Knoxville Regional Veterans Mental Health Council, Vet o Vet Tennessee, and the Legacy Peer Support Group we want to thank you and especially the staff at the Elmcroft of West Knoxville, 8024 Gleason Dr., Knoxville, TN for the assistance they’ve provided to area veterans. Over two years ago the VA Knoxville Clinic no longer had meeting space available for veterans who completed recovery programs due to physical constraints with the Clinic. This issue was televised when veteran s complained and a nurse and administrators at Elmcroft responded with help. They offered us facility space, and our first meeting was held on June 25, 2012he majority of our members are Vietnam, Desert Storm, Iraqi and Afghan veterans, but we’ve also had attendees who served in World War II and Korea. We’ve gladly welcomed Elmcroft residents into our meetings who also share the experience of having served in the military. The reception and support the Elmcroft administrators and staff provide is nothing short of fantastic.

Last year we were asked to provide a military service to “retire” the U.S. flag in front of the facility. On September 9, 2013 we lowered the damaged flag, burned it in a ceremony at the base of the flagpole, and raised the new flag to its place of honor.

 

We planted a memorial ornamental tree and plaque for the deceased son of one of our members in the entrance garden.

 

 

 

 

Last month, on September 19, 2014, we had the privilege to recognize a new Elmcroft resident who is a WW II veteran and was a German prisoner-of-war (POW).  September 19^th was National POW/MIA Recognition Day.  We dedicated and raised a new POW Flag in a service that was attended by many veterans, County officials and Elmcroft residents.

 

“If you want to know what FREEDOM means, ask a prisoner of war…. I am proud to live in a country that has freedom.

I appreciate what you are doing but I don’t feel that I deserve all of this attention. All gave some, some gave all. The ones that made the ultimate sacrifice all the ones that deserve the honor.

Don’t ever take Freedom for granted. Freedom is not free. God bless the USA and God bless America. I am proud to be an American.” WWII POW and Elmcroft resident Robert William Chadwick 9-29-14

Those we would especially like to recognize are:

Kristy Ritch                            Jenna Conforti                      Dawn Crump

Rebecca Swingle                   Lisa Ellis                               Robert Cover

David McClure                       Lesley Hilton-Young              Pat Anderson

Zoe Ammons

The aides, housekeeping and other support staff whose names we don’t have, but are also so supportive of our members and your residents and guests.

You have a staff that takes great pride and care in what they do, and reflects very positively in the mission and operation of the Elmcroft organization. Thank you,

Respectfully,

Edouard P. Junod                                                                   Freddie Owens

Council Chair                                                                          Council Vice Chair

Frank Vollmer                                                                         Ron Morton

Council Secretary                                                                    Council Chaplain & Parliamentarian