Once again, the Honors Flight had the opportunity to visit Ashlan Village, a local assisted living facility for the aged. Throughout the year, the cadets have grown close to the residents and the residents can’t seem to get enough time with the cadets. For example, Cadet Cody Martin visits each week with a lady named Ruth who is unable to leave her room due to her condition. A few cadets visit the Alzheimer’s wing and sing karaoke each week for their enjoyment. Cadets really have fun with the karaoke machine picking out their favorite tunes and putting on a show for the spectators. They usually leave Ashlan Village still singing and dancing to the songs they performed. Other cadets put on a game of bingo as the residents are finishing their breakfast—the residents thoroughly enjoy playing bingo and don’t want to be left out of any of the games. Cadet Profera says, “I really enjoy playing bingo because I like helping some of them by pointing out the numbers that they miss.” “I like sitting with the three ‘Ladies of Ashlan’ in the corner because they always make me laugh with their little comments they make here and there,” says Cadet Higginbotham. Cadets have had a great learning experience visiting the elderly each week. They have learned that getting old isn’t as scary as it seems, while at the same time they occasionally have to say goodbye to some of the residents who have passed away making it very painfully to get close to the residents. The elderly love to see young faces come visit them and share laughs and each other’s experiences with one another. Each visit is a refreshing time for both cadets and residents.
