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People gifted with servants’ hearts honor senior veterans

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There are many people involved in civic engagement for various reasons…some for personal or political gain, some to up their public profiles (be it in person or by social media platforms), but it’s a rarity to find individuals that are in it because they were truly called to serve those most in need among us.

So, I came across this story purely by accident, and I decided that there were more parts to this story than meets the eye. Most often, I’ve found that it’s best to stand back and watch how people move, and it’s very easy to see what their motivation is. I was doing my usual drop at the Chester Senior Center (always a pleasure), which happened to be hosting a celebratory Veterans’ Remembrance Luncheon on November 19, 2024, for our older, wiser members of the armed services. It was there that I encountered three people who were actually working together to serve and honor our veterans.

Our nation tends to put our veterans on the back burner…they’re not necessarily a priority until holidays like Veterans Day or Memorial Day, overlooking the fact that their willingness to sacrifice everything for our freedoms. Although they are in the twilight of their lives now, these men and women have not and will never forget the indelible imprint that being in the military left on their spirits and in their hearts. It was evident in the faces of all in attendance that this tribute was special, as many in their uniforms or wearing hats, jackets, and other memorabilia signifying the branch of the service in which they served. Brothers in arms, wartime or peacetime, all who served honorably are honored on Veterans Day.

There were a few things that made this remembrance so poignant, other than my stumbling upon it by happenstance. First, the person responsible for preparing and serving the sumptuous cuisine was Councilwoman Tameka Gibson-Williams. This was different because the majority of political figures show up for the photo ops, smile, and maybe shake a few hands, but rarely is this level of generosity of spirit seen. I was taken aback by seeing Gibson-Williams in one of the many hats she wears as she serves throughout Chester and the surrounding area.

“I’ve been serving my community for quite some time now, and that’s not likely to change. God sends me where he sees a need, and I’ll continue to meet whatever needs I can,” said Gibson-Williams.

John Linder, Chief Executive Officer of Riverside Futures and former Mayor of Chester, and Colonel Arthur L. Jenkins, Jr., Delaware County Director of Military Affairs, were the featured speakers for this occasion.

Chi Sigma Phi Military Spouses Sorority, Septa, Human Health Services, chiropractic services, vaccinations, blood pressure screenings, and free haircuts were available to the attendees.

“We have quite a significant number of veterans here at the Chester Senior Center. Those who are ambulatory come out often and spend time with us, and the ones who are homebound, we deliver meals to them on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. My husband is a veteran, and I remember vividly accompanying him on visits to the VA Hospitals and I took an interest in their well-being. Service has always been a staple in my family. I can still feel the fear I felt as a young child when my uncles were shipped off to Vietnam during that conflict. It stays with you. It doesn’t go away,“ said Vicky, the Center’s manager.

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