Retired Heroes of Our Long-Term Care Communities

Oak Hills Care Center resident, and retired veteran, Grady Simpson

By: Ashley Strehl - Managing Editor of Print and Digital Publications

Oak Hills resident, and retired veteran, Bryan Peterson

“The land of the free and the home of the brave.” These lyrics are well-known to us from our national anthem; however, they mean so much more to the retired heroes of the armed forces in our long-term care communities.

From the Armed Forces to Long-Term Care

Administrator at Skyview Nursing Center, Phillip Maxwell, served 4 active years in the Marine Corps and went on two tours, starting as a private, and working his way up to sergeant. When Voyage LTC needed to fill the role of Administrator at Skyview, they decided that their IT manager at that time, Maxwell, was a strong candidate because of his experience as a leader within the armed forces.

Maxwell and his military team

In 2020, Voyage LTC paid for Maxwell to attend a 9-month administrative program under the state of Oklahoma to learn the proper policies and procedures to follow, and to become a certified Administrator within a long-term care community.

After his time at administrative school, Maxwell was more than ready to take the right steps to building a strong team, “When I came into Skyview, I noticed there was a lack of direction,” Maxwell said. “They teach us in the military, that without direction, you just can’t accomplish anything.

So, I set rules, and I told the staff what I expected of them, and the rewards that can come with their hard work. Since then, everything has been great."

Maxwell on base during his time in the military

"I am thankful for my experience in the military for teaching me my leadership skills.” _ Skyview Nursing Center Administrator, Phillip Maxwell

Heroes in Our Homes

Voyage LTC’s long-term care communities collectively play home to 17 retired veterans, and although they are now far from the battlefield, they have not forgotten who they truly are, a soldier, “You can really tell who a veteran is within the home,” Maxwell said.

Skyview resident, and retired veteran, Eddy Fuggett

“They look you in the eye, they give you a firm handshake, and they expect you to be fair but firm, just like they were in the military, and they never really lose that. So, when you have someone like me, that is prior military, my residents know that when I promise that they are going to be taken care of, they are going to be taken care of.”

Edmond Health Care Center resident, and retired veteran, Neil Roberts

For veterans like Maxwell, and our other retired heroes who are now our residents, Fourth of July is not just about fireworks, “We go to work, we go home, and we don’t really think about the in-between,” Maxwell said.

“This day is important to remind people what’s going on. This is a day of independence, in my opinion, it’s not geared toward just the veterans, but it’s also geared towards what we can accomplish as an American militia." - Phillip Maxwell