“Should old acquaintance be forgotten, keep your eye on the grand old flag.” The refrain of the song “You’re a Grand Old Flag” reminds us of the enduring spirit of our country and fellow citizens. This was one of the many patriotic melodies sang with pride and vigor at Homeland Center’s Veterans Day Celebration held on November 11 at its Chapel. A packed crowd of veterans, residents and friends attended the event to honor and thank Homeland veterans for their service and sacrifice.

This annual event official opened and closed with the presentation and retiring of the colors by the Nativity School Color Guard, which is led by Stephen Holmes, veteran, commander and chaplain of American Legion Post 733. While most students enjoyed a day off from school on Veterans Day, four young students proudly volunteered. For Tyrone, a Nativity School Student, the day was an honor and privilege.

“I participate in this event every year,” Tyrone says. “I like hearing from veterans.”

For Homeland veterans in attendance, the day was about remembering the bonds formed through their service, and appreciating the support shown by the Homeland community. Joe Pulaski, a Homeland resident, is a veteran of the United States Air Force. During his four years of service, Joe worked as a mechanic on B-52 bombers.

“It’s a special day to see other veterans,” Joe says. “It reminds us we were part of something bigger than ourselves.”

For Mike, a Navy veteran, the day was a chance to reflect on the man he was when he joined the miliary. Mike came of age during the Vietnam War when the draft was on the minds of all young men. He entered the Navy as an officer at the age of 22 and began working on aircraft carriers on the west coast. His time and life experiences have given him a greater appreciation for his military service.

“I am grateful for everything I have learned and the people I’ve met,” Mike says. “Today reminds me of that important period of my life.”

A highlight of the event was the keynote address from Brigadier General Larry Oakes. Larry entered the United States Army when he was 19 years old and a student at Millersville University. He went on to serve our country for 32 years through active duty, the Army National Guard and Army Reserve.

Larry’s remarks focused on three phases of growth all veterans experience. The initial phase is one of discovery as everything is new for soldiers. During this time, soldiers explore the skills they need to do their jobs successfully as well as learn how to get along with others.

During the second phase, soldiers have the opportunity to learn and hone their skills to both advance in their ranks and better support the greater goals of the military.

“You realize how much others are counting on you,” Larry says. “Your service is part of a grander picture.”

With discovery and learning under their belts, soldiers leverage everything they have learned during the third past. By utilizing their skills and experiences, soldiers attain results which can lead to more successful operations and more lives saved.

“The more you lead, the more you grow,” Larry adds. “The Army approach becomes a way of life.”

The event concluded with personalized recognition of veterans living at Homeland Center. Each veteran received a certificate and blanket made patriotic and with military-specific colors.

Homeland has a long and proud history of honoring those who served our country. The organization is part of the national We Honor Veterans program, which works to improve the quality of health care for all veterans. An extension of the program is Homeland’s Vet to Vet Café, which gives veterans and family members of those who served an opportunity to share their memories at monthly gatherings held in Homeland Center’s 1950s-style Olewine Diner.

To learn more about Homeland Center contact (717) 221-7900.

On a crisp, sunny October morning, a record crowd of more than 400 walkers and runners laced up their sneakers for the Homeland Hospice 11^th Annual 5K and Memory Walk. This special Homeland tradition provides an opportunity for families to honor and celebrate a loved one they have lost surrounded by a community who understands the impact of grief. With every step taken, participants were welcomed with friendly smiles and words of encouragement. On this special day, no one walked alone.

Many runners and walkers wore blue event t-shirts with the names of loved ones remembered. Many participants walked in groups with their furry family members in tow wearing colorful bandanas provided by Homeland. Among the crowd adorned in the Welsh flag, Johanna Cook and her family proudly walked in honor of her father Bill Williams who passed away in 2020.

“My dad loved his Welsh heritage,” Johanna says. “We proudly wear our favorite Welsh gear in his honor.”

Johanna and her family have participated in Homeland’s 5K and Memory Walk since her father’s passing. This year’s walkers included Bill’s children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. As the group crossed the finish line, they held one another’s hands and cheered, “We miss you Pop-Pop.”

“Homeland provided significant support for both of my parents,” Johanna adds. “We love participating in this event.”

For Kay Carmines, the walk was her first in honor of her late husband Jim, who was a competitive racewalker in his 50s and a walking coach for the Central Pennsylvania Chapter of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training. Taking each step alongside her was friend and avid walker Carlyn Chulick. Carlyn is the past chair of Homeland’s Board of Trustees.

“Jim had a wonderful sense of humor,” Kay says. “Today is about sharing the good memories.”

While many attendees enjoyed a leisurely walk, others came to run. Bryce Hampton was the first to cross the finish line with a time of 15:33. He intended to race last year, but had to cancel at the last minute because of an injury. Bryce, an active runner, chose this race to honor the memory of his grandmother who died two years ago and received hospice services from an organization close to her home.

“I wanted to support this race for my grandmother,” Bryce says. “I am happy to run this year.”

A unique aspect of the event included activity stations to help families deal with their grief. At one station, participants could write personal messages to their loved ones on a special piece of paper which dissolved when placed in water. Another station featured a rainbow arch where families could write the name of their loved ones. All attendees were given Rosemary-scented lip balm. Rosemary is a symbol of love and remembrance and has been used for thousands of years for aromatherapy.

Over $80,000 was raised in support of Homeland Hospice’s supportive services like massage, music therapy and additional in-home relief hours as well as residents of Homeland Center whose financial resources have been exhausted. Homeland Hospice is a nonprofit hospice program that serves communities throughout Central Pennsylvania.

For more information about Homeland Hospice, call (717) 221-7890.

The life we lead can be reinvented by taking chances and following our heart. Nearly 15 years ago, Elizabeth Terekh took a chance and moved to the United States to explore our great country and pursue her love of medicine. Today, Elizabeth is a registered nurse with Homeland HomeHealth and treats every day as an adventure and gift.

Elizabeth grew up in Kharkiv, Ukraine two hours from the Russian border. After high school she attended college, earning a degree in business administration. She soon realized a life in the business world did not feed her soul or bring her happiness. When a family friend invited her to Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, she jumped at the opportunity. She bravely boarded the plane with hope and determination to start a new life focused on serving others in need.

“I always loved medicine,” Elizabeth says. “I wanted my days to be filled with helping others.”

Elizabeth was fluent in English and quickly excelled in her courses at Harrisburg Area Community College where she became a registered nurse. She went on to work in a hospital setting for several years before joining the team at Homeland HomeHealth four years ago.

“Every day is filled with purpose,” Elizabeth adds. “I know someone needs my care and compassion.”

As a registered nurse, Elizabeth treats patients in the comfort of their homes after they have been discharged from the hospital or short-term rehab. Homeland’s HomeHealth program provides physician-ordered treatment to meet each patient’s unique needs in areas such as wound care, cardiac care, intravenous therapy, fall prevention and rehabilitation services.

Elizabeth works directly with each patient’s medical provider to determine the appropriate plan of care. This includes an initial assessment of the patient’s health. Elizabeth and the Homeland team then determine the frequency of visits to help the patient meet his/her goals of comfort and independence. In addition to nurses like Elizabeth, the Homeland HomeHealth team can include physical, occupational and speech therapists; a nutritional counselor and social workers.

For Elizabeth, spending time with patients and their families makes this a labor of love. She looks forward to learning about her patient’s lives and seeing them progress in their healing.

“Every patient is someone special,” Elizabeth says. “I treat everyone like family.”

Elizabeth is one to quickly admit she loves adventure and mental challenges. She recently earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing and hopes to pursue additional certifications in areas such as wound care in the near future. She strives to live her best professional life in service of Homeland and her patients.

“I love this work,” Elizabeth adds. “Serving others lifts my heart.”

For more information on home health services, contact Homeland HomeHealth or call (717) 412-0166.