Thomas Richmond, a resident at The Grand Rehabilitation and Nursing in Guilderland, was greeted by members of Colonie-based VFW Post 8692 in his room on Saturday morning.
The VFW members were at the nursing home on Veterans Day to honor those who served in the military.
Richmond grew up in Schenectady and served six years as a staff sergeant in the Marine Corps in Vietnam.
“I decided to join when I was 18 years old before I was drafted,” he said. “I wanted to be a Marine, because it was a tradition in my family to serve.”
Richmond said he followed in the footsteps of two of his uncles.
“Boot camp taught me a lot about discipline, but it was a horrifying time in Vietnam,” he said. “I lost a lot of friends there.”
Richmond said being honored on Veterans Day meant a lot to him.
“It feels great,” he said. “It’s important to remember those who served and those who died for this country.”
Commander Dennis Spielman said VFW Post 8692 began visiting nursing homes nearly five years ago to recognize veterans for their service.
“Everybody’s got a story,” he said. “Sometimes they cry, sometimes they laugh.”
Spielman said post members visit approximately six nursing homes a year for Veterans Day and Memorial Day.
“Everywhere we go, we always request to have lunch with the residents, so we can sit and talk with them,” he said. “They’ll share their stories with other veterans and will open up to us.”
Activities Director Chelsea Hanna organized the Veterans Day celebrations at the nursing home, which also included care packages for the Veterans Miracle Center in Albany.
“We wanted to do something extra special for our residents for Veterans Day,” she said. “I’m glad we were able to have the VFW here.”
Hanna said it’s important to show the residents appreciation.
“It’s wonderful to be able to give back and do something special to make their day a little brighter,” she said. “We owe a lot to the men and women who served our country.”
Spielman said every year the number of nursing home visits increases for VFW Post 8692.
“Once they’re gone, their story is gone,” he said. “We give them a chance to tell their story.”
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Categories: News, Schenectady County
