WESTFIELD - The entire Westfield community, as well as surrounding communities, recently suffered devastation when Sgt. Kevin W. White, age 22, of Martin Wright Road, Westfield, died after being injured in action while serving with the US Army at COP Honaker-Miracle, Afghanistan.
Staff at the Absolut Care of Westfield thought that it would be amiable to honor Sgt. White's memory as well as all of those who have served or are currently serving the United States. This was the initiative of the Angel Tree Committee, a group of dedicated staff who continuously organize fundraisers throughout the year. The money earned for The Angel Tree Fund is used to purchase meaningful Christmas presents for the residents. Staff agreed that it would be an admirable gesture to sell red, white and blue stars to anyone who wished to purchase one. The buyer of the star(s) would then write the name of the veteran and/or serviceman/woman whom they wished to dedicate the star to. The stars cost $1 each. The honorees consisted of those who have served, those who have passed on and those who continue to serve. The stars were then put on the large bulletin board outside of the dining room in the facility for all to see.
It took less than a week for the entire board to fill up. Staff purchased stars for loved ones, family members and friends who came in to visit purchased stars and of course the Veterans residing in the facility (both short and long term care residents) were honored with their own stars. The Absolut Care of Westfield currently has just under 20 veterans in their facility. That number has more than doubled just this past year. The Absolut Care of Westfield is honored to celebrate the lives of those who have served the United States.
Article Photos
Submitted Photo
From left: Loyd Veit, Fred Gustafson, Bob Seekings, Jim McDonnell and Chauncey Park.
The Angel Tree Fund has decided that all of the money raised from the "star sale'"will be used to purchase items and send care packages to Sgt. White's unit in Afghanistan.
Absolut Care of Westfield is a five star, 120-bed skilled nursing facility located in the quaint village of Westfield. Absolut Care of Westfield specializes in rehabilitation to home, long term care as well as respite (vacation) care.
To compare nursing home ratings in your area, visit www.medicare.gov/nursinghomecompare. For more information or to schedule a tour at the Absolut Care of Westfield, call 326-4646.
