Sitting with Charlene, you’d never guess this tiny ball of energy is 93 years young! “I think I’m older than anyone else at Bob Hope Village,” she says. “But I thank God that my health is so good. My life is just fun!”
Charlene’s husband, Frederick, spent 20 years in service to our nation during his time in the Air Force. And while he was stationed at many different bases across the U.S. during those years, the couple made a decision early on to provide a stable base for their three sons.
Staying behind at their home in Minnesota, Charlene was tasked with raising the boys on her own while also working as a registered nurse. “It was hard not having Frederick here to help and doing everything myself — especially shoveling snow during the winter!” Charlene recalls now with a chuckle.
When you think of “sacrifice” and the military, you might think of war and the ultimate price being paid by brave men and women for our freedom.
But the smaller contributions and sacrifices made by military spouses — and the readiness to give — are also admirable. Spouses like Charlene are quiet heroes — they too serve our country through their commitment and support in helping to keep America strong and safe.
While Charlene learned about AFEV during Frederick’s time in the military, she didn’t make the move here until she was 88 years old. “It got to where I could no longer cut the grass, trim the shrubs or paint the house. You don’t want to ask for help so much from your neighbors, that’s just not right.”
“It’s been five years that I’ve been here now. I have met so many good people. It’s such a wonderful place. I can grow flowers, and I have incredible neighbors who visit. Sometimes I feel like I have a revolving front door.”
“I love it here. The help I receive from the staff is more than tenfold of what I ever imagined. They never let me down. It’s just PERFECT!”
