The silver plaque, surrounded by eight medals, states: “For honorable and faithful service to your country and the United States Air Force.”
An American flag folded into a triangle sits on top.
Twenty years of duty in the Air Force and service in two wars earned that plaque for Retired Major Howard L. Ellis, 85. It hangs on the wall of his room at Morning Pointe Assisted Living.
Howard moved to Morning Pointe in February 2015, is one of the newest residents. He wasted no time getting to know people and places. He eats his meals with other military veterans and talks to and greets everyone he passes.
Even the day nurses know him as a talker.
Howard likes to remain active. If weather permits, he rides his scooter on the sidewalk outside, stopping at the end of the parking lot to watch a construction project or cars pass. He goes out to eat lunch twice a week with a group from Morning Pointe.
Even though he cannot drive it, Howard keeps his car, a pre-owned Lincoln MKX.
“I’ve always wanted to have a Lincoln,” he says.
His children and grandchildren drive him around when they visit him.
The lifestyle of an assisted-living home is a change, but Howard is optimistic.
“Since I’ve been here, they’ve treated me awful nice,” he says. “If it stays like it is now, I like it.”