Veterans in Nursing Centers Honored

Florida Health Care Association (FHCA) honored long term care professionals and residents who served in the United States Armed Forces on Friday, November 11, as part of a Veterans Day Ceremony. Approximately 40 World War II and Korean War Veterans who are residing in area nursing centers and assisted living facilities were recognized with an Operation Thank You Commemorative Challenge Coin and a proclamation from Leon County. Special guests included Glenn Sutphin, Lieutenant Colonel United States Army (retired) and Executive Director of the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs; members of the Lincoln High School NJROTC Color Guard and the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.

FHCA Region IV Vice President Thomas McDaniel, Executive Director of Emerald Shores Health and Rehabilitation Center, opened the ceremony by singing the national anthem. Former FHCA District X President Tyler Sununu gave an invocation. After the ceremony, several residents were given the opportunity to ride on a float during Tallahassee's Veterans Day parade, while others viewed the parade from a special designated area. Member centers participating in the event included Centre Pointe Health & Rehab Center, Consulate Health Care of Tallahassee, Heritage Healthcare Center at Tallahassee, Brynwood Health and Rehabilitation Center and Miracle Hill Nursing & Rehabilitation. Residents from Westminster Oaks also participated.

The event was sponsored by Medical Equipment and Supplies of America LLC (MESA), a service disabled veteran-owned small business based in Clearwater, Fla., which provides durable medical equipment and other supplies to the James R. Haley Veteran Affairs Medical Center and skilled nursing centers in four states, including Florida.

• Click here to view photos from the event.
• Click here to watch a video from the event.
• Click here to watch news coverage from WCTV.