Local seniors honored with Quilts of Valor

Two residents of The Watermark at Vistawilla were recently recognized by the Quilts of Valor Foundation for their time in the service. Lloyd Clark, 3rd Class Petty Officer in the Navy, and William Vaught, Boatswain’s Mate Petty Officer 1stClass in the Navy, were presented with handmade quilts from the Central Florida chapter of Quilts of Valor earlier this year. The veterans were nominated to receive the quilts by the Community Life Director at The Watermark at Vistawilla, Kim Dike.

“We strongly believe that all our veterans deserve to be honored,” said Dike. “Lloyd and William were so thrilled to receive their quilts and to participate in a short ceremony at our community. This is something that we hope to do for all our veterans, and we’re so thankful to the Central Florida Chapter of Quilts of Valor for making it possible.”

Lloyd Clark served in the U.S. Navy from 1943 until 1946 and was an engine room mechanic in the South Pacific during World War II. William Vaught also served in the U.S. Navy and was deployed for the Vietnam War and Korean War. He served from 1947 until 1968.

The veterans were presented with handmade quilts by Melissa Mathews of the Central Florida chapter of Quilts of Valor on January 24. Mathews is the group leader and founder of the Central Florida chapter. Also in attendance were the residents’ families, as well as members of the American Legion Post 243 in Oviedo.

The Quilt of Valor Foundation was founded in 2003 by Catherine Roberts with a mission to cover service members and living veterans touched by war with comforting and healing Quilts of Valor.

About The Watermark at Vistawilla

Located in Winter Springs, Fla., The Watermark at Vistawilla is an 87-apartment assisted living and memory care community located at 1519 E State Rd 434. Differentiators of the new community include certified associates, continuous care and hands-on educational programming. Owned and managed by Watermark Retirement Communities, The Watermark at Vistawilla is committed to creating an extraordinary community where people thrive. For more information, visit vistawilla.watermarkcommunities.com.

About Watermark Retirement Communities®

Watermark creates extraordinary and innovative communities where people thrive. We believe aging is about renewal rather than retirement. Watermark communities are known for highly trained and caring associates, a lifestyle built on choice, fine amenities, integrative wellness and innovative programs including the award-winning Watermark University featuring a wide variety of engaging classes for residents and area seniors. Watermark has been named in the top 25 Best Workplaces for Aging Services in a national program conducted by the Great Place to Work Institute and published on Fortune.com. A privately held company with a reputation for over 30 years for service, innovation, integrity and financial stability, Watermark manages more than 70 retirement communities in 22 states coast to coast. Based in Tucson AZ, Watermark is ranked as the nation’s 10th-leading senior housing operator by the American Seniors Housing Association. Visit watermarkcommunities.com for more information.