Baldomero veterans get a much-deserved ‘thank you’

  • Published
  • By Nick Stubbs
  • Thunderbolt Editor
MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The true price of freedom may be difficult to calculate, and impossible to repay. So, we make due with holidays like Veterans Day.

"Thank you," may seem wholly inadequate, but it was all the veterans at Baldomero Lopez Memorial Veterans Nursing Home in Land O' Lakes were looking for Friday, when members of the community, elected officials, and representatives of the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office and the 927th Air Refueling Wing gathered at the quiet retirement home in rural Pasco County.

They were there to honor the veterans, some in their 90s and confined to wheelchairs. Many wearing caps with their military insignia attached, their shoulders draped with quilts to keep away the chill, they were the guests of honor.

Florida Senator Mike Fasano was the keynote speaker, who admitted he is humbled by the sacrifices made by the Soldiers, Airmen, Marines and Sailors before him, he thanked them for helping preserve the freedom and liberty that is the cornerstone of the American experiment.

Several other speakers expressed thanks, and the Sheriff's Office members presented donations collected to help make life easier for the veterans. Senior Master Sgt. Tom Lehmann and Master Sgt. Rowena Davis, both of the 927th ARW, stood sharply throughout. The Baldomero vets are special to the wing, which unofficially has adopted the 120 residents who live there.

"This is something we do every year to say 'thanks,' " said Joanne Burley, activities director at the home. "It's a small thing, but we think it is important to recognize them (the vets) for all they have sacrificed and done for their country."

The Baldomero Lopez home was established in 1999 and is a state operated facility. It is a 120-bed facility providing skilled care for its residents, including those with dementia. The Lopez home received the prestigious Gold Seal for excellence in nursing home care in 2005.

The home is named after Baldomero Lopez (Aug. 23, 1925 - Sept. 15, 1950). He was a first lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War.

He posthumously received the Medal of Honor for smothering a hand grenade with his own body during the Inchon Landing on Sept. 15, 1950.