Aegis Living Madison honors veterans at annual celebration

As part of its annual Veteran’s Day festivities on Nov. 11, Aegis Living Madison honored more than 20 veterans — 16 residents, three team members and select family and friends.

The community was alive with red, white and blue décor and filled with excitement during its dedicated afternoon program, attended by 60-plus residents, families and staff. The community’s own choir group — the Madison Choir — led all to participate in a variety of patriotic songs while other attendees shared poems and reflections to honor those who served. The celebration culminated with the pinning of all veterans who also had the chance to share their stories. Hearing directly from the veterans and those who know them best was the heart of the ceremony.

“I enjoyed the ceremony very much, especially hearing the stories and the music,” resident Helen Anderson said. “It went a little long, but that is because the team here does such a lovely job of including everyone.”

After the celebration, Culinary Director Roderick Morgan, also a veteran, had a meal prepared for all to enjoy. The team set a “missing man” table to pay tribute to those lost.

The diversity of Aegis Living Madison veterans was equally memorable. They served in nearly all major conflicts in living memory and represented nearly all branches of the miliary, from fighting on the frontlines to building aircraft and caring for wounded warriors.

Resident Ted Mondares served in the Coast Guard for more than 30 years and still loves to sing “Semper Paratus,” the official song of the U.S. Coast Guard. Aileen McGinnis built war planes at Boeing. And the list goes on.

“Our Country is built on the veterans’ participation,” said Aegis Living Madison Community Mayor Judy Wadsworth. “To honor each and every one is a pleasure and our duty.”

2022 Aegis Living Madison Veterans

Residents

• Dan Anderson – Air Force / Army Colonel

• Dr. Ed Barker – Medic

• Don Bialos – Navy

• George Eggler – Army

• Bob Elliott – National Security Agency – Intelligence

• Philip Howrigan – Air Force

• Steve Kelly – ROTC

• Steve Kiesow – Navy

• Aileen McGinnis – Boeing Employee/Draftsperson

• Ted Mondares – Coast Guard (30 Years)

• Norman Olson – Boeing Aircraft Photographer

• Leon Pope – Navy

• Roy Prosterman – Air Force Reserve

• Robert Quon – Airforce (Airman 1st Class)

• Jannie Rood – Red Cross Auxiliary Europe

• Dr. David Swan – National Guard Medic

Staff

• Roderick Morgan – Army

• D’Andre Valentine – Navy

• Marco Garcia Carrillo – Infantry