Retired Army Master Sergeant Albert C. Mosley beamed as the crowd sang “Happy Birthday” to him at the Veterans Administration Clinic in Colorado Springs. He had good reason to smile. After
all, this wasn’t just any birthday. Mosley, who had been born on the very first Armistice Day on November 11, 1919, was celebrating his 100th birthday.
According to Mosley, he spent “20 years, five months, and six days in the Army.” He served in the 92nd Infantry Division, the “Buffalo Soldiers,” and fought in both World War II and the Korean War.
Mosley says he doesn’t feel his age. In his mind, he told Fox21 news at his party, “I’m only 21!” And thanks in part to the Veteran In Charge program at The Independence Center, this young-at-heart centenarian continues to live independently in his own home.
The VIC program, which is a partnership between the Veterans Administration Medical Center (VAMC) and The IC, serves eligible veterans of any age who want to remain living in their home and community. VIC is veteran-directed, and veterans work with one of The IC’s veteran coaches to plan and manage VA-funded supports and services.
Mosley’s veteran coach, Brock Ernst, appreciates the opportunity to assist someone who has devoted so much of his life to service.
“I have to pinch myself that I’m actually talking to someone who is a hundred years old,” says Ernst. “It’s incredible to hear him tell the same kinds of stories my granddad told me when I was eight, and now I’m 38!”
For those who want to hear not only his stories, but his secret to a long life, Mosley gives this advice: “Eat good, sleep good, treat everybody good, and be nice and be helpful.”
Words to live by!
If you are a veteran who would like to learn how the VIC program can help you live more independently, call The IC at 719-471-8181.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column]
Vincent Thoms is a Vietnam veteran who loves the A-frame home he has in Teller County. A widower who lives alone, Vincent requires the use of oxygen for a heart problem that probably started with exposure to Agent Orange during his service in Vietnam. He tires easily and doesn’t have the stamina to handle normal housework. It was starting to look for Vincent like remaining independent in his beloved home was at risk.
Marilyn is a local Veteran who became a person with a disability during her years of service in the Army. She suffered from several different service-related health issues, including spinal meningitis. These health problems threatened Marilyn’s ability to remain in her home, and she was on the verge of having to live in a skilled nursing facility. Through the assistance of The Independence Center’s Veteran in Charge (VIC) program, Marilyn has avoided living in a nursing home.