Retirement Home's Lone WWII Veteran Honored In Farmington

Middlewoods of Farmington

FARMINGTON, CT — A local, nonprofit retirement facility this month honored its residents who have served their country, with the community's only World War II veteran especially feted with a prestigious honor.

Resident veterans at Middlewoods of Farmington Senior Living Community were honored at a special appreciation event held on Nov. 9, just prior to Veterans Day.

The gathering featured a heartfelt acknowledgment of the dedication and sacrifice offered by Middlewoods veterans, both residents and team members, and also their families.

For longtime resident and veteran Joe Charbonneau, the event included the unexpected surprise of a handmade Quilt of Valor, presented in his honor.

A Quilt of Valor is a quality, hand-made quilt that is machine or hand-quilted and awarded to a Service Member or Veteran who has been touched by war.

Charbonneau, a veteran of both World War II and rhe Korean War, received his quilt in recognition and appreciation of his military service as an active member of the U.S. Navy.

He completed basic training at the U.S. Navy training station in Sampson, N.Y. before graduating from naval training schools in San Diego and Boston as a naval radarman.

He served on three ships: USS ATR 73, USS Mattaponi and the USS Siboney, a 557-foot aircraft carrier that carried 1,200 sailors and pilots.

Charbonneau was one of a 13-man radar team that worked around the clock and during his years in the Navy, Charbonneau traveled around the world three times, sailed through the Suez Canal three times, survived scarlet fever and was honorably discharged from active duty as a Navy radarman third class.

Middlewoods of Farmington Activities Director Debbie Astrom, an experienced quilter, organized the quilt project for Charbonneau, who is the only WWII veteran currently residing at Middlewoods.

Astrom recruited the help of interested quilters at Middlewoods to assist with the project.

Resident volunteers included: Bobi Borenstein, Helen Carey, Laura Carrier, Dottie Graves, Lydia Mangini and Maryann Smith.

The group worked together on the creation of the quilt for months before sending it out to a Quilts of Valor volunteer for final details on a long-arm quilting machine.

A special label identifying Charbonneau as the recipient, the date and the names of the quilters involved was then added.

“This is the second Quilt of Valor our volunteers have completed for a Middlewoods veteran,” said Astrom. “Many of our residents are veterans and it has been very meaningful for our quilters to see their efforts spreading comfort in such a powerful way. Partnering with the Quilts of Valor group has given us a great opportunity to do this.”

Charbonneau’s family and Quilts of Valor Foundation representative and Connecticut volunteer, Cindy Guendert joined residents and staff at the community for the award presentation Nov. 9.

Everyone had the privilege of sharing in the traditional “wrapping” of the quilt around Charbonneau, which is customary for service members and veterans receiving this honor.

"I was totally surprised,” said Charbonneau. “I never expected something like this. It's the nicest surprise I've ever had in my whole life."

The addition of a new American flag for the community was also a highlight of the event.

During his time at Middlewoods, Charbonneau helped care for the community flag, raising it and lowering it at the proper times.

“Joe always wanted a flag in his front yard and was so excited to discover that his apartment at Middlewoods directly overlooks our community flag,” said Ginny Brown, director of community relations at Middlewoods. “It was fitting that we were able to dedicate our new flag as part of this special occasion for Joe and our Middlewoods veterans.”

Middlewoods of Farmington Independent and Assisted Living Community is affiliated with UConn Health and is located at 509 Middle Road in Farmington. The senior living community is owned and operated by United Methodist Homes, a not-for-profit, mission-based organization in Shelton. For more information about senior living at Middlewoods, contact Ginny Brown at 860-284-5700 or visit its website at www.middlewoodsoffarmington.org.