As the 4th of July approaches, a time when we gather to celebrate our nation’s independence and the freedoms we hold dear, we are reminded that those freedoms were hard-won, protected, and preserved by the brave men and women who have served in our armed forces. We dedicate this blog to our Veterans with deep gratitude and unwavering respect. Their courage, sacrifice, and enduring strength deserve more than just our thanks, they deserve to be heard, honored, and celebrated. In this post, we’ll share some of their powerful stories and explore meaningful ways we can show our appreciation, not just on the 4th of July, but every day.
What It Means to Be a Veteran
Being a Veteran means more than wearing a uniform, it means answering a call to serve, protect, and sacrifice for something greater than oneself. Our freedoms, the peace we enjoy, and the values we hold dear have all been safeguarded by brave men and women who stood on the front lines for our country. To be a Veteran is to have given time, energy, and often much more, in service to the ideals of liberty and justice. It means enduring long separations from loved ones, facing uncertainty with courage, and carrying the weight of responsibility so others can live freely. Their strength, resilience, and unwavering commitment are the foundation upon which our nation stands. We owe them more than gratitude, we owe them remembrance, respect, and ongoing support.
Fulfilling Veterans’ Dreams Through Dream Flights
At The Cottages, honoring our residents is at the heart of everything we do, which is why we created the Never Too Old to Dream program. This special initiative allows us to learn about our residents’ hopes, passions, and lifelong dreams, and then work to make those dreams a reality. We believe that no matter your age, it’s never too late to dream big. One of our favorite ways to celebrate our residents, especially our beloved Veterans, is through our partnership with Dream Flights. For the past few years, we’ve teamed up with this incredible organization, whose mission is to honor Veterans and seniors by giving them the unforgettable experience of soaring through the skies in a vintage Boeing Stearman biplane. This year, we were proud to help 15 Veterans take flight, each one a moving tribute to their service and sacrifice. It was truly a day to remember. Here are some of the incredible heroes and the stories of those who had the opportunity to take part in Dream Flights.
Meet Some of Our Heroes
Johnny Warden
Johnny proudly served in the U.S. Navy for four years as an Engine Mechanic during the Vietnam War. For two of those years, he was stationed at Treasure Island in San Francisco, California, where he supported critical operations with his technical expertise. After his service, Johnny eventually settled in Idaho by way of Oregon, where he built a full and vibrant life. He married and raised two wonderful daughters, Joni and Kelly. Known for his sharp skills and strong work ethic, Johnny became highly respected in the sawmill industry, traveling across the U.S., Canada, and even internationally to fine-tune equipment, including a memorable (and intense) encounter with the Russian Mafia in Latvia. Outside of work, Johnny’s passions shine just as brightly. He has a soft spot for cocker spaniels and horses, and a deep love for country music. A talented guitarist and singer, he played lead guitar in several country bands over the years, always bringing heart and soul to every performance.
William “Bill” Jordan
Bill Jordan began his journey of service in June of 1956 when he joined the U.S. Navy. Over the next four and a half years, he served with dedication and distinction in a variety of roles and locations. One of his primary posts was on Midway Island, a remote outpost 1,100 miles north of Hawaii. He also took part in missions flying aboard the 121’s Bares Ron to the Russian border and back, critical operations during a tense period in global affairs. Throughout his service, Bill was assigned to three ships: the USS Talladega, the SS James Bennett Moore, a Liberty ship from WWII, and the Naval Amphibious Base on the Silver Strand near San Diego, a key training ground for Navy SEALs. In addition to his other duties, Bill also performed Morse Code communications, a vital skill that kept Navy ships securely connected. His time in the Navy reflects a legacy of service, courage, and technical skill that remains an inspiration.
Robert “Bob” Moore
Bob Moore was born on July 4, 1926, in La Porte, Iowa, a fitting birthdate for someone who would go on to serve his country with pride. After graduating from New Hampton High School in 1944, Bob entered the U.S. Navy as a V-5 pilot trainee during World War II. When the program concluded with the war’s end, he continued his service through the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps while completing seven semesters of college. He received an honorable discharge and went on to earn a degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Wisconsin in 1949. Bob and his beloved wife, Maxi, shared a deep commitment to service, not only to their country, but to their community as well. For 35 years, they volunteered side by side with The Salvation Army, touching countless lives with their compassion and generosity. Married for an incredible 74 years until Maxi’s passing in December 2021, their legacy of love lives on through their four children: Nancy, John, Mary, and Carol, eight grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
George Bodenstiener
George Bodensteiner was born on March 14, 1936, to Ludwig (Louie) and Leopoldina (Poldie) Bodensteiner, who made the incredible journey from Vienna, Austria, to settle in Burley, Idaho. George grew up with three siblings: Hilda, Mary, and Margaret, and graduated from Burley High School before enlisting in the U.S. Navy. After completing his military service, he returned home and met the love of his life, Sandra K. Hoffman. George and Sandie soon married and built a beautiful life together, raising four daughters: DaNett, Theresa, Lorrie, and Teri. Their family has grown to include five grandchildren: Jessica, Tabby, Kandy, Ashley, and Bailey.
George’s career was both diverse and fulfilling. He began as an electrician, working with George’s Electric in Rupert, Idaho, and later with Pink’s Electric in Hailey. Eventually, he transitioned into real estate, becoming a Realtor in the Sun Valley, Hailey, and Bellevue areas. He also took on property management, overseeing Snowcreek Condominiums in Sun Valley. George has always embraced life with energy and enthusiasm, his hobbies include snowmobiling, hunting, fishing, stock car racing, and showing purebred rabbits.
Michael Cuzzo, Sr.
Michael Louis Cuzzo, Sr. was born over 93 years ago during a cold March snowstorm in his family’s home in Chicago. Originally intended to be named “Louis James” after his father, Michael’s name was changed when his Uncle Mike took him to be baptized and completed the birth certificate as “Michael Louis.” These days, he’s better known by the titles he cherishes most: Dad, Grandpa, and Great-Grandpa.
As a young man, Michael proudly followed in his father’s footsteps by serving in the United States Navy from 1950 to 1953. Although he was fortunate not to see combat, he did spend time aboard the USS Midway, where, in a rare and unintended occurrence, he was stationed alongside his father. During his service, Michael was assigned to Tugboat YTL 603, a small, three-man vessel operating in the Chicago harbor. It was during this time that he met the love of his life, Ardene Talchik. Their love story nearly hit a snag when Ardene unknowingly cleaned the well-seasoned galley coffee pot aboard the tug, a move that upset more than a few sailors. But their bond was strong, and in April, they celebrated an incredible 71 years of marriage.
Together, Michael and Ardene raised three children in a cozy bungalow on the southwest side of Chicago, with Michael often working up to three jobs to support his family. He eventually found his niche as a TV repairman, learning the trade from his father-in-law. In 1970, the family moved to Tinley Park, a suburb on Chicago’s south side. After a few more moves around the area, they eventually relocated to Nampa, Idaho, to be closer to their daughter Kim. Michael and Ardene lived in their Nampa home for over 28 years before moving to The Cottages.
We Appreciate Our Veterans
As we reflect on the incredible stories and sacrifices of our Veterans, we are reminded that the freedoms we enjoy today were secured by their courage, service, and unwavering dedication. These men and women have given so much, often quietly and humbly, for the good of our country and future generations. Let us never take their sacrifices for granted. Whether it’s a heartfelt “thank you,” a handshake, or simply taking a moment to listen to their story, we all have the power to show appreciation. So the next time you see a Veteran, take that moment. Honor them. Thank them. Because every act of gratitude keeps their legacy alive.
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