Wellness Forum

Health & Wellness Article - July 2008The greater good of all

by Marge Coalman, EdD, Touchmark Vice President, Wellness & Programs

This media story goes on to say that Lucas was six days past his 17th birthday in February 1945 when his heroism at Iwo Jima earned him the highest military honor. He used his body to shield three squad members from two grenades and nearly died when one exploded.

Across the United States and in Canada throughout the year, we honor veterans—and active military personnel—who put themselves in harm’s way to guarantee our freedom and democracy. Offering oneself in service for the greater good of all is a value everyone can support, regardless of individual political opinions and feelings about wars past and present.

The voices of men and women who served overseas and at home during World War II have been collected in a book brought to publication by Leaman and Judith Harris, residents of Touchmark at Coffee Creek in Edmond, Oklahoma. What started as oral storytelling in the community recreation room (named “the bunker” by residents, who have decorated the room with memorabilia from all branches of the Armed Forces) became a book. Titled As We Lived It, this hard-cover book is a collection of personal stories and historical photos. Six of the 18 stories are by women on the home front. According to the Harrises, As We Lived It isn’t just a war story. Rather, it’s about life during the war years.

At Waterford on South Hill in Spokane, Wash., residents recently donated $1,115 to the Fairchild Air Force base. The money will purchase overseas long-distance calling cards, allowing Spokane men and women serving in Iraq to talk with their families. This is the fourth year the residents have supported this project with their personal donations.

Many programs at Touchmark communities support the whole-person wellness concept of “giving back” or community outreach. They all share a main attribute—the philosophy of the greater good of all.