MANSFIELD — The Waterford at Mansfield didn’t have to look far to celebrate a local hero on Tuesday afternoon during a heartfelt veterans pinning ceremony.
One of those honored was Daniel Hellinger, The Waterford’s executive director.
From nurse practitioner to executive director
Hellinger has been part of The Waterford team for four years, originally serving as a nurse practitioner. He estimated caring for roughly 50 residents each week before his promotion four weeks ago.
“I am really excited to serve this community,” Hellinger said. “I’ve never really been honored for my service before, and it’s really touching.”
Hellinger served as a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Army as a nurse, and before that as a dental specialist and E-5 sergeant. His active-duty assignments took him to Germany and Fort Knox, Kentucky.
Events like Tuesday’s ceremony remindeed Hellinger why he loves being part of The Waterford community.
“These residents deserve the best care we can provide,” Hellinger said. “They are very special. As a group, they uplift each other and the staff. They are just an amazing group of people, and it is an honor to be part of this.”
“We would not have the rights we have today without them.”
Honoring service across generations
Before the pinning ceremony began, the Rev. Dr. Jim Carder — a U.S. Army veteran — welcomed those in attendance.
“Today it is our privilege to honor all our veterans,” Carder said. “The ones who have placed their lives on the line for our freedom.
“I am grateful to be here to honor our veterans who came before us, those who stood alongside us and those who will come after us.”
Along with the pins, three World War II Victory Ribbons were presented to Eleanir Kline, Guy Long and Wilbur Streib.
Two Distinguished Patriot Awards were also presented to veterans who continue to serve their community.
One recipient, Larry Polk, still honors fellow veterans by caring for the burial grounds at Mansfield Cemetery.
“Once you meet Larry, you wonder how he does it,” Carder said. “He recently lost one of his lower extremities and is in a wheelchair.”
Carder noted Polk also goes out of his way to help veterans struggling with depression.
The next award went to the “unofficial mayor of Richland County,” Rush “Doc” Stumbo.
“He continues to not only serve The Waterford community as our resident ambassador, but he is everywhere in the community,” Carder said.
Stumbo expressed gratitude towards the community for the award, stating he would not be accepting the honor if it weren’t for everyone else.
“Thank you, Richland County,” he said. “It feels great. I really didn’t know anything about this.”
Milligan presents pins at The Waterford
Brigadier Gen. Pamela Milligan of the U.S. Air Force presented the pins, which were provided by Gentiva Hospice during the ceremony.
Milligan, who serves as executive director of the Furniture Bank — operating similarly to a food bank — works closely with The Waterford which led to her involvement with the event.
“I run the Furniture Bank now and every time someone gives me a donation I get teary-eyed,” she said. “Love and kindness is something I guess I don’t see enough, so when I see it I get emotional.”
Milligan said love and kindness is what she would be giving to everyone on Tuesday for their service.
“I get a little emotional when I think about your service and what it did to make this country great,” Milligan said.
“I recognize and understand the sacrifice you have made. It is truly remarkable.”
Each pin, she noted, symbolizes gratitude and promises their service will never be forgotten.
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