This Veterans Day, Touchmark communities honored the courage, sacrifice, and lasting contributions of the veterans who call our communities home.
Every veteran has a story. Stories of service and sacrifice, of friendships forged through shared experiences, and of lessons that continue to shape lives long after military service has ended.
On November 11, Touchmark joined communities across the country in recognizing Veterans Day and expressing gratitude to the men and women who have served in our nation’s armed forces.
At Touchmark, we have the privilege of knowing many of these individuals not only as veterans, but as neighbors, friends, mentors, and valued members of our communities. Their experiences enrich our lives, connect generations, and remind us of the importance of honoring those who have served.
While Veterans Day provided a special opportunity for recognition, our appreciation extends far beyond a single day. We believe honoring our resident veterans means celebrating their military service while also recognizing the remarkable lives they continue to lead.
A Life of Service and Active Living
One inspiring example is Willard “Wink” Lamb, a 103-year-old veteran and resident of Touchmark at Fairway Village in Vancouver, Washington.
Wink’s commitment to staying active is well known throughout the community. A regular at Touchmark’s Health & Fitness Center, he works with personal trainer Laurie Iams and enjoys swimming as part of his fitness routine. His dedication to wellness reflects a determination to keep moving, growing, and embracing life at every age.
That same remarkable spirit has earned Wink recognition beyond Touchmark.
In 2025, Wink served as co-grand marshal of Vancouver’s Lough Legacy Veterans Day Parade. This year, he returned alongside fellow World War II veteran Harry Humason as an honored guest. The two veterans were recognized during the November 11 celebration, where they watched the parade from the front porch of the historic Marshall House.
His story was recently featured in The Columbian, which highlighted his continued commitment to fitness and his participation in the Veterans Day tradition. Read Wink’s story in The Columbian.
For those who know Wink at Touchmark, his recognition was an opportunity to celebrate both his service to our country and the inspiring example he continues to set today.
A Remarkable Story of Service in Prescott
At Touchmark at The Ranch in Prescott, Arizona, resident and Navy veteran Larry Kuhn shared memories of his military service in a story featured by The Daily Courier.
Larry spent six years serving aboard a Navy destroyer in the South China Sea. Among his memorable experiences was helping coordinate the rescue of a Filipino fisherman, an encounter that demonstrated how military service can create opportunities to make a difference in unexpected ways.
His story is a reminder that behind every uniform is a lifetime of experiences, acts of courage, and moments of compassion. By sharing these memories, veterans like Larry help preserve an important part of our nation’s history while inspiring those around them.
Remembering Those Who Never Returned in Sioux Falls
At Touchmark at All Saints in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Veterans Day was an opportunity to honor military service while reflecting on the sacrifices made by those who never returned home.
KELOLAND News highlighted the community’s recognition of veterans, including an interview with resident and veteran Ron Williamson.
The observance offered a powerful reminder that Veterans Day is about more than ceremonies and celebrations. It’s also an opportunity to listen, remember, and recognize the lasting impact of military service on veterans, their families, and our nation.
A Musical Tribute to Veterans in Bismarck
At Touchmark on West Century in Bismarck, North Dakota, more than 30 resident veterans were honored during a special Veterans Day celebration featuring the North Dakota National Guard’s 188th Army Band.
The performance brought residents, team members, and guests together in appreciation of those who have served.
KFYR-TV covered the event and spoke with Air Force veteran Donald Litchfield, who reflected on his service during the Cold War.
Through music, shared memories, and personal recognition, the celebration provided an opportunity to express gratitude while strengthening the connections that make the Touchmark community so special.
Honoring Every Story, Every Day
While Veterans Day offered a special opportunity to recognize military service, the stories shared across Touchmark reflect something much greater than a single day of remembrance.
From Wink Lamb’s continued dedication to fitness and Larry Kuhn’s experiences at sea to the reflections of Ron Williamson and Donald Litchfield, each veteran brings a unique perspective shaped by a lifetime of experiences.
Their contributions did not end when they completed their military service. Today, they continue to enrich their communities through friendships, shared interests, personal accomplishments, and the wisdom they offer those around them.
Touchmark’s mission is to enrich people’s lives, and an important part of that commitment is recognizing the individuality, experiences, and contributions of every resident. Our resident veterans have helped shape the world we live in, and we are privileged to be part of the next chapters of their lives.
As we reflect on Veterans Day 2026, we extend our heartfelt appreciation to every veteran who calls Touchmark home, as well as the veterans among our team members, families, and surrounding communities.
Thank you for your courage, dedication, and service to our country. Your stories deserve to be heard, your sacrifices remembered, and your contributions celebrated—not just on Veterans Day, but throughout the year.
