The Sarah Community Celebrates Becoming The First Retirement Community In The Nation with an On-Site AMVETS Post
The Honor Guard, Administrator Tracy Voyles, Sheldon Hartsfield, Administrator Mary Beth Hunt
Opening Ceremony on July 31 introduces unique AMVETS Post 122 to the senior living community
BRIDGETON, MO (July 31, 2018)...The Sarah Community in Bridgeton, Mo., today became first retirement community in the nation to house an AMVETS post, commemorating the occasion by presenting the induction of AMVETS Post 122 during an opening ceremony and celebration.
The faith-based Life Plan retirement community (formerly known as a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC)), collaborated with AMVETS to create AMVETS Post 122 to enhance the quality of life for 20 veterans currently residing within the retirement community and for other veterans from the surrounding areas. It will honor the vitality and service of veterans with a mission “To Protect and Serve Seniors,” bringing veterans together to help identify and address the needs of their fellow veterans.
Congressman Lacy Clay, Jerry Sampson, Commander Fred Johnson, Sheldon Hartsfield
"We are incredibly honored to become the first retirement community in the nation with an onsite AMVETS post,” said Sr. Judith Bell, board president for The Sarah Community. “This is just the latest example of how our dynamic community strives to expand the bounds of what is typically expected within a senior living environment."
More Special Guests
In addition to remarks by Sr. Bell, the highly anticipated event featured comments by U.S. Congressman Lacy Clay; Bridgeton Mayor Terry Briggs; AMVETS 1st District Commander Robert E. Lee and Missouri State Commander for AMVETS Jerry Sampson. Residents and staff at The Sarah Community and other guests from the surrounding community were on hand as the Post’s new officers were sworn in, the new post flag was officially raised and a proclamation was presented recognizing AMVETS Post 122 as a viable, new, innovative program and proclaiming July 31st as AMVETS Post 122 Day.
"This is going to be pretty nice for the veterans,” said AMVETS Missouri State Commander Jerry Sampson. “We like to try to acknowledge them, so they are not forgotten, and their contributions are remembered."
Congressman Lacy Clay, Commander Fred JohnsonSince its inception, AMVETS (American Veterans), a Congressionally-chartered veteran’s service organization, has represented the interests of 20 million former veterans of the United States Armed Services nationwide. With more than 250,000 current members nationwide, AMVETS provides the best model for veterans serving fellow veterans. AMVETS Post 122 will meet the last Friday of the month and is open not only to the veterans residing at The Sarah Community but members of the community at large.
Meaningful Senior Living
This newest offering at The Sarah Community will contribute to the commitment to help residents enjoy a satisfying and meaningful retirement. From the comfortable surroundings to the cheerful dining rooms and beautiful chapel offering daily mass, a welcoming hospitality beckons all to enjoy a good life of faith and friendship. Additional amenities and activities include a large gym with a comprehensive fitness program, gardening and great dining. But The Sarah Community goes beyond with a volunteer run gift shop where all proceeds go to the Charitable Fund, opportunities for residents to work together making mats for the homeless out of unrecyclable plastic bags, and collaborations with students from area colleges to do practicums, welcoming students from UMSL’s Gerontology Dept., nursing students from Washington University and St. Louis University, St. Louis College of pharmacy students and more.
