We were very pleased to be invited to the Spring Dance at the Armed Forces Retirement Home in Washington DC. Thanks to Ellen and Marc for arranging for us to join them. This was a lot of fun -- the U.S. Army Blues Band did a wonderful job of providing the music and a whole contingent of lady Marines and Sailors were on hand to help dance with the vets. We met a lot of folks who really knew their stuff! This was a very enjoyable evening!

If you're interested, check out our writeup of Christmas at the Armed Forces Retirement Home

The Army Blues Band
Photo Credit: Elise Larsen


Here's the gang who showed up
Photo Credit: Elise Larsen


Chrissie Hall-Reis and one of the Guys
Photo Credit: Elise Larsen


The Lady Marines were a Delight to the Eyes!
Photo Credit: Elise Larsen


This Couple Drew a Large Crowd
Photo Credit: Elise Larsen


Everyone had a Wonderful Time
Photo Credit: Elise Larsen


Lots of people got out and danced
Photo Credit: Elise Larsen

About the Armed Forces Retirement Home -- in 1850, General Winfield Scott was given $500,000 as tribute for NOT sacking Mexico City at the end of the first Mexican War. General Scott returned to DC and bought a 200 acre parcel of land north of the Capitol and bequeathed it to Congress for use as a retirement home for soldiers. The General left a trust fund for maintenance and operation. The institution was named the United States Soldiers' Home (USSH); persons who have served in the armed forces in the enlisted ranks and non-commissioned officers are elligible to retire at the home after age 62. The number of veterans in residence swelled after the Civil War, then dwindled, then rose after WWI, dwindled, and then rose after WWII when capacity was increased to serve nearly 4,000 men. Until the end of World War II, the air force was part of the Army (actualy called the Army Air Corps); in 1948, the Air Force became a separate service. Accordingly, the home changed its name to "The United Staes Soldiers' and Air Mens Home" (USSAH). The Navy had a similar facility in Gulfport Mississippi. In 200, both institutions were merged into the "Armed Forces Retirement Homes"

The place has everything that you can think of -- a great library, bowling alleys, craft shops, full sized theater (where we're going to do our show...), and extensive medical and dental facilities. The whole thing does not cost the taxpayers a cent! Charges are based on a percentage of each retiree's base pension pay, but include room, board and medical treatment. There is a constant stream of cultural activities. We were very impressed with the quality and variety of crafts on display as made by residents. The ship models were especially noteworthy.

Counter for the Entire Site (not just this page..)