Twenty-two local veterans were honored at Carriage Inn on Veterans Day, November 11, during the Katy senior living community’s annual pinning ceremony. Residents, team members, and healthcare partners gathered for the annual event to thank them for their service and sacrifice.

Resident and Navy veteran Ken Weems expressed his appreciation for the event. “It was an enjoyable day; it brought back old military days and gave us the chance to talk to other folks about their military service as well.”

Each veteran received a special pin and a recognition certificate from hospice partner Elara Caring through its “We Honor Veterans” program. Special guest, Retired U.S. Army Chaplain and Lieutenant Colonel Dr. Celestine Robb, presented pins and certificates to each veteran.

Tony Rivas, Carriage Inn Executive Director, thanked the veterans for attending and shared gratitude on behalf of the entire community. “We extend heartfelt thanks to our veterans for their service to our country. Many thanks to the Carriage Inn team, Elara Caring, and Dr. Robb for their collaboration and dedication to bringing this special gathering to life. It was a truly memorable and inspiring event.”

Nakia Ziegler, Community Liaison at Elara Caring, expressed her gratitude to the veterans. “I love that I’m able to honor the veterans here at Carriage Inn; this is a wonderful community, and I’m thankful for the opportunity to give back."

Veterans who were honored at the event included: Bob Belt (U.S. Navy), Charles Beecher (U.S. Navy), Harold Bennett (U.S. Army), Benny Brown (U.S. National Guard 9PFC), Robert Bushong (U.S. Marines), David Campbell (U.S. Air Force), Monty Campbell (U.S. Army), Lewis Chumbley (U.S. Army), William Ealy (U.S. Army), David Endsley (U.S. Army), Jerry Harriman (U.S. Army), John Barry Hart (U.S. Army), Andy Jasso (U.S. Air Force), Keith Kastor (U.S. Navy), Jerry Krug (U.S. Army National Guard), George Wallace (U.S. Marines), John Maklary (U.S. Army), John Pappageorge (U.S. Infantry), Ray Redmon (U.S. Army), Eugene Reimer (U.S. Air Force), Lea Taylor (U.S. Army), and Ken Weems (U.S. Navy).

Resident Lewis Chumbley, an Army Veteran, acknowledged the Carriage Inn team for the meaningful event. “Thank you all for honoring us veterans on Veterans Day. It was a great time, and I want to send a special thank you to Life Enrichment Director, Thelma Pope, for the hard work she put into making this happen for us.”

Carriage Inn Katy offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care options for older adults. Located at 1400 Katy-Flewellen Road, Carriage Inn is locally owned and is a Cardinal Bay community managed by The Long Hill Company, a subsidiary of Masonicare, a leading not-for-profit provider of senior living and healthcare services. To learn more about independent living, assisted living, and memory care options at Carriage Inn, please contact Kalye Rodriguez, Director of Sales and Marketing, at 281-392-2800 or krodriguez@cardinalbay.org.