Life Lessons Learned by Veterans

It’s hard for many of us who have never served in the military to fathom the experience. We asked veterans living at The Village at Legacy Pointe to share the most important life lessons they learned.

For many of the veterans we spoke to, their service was a time of transformation where they were exposed to things they hadn’t previously seen and roles they weren’t accustomed to. Ken Hume was in the U.S. Navy and served in the Pacific during the Iwo Jima and Okinawa battles. “I grew up,” he said of his time aboard the USS Alaska.

During his time as a U.S. Army Corporal, Joe Fitzpatrick learned about racial discrimination.

Clayton Ostlung was a Major in the U.S. Army during World War II. He would receive orders from headquarters with goals and it was up to him to figure out how to achieve those goals.

“I learned to do the job to the fullest and remain dedicated,” said Raymond Seegers of his time as a Sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps in Korea during the Korean War.

Dallas Schroeder, U.S. Army, became more responsible while serving and learned to follow orders and do what you are asked to do, as did Don Thomas, a U.S. Air Force Captain.

Merl Rouston started his service in the U.S. Army on a submarine. He learned perseverance after winning four battles and making it home alive.

“Always use your best judgement and take care of yourself,” said Jack Carpe, who served in the U.S. Army National Guard.

“It’s best to try to do everything right, or at least the best you can,” said Harry Webb, who served in the U.S. Army National Guard.

Jerry Mills, who served in the U.S. Army, learned the most from the life-long friendships he formed during his service.

There were several veterans whose life lesson was simply to not volunteer. Bert Bertholf, a Territorial Amry Sergeant in the U.S. Army, Palmer Hansen, a Corporal in the U.S. Army, and Ralph Emmerson, U.S. Army, all agreed on this.

On the other hand, Steve Nicoson was in the U.S. Air Force and served the United States of America for more than 45 years and Wayne Nichols, who served in the U.S. Navy, learned just how proud he was to be in the Navy.

“The veterans who live here have served in the United States and all over the globe,” said Amy Barth, Executive Director at The Village at Legacy Pointe, “their service is something we are extremely grateful for and we’re glad they were willing to share a few of the lessons they learned.”

For more information contact The Village at Legacy Pointe at 515-987-4100 or visit www.watermarkcommunities.com/VillageLegacyPointe.