MAY 2022
Music is a key part of military service For accounting assistant John Westmacott, music always has been and continues to be his first love - so much so, it dominated his military career with the U.S. Army from 1983 through 1997.
Welcome Walt and Jeannine Linder.
Unplanned visit results in new home at Aberdeen Village
“I performed with the Military Academy Band as a rudimental drummer in the Field Music Group “The Hellcats,” John said.
Right before COVID-19 changed the world, Walt and Jeannine Linder had been looking around for a new place to live.
The Hellcats mission is to provide musical support, including the sounding of Reveille and Retreat at the Garrison flagpole. The group performs at various military reviews, parades, and ceremonial events. John Westmacott, accounting assistant, served in the U.S. They also provide Army from 1983 to 1997. music for cadets in the mess hall, and perform a special arrangement of West Point gridiron songs during the annual Army vs Navy football game.
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“We just stopped in, we didn’t even have an appointment,” Jeannine said. “I thought let’s see if we can get in, and fortunately someone on staff was there. Walt just fell in love with the place. It was one level, and he liked the meals.” With COVID in full force, however, it became difficult to make changes. Once there was an opening and an opportunity, their kids told them they’d better get in while they could. “The day after we moved in, everything shut down,” Jeannine said. “We had one night in the
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Military – continued from page 1 One event in particular in Germany stands out. “My favorite memory is marching through the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin in the deactivation parade of the Allied Strike Force in 1994,” John said. “1994 was the five-year anniversary of the opening of the Berlin Wall. The parade included musical units from France, England and the U.S.” John was stationed at West Point, New York. His time in the U.S. Army provided him with lessons that have remained throughout his lifetime.
“As COVID has begun to wane, I’ve been subbing in with a local swing band lately,” he said. John’s wife is a retired Kindergarten teacher, and the couple has three grown children, and four grandchildren, three of whom live just 20 minutes away. His household is also home to two rescue cats, and until recently an elderly rescue dog, who just passed away. u
“Physical fitness, self-discipline, attention to detail,” John said of those key lessons. “I’ve continued to stay physically fit. I enjoy running and walking outdoors. I still enjoy performing in local community bands.” Attention to detail has served him well in his role as an accounting assistant at Aberdeen Village. “I’m responsible for Accounts Receivable & Accounts Payable. I bill Medicaid, Hospice, and Long-Term Care Insurance,” John said. “I also coordinate Medicare documentation with our corporate office for billing. I enjoy interacting daily with our amazingly talented management team. We work well together. I also appreciate the great help and guidance of our corporate support staff. It’s fun to come to work each day.” When John’s not working, he enjoys his family and pets - as well as any opportunity he can find to exercise his passion for music. He performs with the Olathe Civic Band in the summer, and with the fife and drum corps at the Smoky Hill River Festival in Salina each June.
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COMMUNITY MATTERS | May 2022
is published monthly for residents and friends of Aberdeen Village by Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America, Inc., a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization.
To submit or suggest articles: soehlert@pmma.org Tim Allin, executive director Stephanie Oehlert, director of sales and marketing
OUR MISSION: To provide quality senior services guided by Christian values.
This month we honor all, Who answered to a service call.
Larry Blake (Korea) Duwayne Kramer
Soldiers young, and soldiers old
Bob McMillen
Fought fo freedom, brave and bold
Joseph Grigware
Some have lived, while others died And all of them deserve our pride. Larry Blake (WWID) Sam Malsbary Steve Davis
We’re proud of all the soldiers who, Kept thinking of the red, white and blue.
Bob Otey
They fought for us and all our rights,
Bill Walter
They fought through many days and nights.
Duane White
And though we may not know each name. We thank All veterans just the same.
Bernard Bancroft
Lloyd Taylor
Frank Collins
James Hall
Walter Linder
Ed Weger
Bill Kvasnicka
David King
Branson Moore
Martin Potter
Harold Reynolds
Rich Hackathorn
Linders – continued from page 1 dining room buffet without masks. That made it a little difficult for newcomers, but we were dealt with by very friendly residents and staff who kept us guided.” That was back in August 2021, and in the time since, they’ve doubly appreciated new opportunities for interaction. “It worked out beautifully,” Jeannine said. “We didn’t know the old ways - but everyone was so friendly and helpful. We couldn’t go out to gatherings, but believe it or not, we felt blessed to be here.” Before moving to Aberdeen Village, Walt and Jeannine lived in Shawnee. The couple originally lived in Nebraska, but moved to Kansas for Walt’s career with the U.S. Corps of Engineers, as the head of the hydrological engineering division.
“His career took us many places,” Jeannine said. “We lived in Holland for a year. Our son went to the little Dutch school, and he spoke like a native in two weeks. That was a marvelous year for all of us. We spent a summer in Sudan, several weeks in Taiwan doing work for them. Together we went to a conference in Pakistan.” Walt and Jeannine have been married for 63 years and raised two children - a boy and a girl. They now have three grandchildren. Jeannine worked as a nurse. Walt’s age - he’s now 96 - forced him to slow down, and eventually make the move to Aberdeen Village. Jeannine, at the younger age of 85, said the age difference has worked out well. “I have extra energy, so I can help
17500 W. 119th St.
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COMMUNITY MATTERS | May 2022
Olathe, KS 66061-9524
move him along,” she joked. Though their move in the middle of a pandemic was worrisome, Jeannine feels grateful for all that her and Walt have gained in their new home. “Thank God for places like this. Everyone I talk to feels blessed to be here,” she said. “Everyone here just goes with the flow. We were so happy to sit down with tablecloths and real dishes. Everyone is so glad to be together again. Now we have placemats and silverware.” Aside from the returning sense of normalcy, Jeannine said she’s been thrilled to make - and spend time with new friends. “We’ve met so many nice people,” she said. “We’ve been here long enough we’re calling each other by name. It’s been beautiful.” u