Rochester veteran finds new service to fulfill at New Hampshire Veterans Home

From left, John "Jack" Shea, Allan Bailey, Rita Landry, Anthony "Tony" Schroeder, James "Jim" Brown (Courtesy/NHVH)

TILTON - A Rochester man was among several veterans recently elected as Resident Council Officers at the New Hampshire Veterans Home in Tilton.

Anthony "Tony" Schroeder, a former Army National Guardman from the Gulf War Era, was voted in as chaplain by secret ballot.

Schroeder said on Wednesday he was excited to have been chosen and expressed his thanks to fellow veterans who voted for him.

"It's an honor to serve as the New Hampshire Veterans Home chaplain," he added. "I am complimented to be elected by my fellow veterans."

He admitted that when he learned of his election he was at first taken aback.

"My first reaction was that I can't do the job myself," he said. "I need a little help from our Higher Power. I look to Him for inspiration.

"I can never do simply well enough, but I can always try to do better. Don't praise me; praise the Lord."

Others who were all selected for terms that run through June 2023 include.

Allan Bailey, president; Army, Vietnam Era, from Wolfeboro

John "Jack" Shea, 1^st vice president; Army, Vietnam Era, from Manchester

Rita Landry, 2^nd vice president; Air Force, Korean Conflict Era, from Lincoln

James "Jim" Brown, sergeant-at-arms; US Army, Vietnam Era, from Nashua

The New Hampshire Veterans Home's Resident Council follows established bylaws to represent veterans' interests. Resident Council Officers work with staff to facilitate communications, implement ideas, and follow up on recommendations.

Through monthly meetings for all members, the Council suggests improvements and helps administration provide better programs, surroundings, and services; gives residents a greater participation in affairs within the facility; promotes friendship and understanding among residents; and provides and receives necessary information for the benefit of all residents.

In addition to serving on the NHVH Resident Council, residents are also invited to participate in decision-making committees, some of which include the Board of Managers; Safety, Art and Palliative Care Committees.

The NHVH is home to men and women veterans who have served their country and fellow New Hampshire citizens. NHVH was established in Tilton in 1890 as the Soldier's Home for Civil War Veterans and is a recent recipient of the Business Inspiration Award from the Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce.

The mission of NHVH is to provide high quality, professional long-term care services to the Granite State's elderly and disabled veterans with dignity, honor and respect. NHVH is the State's only long-term care facility dedicated exclusively to veterans. For more information, call (603) 527-4400 or visit www.nh.gov/veterans, www.facebook.com/nhveteranshome.