"Coming to Patriots Colony was the best decision I have ever made. I chose Patriots Colony for two reasons: First, I wanted to remain near my daughter who lives in Newport News. Second, I wanted to belong to a community of seniors which offered a variety of lifestyle choices and care options to meet any future needs in my retirement.

Almost immediately after I moved in, I put the concept of a Continuing Care Retirement Community to the test. I underwent a very serious heart operation just over a year ago. After several days in the hospital, I came back to Patriots Colony's Respite Care. I was virtually immobile for two weeks, but I received the best assistance and care and felt at home and in touch with my friends here. The nursing staff was so supportive -- both day and night. And my fellow residents were terrific! Neighbors fixed me up with a portable TV, and once I was able, two fellows came over each day and helped and encouraged me to walk around the administration area. The walks got longer and longer until I was really on my feet. That was on top of some good sessions with the physical therapist here. Once I got back home in my villa, several friends brought dinner over from the dining room until I was able to get over there myself. I don't know what I would have done had I still been living on my own in my house because my daughter has two young children and works and could not have given me this constant attention!

Now fully recovered, I've delved back into my projects and the variety of volunteer work I loves. For example, I have been promoting the re-release of my book, Year of the Horse: Vietnam which details my experiences while serving in the First Air Cavalry Division as battalion commander for the Jumping Mustangs. I also recently gathered the writings which my wife and mother left and had them bound. And I have compiled my own memoirs of 33 years in the Army to share with family and friends. I've hit the highlights of my military career starting in the infantry in W.W. II and branching into ranger patrol and airborne commands, with three tours in Korea and two in Vietnam.

I remain active in service as an aide to the National Commodore for the Coast Guard Auxiliary, an important group in Hampton Roads as it provides not less than half of the water rescues here. At Patriots Colony, I head up the genealogy club, run an investor club and am working to start a poetry group, modeled after the Poetry, Pot Luck and Jokes Club I belonged to in nearby Smithfield, Virginia since Molli and I started it 18 years ago.

I like to be involved in things and see how they run. And there is a lot to be involved in at Patriots Colony. I am thrilled with my decision to move here. I can't say enough about both the staff and all my friends and neighbors. I feel confident about my future and have already proven that Patriots Colony is a great place in which to get and be well.

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