103rd Birthday At Hollidaysburg Veterans’ Home
Dominick Sanzo, a resident and Army veteran at Hollidaysburg Veterans’ Home celebrated his 103rd Birthday on May 19, 2025. Happy 103rd Birthday, Dominick!
Pennsylvania Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Home Residents Treated To Baseball Game
The residents, staff, and volunteers from Pennsylvania Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Home watched an Erie SeaWolves baseball game from the suites at UPMC Park on April 30, 2025. During the game, their mascot, C. Wolf, stopped by for a visit. Even though it was a chilly day for baseball, everyone enjoyed the game. Many organizations donated money to the Residents’ Welfare Fund for suites at UPMC park.
Ambassador For Peace Medal Ceremony At Hollidaysburg Veterans’ Home
More than 70 years after the end of the Korean War, six local veterans were honored with the Ambassador for Peace Medal during a heartfelt ceremony hosted at Hollidaysburg Veterans’ Home (HVH) on May 3, 2025.
The Ambassador of Peace Medal recognizes U.S. service members who helped defend South Korea during the Korean War.
Anne Suluka, a resident at HVH, was one of the recipients. Anne served in the U.S. Air Force as a Finance Specialist and Supervisor Accountant from 1951 to 1955. She said, “It’s a great honor for me to get this medal, especially after 70 years.”
Ben Chon, a local Korean resident, presented the medals and reflected on the profound impact of their service. “I want them to know what great difference they have made for us,” Chon said. “They laid a foundation for Korea’s success.”
Chon also shared a personal message of gratitude: “I’m here because they were there. My parents are here because of them. Korea is existing today because they were there.”
The ceremony offered both recognition and reflection, giving veterans and their families a moment of closure and pride.
“I hope that their bad memories may turn into a sense of pride,” Chon added. “I have done something good. Korea today is their legacy.”
All Korean War veterans, living or deceased, are eligible for the Medal. Families can apply for the medal on the veteran’s behalf by contacting Ben Chon at chonb815@yahoo.com or by calling 208-602-1511.
May Brings Flowers, Sunshine, Smiles And Reflections
All throughout our six veterans homes the residents know that April showers bring May flowers, sunshine, smiles and a time to reflect.
Every May the residents at Southeastern Veterans’ Center look forward to sitting outside to soak up the warmth of the sun and spending time with friends, family, volunteers, staff and especially their pet therapy dog, Dinky. The residents also know that a fun-filled week known as Veterans Home Week will be happening at our homes and is just right around the corner, June 15 – 20.
“What’s Brewing” At Southwestern Veterans’ Center
Volunteers at Southwestern Veterans’ Center (SWVC) host a regular coffee group called “What's Brewing,” a special program for the residents which is held every other Thursday where volunteers provide coffee and donuts, along with conversation and compassion.
Sue Watson, a very active volunteer at SWVC for the past three years, not only provides coffee and donuts for “What’s Brewing,” but she also brings along Jimmy Stewart, her service dog in training from Warrior Canine Connection (WCC), which she allows the residents to assist with his training as well. As the daughter of a Marine from WWII, Watson has always been deeply connected to the veteran community, listening to the needs of veterans and their families, connecting them to resources, and creating pathways for growth and resilience.
Warrior Canine Connection is an organization that trains service dogs to be matched specifically for veterans in need. Watson was recently named as WCC’s new Area Program Manager and Service Dog Training Instructor at the Pittsburgh location.
During SWVC’s Volunteer Recognition Breakfast held last month, Watson received the Presidential Volunteer Service Award.
Jimmy Stewart, the WCC service dog in training, will be assessed this summer to be matched with a veteran in need of a service dog.