November is a time to reflect on and honor our veterans, and at Columbine Health, we are proud to extend that gratitude throughout the entire year. Across our communities, we celebrate and cherish the contributions of our veteran residents every day, creating spaces that recognize their service, courage, and sacrifices. From curated display cases filled with military memorabilia to spaces dedicated to sharing stories and connecting with fellow veterans, Columbine Health ensures our veteran residents feel valued, supported, and celebrated year-round.
Each community proudly displays the names and branches of service of its veterans, giving every resident and visitor a visible reminder of the extraordinary lives these veterans have led. Throughout the year, residents are encouraged to display photographs, medals, and other memorabilia in display cases within the community. These displays not only honor the residents’ pasts but also invite conversations and create a sense of pride and camaraderie. Staff members take the time to learn each veteran’s story, offering a forum for veterans to share their experiences, either privately or with their fellow residents, whenever they wish.
New Mercer Commons: Honoring Service and Friendship
New Mercer Commons is home to Willard Froseth and Donal Fisher, two World War II veterans with rich stories of service and friendship. Willard joined the Navy at 18, inspired by friends who enlisted right out of high school. As a radar operator, he saw the world alongside his buddies, with one of his fondest memories being a night out on the Atlantic City Pier after a long week of duty. The military not only gave him a foundation of discipline and camaraderie but also opened doors to college through the GI Bill, an opportunity he cherishes to this day. His walls are adorned with photos from his Navy days and a recent trip to Washington, D.C., to honor fallen comrades.
Donal Fisher, an Air Force veteran, initially joined as a pilot, but after World War II ended, he shifted to radio operations and worked in a control tower. His career as a commercial pilot after the military allowed him to explore the world, a continuation of his Air Force adventures. Today, Don stays in touch with his former Air Force buddies, sharing memories and sending holiday cards. Willard and Don’s rooms at New Mercer Commons are filled with reminders of their service, and they enjoy sharing these memories with staff and fellow residents.
Lakeview Commons: A Place for Honor and Reflection
Charles Smith, Chief, a retired Master Sergeant from the Air Force, calls Lakeview Commons home. With over 30 years of service that spanned Vietnam and Desert Storm, Chief’s walls display medals and photos from decades of dedication to his country. He often shares stories with staff about his work in aircraft maintenance and his years teaching Air Force ROTC. Chief joined the military after his brother did, initially looking for a job, but the Air Force shaped his life profoundly, instilling discipline and resilience.
Lakeview Commons honors Chief’s pride in his service with a dedicated space for veterans to share and connect. For Chief, Veterans Day is a time to reflect on the importance of freedom and the sacrifices made to secure it, and the community’s commitment to honoring veterans year-round provides him with a space where his experiences and contributions are celebrated.
Buck Morning, a Korean War Marine Corps veteran and a survivor of the brutal Chosin Reservoir campaign, credits the Marines with making him "a better man." His room at Lakeview is a living tribute to his time in the Marine Corps, filled with memorabilia that captures his dedication and pride in service. His connection to the military is deeply personal—not only did Buck serve, but his wife also served as a nurse in the Korean War.
Post-service, Buck enjoyed an impressive career at Rockwell College, where he built test equipment and communications for the space program, even having the honor of meeting astronaut John Glenn. Buck has stayed rooted in his military community and continues to participate in veterans' gatherings. Each Saturday morning, he enjoys attending the veterans’ breakfast at Golden Corral, where he reconnects with other servicemen and women over shared stories and camaraderie. Buck also joins in the local 4th of July parade, a way to honor the friends he made in the service and express gratitude for the journey that made him who he is.
The Windsor: Legacy and Camaraderie
Chuck Chapman proudly shares his legacy as a former Marine who served in the Bay of Pigs invasion. Joining the Marines in 1953, Chuck chose what he calls “the toughest branch” of the military, driven by a daredevil spirit and a deep family history of service. His great-grandfather, Amos Chapman, won the Medal of Honor as a scout during the Indian Wars. Amos married the daughter of Cheyenne Chief Black Kettle, and his bravery became a legacy Chuck felt proud to carry forward. Chuck’s first four years in the Marine Corps were spent in the infantry, followed by a transition to aviation, where he worked as a jet and helicopter mechanic before completing his career as a Marine recruiter. His room at The Windsor is filled with mementos from his time in the service, allowing him to honor the spirit of the Marine Corps and share his story with pride.
Chuck’s fondest memory from his service is of a Marine captain, the aide to a general during the Bay of Pigs, who reminded him that in the chapel, rank didn’t matter. Reflecting on his 29 years of service, Chuck says that veterans did the job they were sent to do, following orders without question, and considers it an honor to have served his country. Each year, Chuck’s family throws a Marine Corps birthday celebration at The Windsor, where family, staff, and residents gather to honor the strength and resilience of those who served. This celebration is a heartfelt tribute to the Marine Corps and a reminder of the lifelong camaraderie that binds veterans together.
The Worthington: A Legacy in the Skies
Don McCarthy, a former navigator in the Army Air Corps, resides at The Worthington Independent Living, bringing with him a legacy steeped in courage and adventure. Joining as an Aviation Cadet in 1942, Don rose to the rank of First Lieutenant, completing 30 missions in a B-24 bomber. Trained in celestial navigation, he recalls using these skills only once—on a flight to Belfast, Ireland, where he relied on the stars to guide him. His service took place before the Army Air Corps evolved into the United States Air Force in 1948, an era that marked a new chapter in American air power. Don proudly reflects on his early contributions to this legacy, a reminder of how his role helped shape the future of military aviation.
Don still carries his honorable discharge card in his wallet, a small but powerful reminder of his service, and his room at The Worthington is a living archive of his life. Cherished documents, photos, and his 1942 yearbook from Milwaukee Boys Technical High School all tell the story of his journey. After retiring in 1989 from a marketing career in industrial businesses, Don, now 100 years old, continues to inspire those around him with his dedication and resilience.
Every day, Columbine’s transportation service takes Don to Centre Avenue Health and Rehab—another part of the Columbine family—where he visits his beloved wife, Arlene, staying faithfully by her side. At The Worthington, Don enjoys the support of staff who understand and honor the sacrifices he made. This strong community recognizes the bravery and legacy he carries with him, keeping alive the spirit of the Army Air Corps and the foundations of today’s Air Force.
Celebrating a Proud Tradition
Across all Columbine Health Systems communities, we are proud to care for veterans like Willard, Donal, Chief, Chuck, and Don. Through thoughtful displays and ongoing support, we honor their service every day, making sure their sacrifices are remembered and celebrated. Columbine Health is a place where veterans’ stories are not just preserved but cherished, reminding all of us of the remarkable strength and dedication that define these extraordinary individuals.
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