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Home Care In Dumfries, VA

Home Care Dumfries, VA

They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.

Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.

Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Dumfries, VA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Dumfries, VA

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The Always Best Care Difference

Since 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.

Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.

The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Dumfries, VA?

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Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.

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When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.

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The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.

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At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.

 Senior Care Dumfries, VA

Types of Elderly Care in Dumfries, VA

To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:

Personal Care

Personal Care Services

If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.

Common personal care services include assistance with:

  • Eating
  • Mobility Issues
  • Incontinence
  • Bathing
  • Dressing
  • Grooming

Respite Care Dumfries, VA
Home Helper

Home Helper Services

Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.

Common home helper care services include assistance with:

  • Medication Reminders
  • Meal Preparation
  • Pet Care
  • Prescription Refills
  • Morning Wake-Up
  • Walking
  • Reading
 Caregivers Dumfries, VA
Companionship Services

Companionship Services

Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors.

Common companionship services include:

  • Grocery Shopping
  • Transportation to Appointments
  • Nutritional Assistance
  • Conversation
  • Planning Outings
  • Completing Errands
  • Transportation to Community
  • Events and Social Outings
Home Care Dumfries, VA
Respite Care

Respite Care Services

According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.

At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.

If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.

 In-Home Care Dumfries, VA

Benefits of Home Care in Dumfries, VA

Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:

Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.

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Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.

In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.

Here are just a few of the reasons why older men and women prefer to age at home:

How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?

A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.

With the help of elderly care in Dumfries, VA, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.

Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.

Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.

For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.

More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.

In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.

With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.

 Elderly Care Dumfries, VA

Affordable Care

In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.

Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.

At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.

In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:

If your loved one qualifies, Medicaid may help reduce in-home care costs. Review your VA's Medicaid program laws and benefits, and make sure your senior's financial and medical needs meet Medicaid eligibility requirements.
Attendance and aid benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.
Many senior care services like in-home care are included in long-term care insurance options. Research different long-term care solutions to find a plan that provides coverage for senior care.
Home care can be included as part of a senior's private insurance plan. Read over your loved one's insurance policy carefully or speak with their insurance provider to determine if in-home care is covered.
Depending on the life insurance plan, you may be able to apply your policy toward long-term care. You may be able to use long-term-care coverage to help pay for in-home elderly care.
 Senior Care Dumfries, VA

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers.

When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.

Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.

At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Dumfries, VA understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.

Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.

Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.

Assisted Living Referral Services

While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.

Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.


Respite Care Dumfries, VA

At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.

Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Recreational Activities
  • Social Outings
  • Emergency Medical Response
  • Medication Monitoring
  • Family Visitation
  • Personal Care
 Caregivers Dumfries, VA

At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.

Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.

Home Care Dumfries, VA

For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.

 In-Home Care Dumfries, VA

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:

A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way

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A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive

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Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider

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Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.

If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.

At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Dumfries, VA 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.

When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.

 Elderly Care Dumfries, VA

Latest News in Dumfries, VA

Rosie’s Folds in Dumfries as The Rose Takes the Pot

roDUMFRIES, Va. – Rosie’s Gaming Emporium in Dumfries is shutting down this month—just four years after it opened as Northern Virginia’s first licensed gaming parlor. The Virginia Racing Commission just confirmed the closure, which is set to happen by August 20.The move comes less than a year after the flashy November 2024 grand opening of The Rose Gaming Resort, a massive, resort-style facility just up the road. That opening was hailed as a “landmark of transformation and opportun...

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DUMFRIES, Va. – Rosie’s Gaming Emporium in Dumfries is shutting down this month—just four years after it opened as Northern Virginia’s first licensed gaming parlor. The Virginia Racing Commission just confirmed the closure, which is set to happen by August 20.

The move comes less than a year after the flashy November 2024 grand opening of The Rose Gaming Resort, a massive, resort-style facility just up the road. That opening was hailed as a “landmark of transformation and opportunity” in Dumfries—complete with a hotel, restaurants, and a much larger gaming floor. Now, Colonial Downs Group says The Rose will become its flagship, and all Rosie’s staff will transition to the new resort.

Rosie’s originally opened in January 2021 with 95 historic horse racing machines at the Triangle Shopping Plaza. It was a big moment for local gaming. But with The Rose now fully operational, company leaders say it’s time to consolidate.

The Virginia Racing Commission is overseeing the regulatory side of the closure to ensure all winnings are honored and that players, employees, and the public are protected. A public hearing and formal license surrender still need to happen before everything is official.

Here’s the full press release:

Virginia Racing Commission Manages Regulatory Compliance for Dumfries Rosie’s Closure NEW KENT, VA – On July 18, 2025, Colonial Downs Group, LLC (CDG) notified the Virginia Racing Commission (VRC) of its business decision to close its Dumfries Rosie’s Gaming Emporium in August. The move follows the opening of The Rose Gaming Resort satellite wagering facility within the same locality.

CDG will consolidate operations and focus on its flagship destination, The Rose, and intends to transition all team members from the Dumfries location to roles at The Rose.

“The Rose has become a cornerstone of gaming and entertainment in Virginia,” said Bobbi Sample, General Manager of The Rose. “Built with our guests and communities in mind, it offers unmatched experiences. By welcoming our Dumfries team to The Rose, we’re providing a seamless transition for patrons and reinforcing our foundation for providing extraordinary experiences and service to every guest.”

Since receiving the notification, the VRC has been actively managing the regulatory process. While CDG controls the operational closing date, the VRC oversees the formal surrender of the state license to ensure all laws are followed and public interests are protected.

“An operator’s business decision to close does not end its obligations to Virginia or its patrons. Our role is to enforce those obligations,” said Waqas Ahmed, VRC Executive Secretary, “and that a comprehensive plan is executed that protects the interests of every stakeholder.”

VRC oversight requires CDG to submit detailed plans addressing patron protection, including honoring all winning tickets and player points, as well as provisions for employees, consultation with local stakeholders, and a secure financial accounting of the closure.

The regulatory process will include a public hearing before the VRC Board votes on surrendering the license. This final vote is contingent on all regulatory milestones being met and is separate from the operator’s desired timeline for ceasing business operations by August 20, 2025. CDG is eligible to reapply for the use of this license at another facility at a later date.

About the Virginia Racing Commission The Virginia Racing Commission (VRC) is the state agency responsible for the regulation and oversight of pari-mutuel wagering and horse racing in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The VRC’s mission is to promote, sustain, and grow the horse industry while ensuring the highest standards of integrity and public trust.

About Colonial Downs Group, LLC Colonial Downs Group, LLC (CDG), a subsidiary of Churchill Downs Incorporated, is a horse racing and entertainment company based in New Kent, Virginia. CDG operates the Colonial Downs racetrack and a network of ‘Rosie’s Gaming Emporium’ satellite wagering facilities across the Commonwealth

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‘Once-in-a-generation opportunity’ | Town of Dumfries secures land to build waterfront district

The Town of Dumfries finalized a deal to purchase 161 acres of property next to the Quantico River for $3.9 million.DUMFRIES, Va. — The Town of Dumfries accomplished a major step to help fulfill what’s been described as a “once-in-a-generation opportunity.”Officials announced Monday how they secured a deal with the Campbell property to purchase 161 acres of land next to Quantico Creek for $3.9 million. The plan allows the town to jumpstart the process to transform what was an old salvage yard, near Possu...

The Town of Dumfries finalized a deal to purchase 161 acres of property next to the Quantico River for $3.9 million.

DUMFRIES, Va. — The Town of Dumfries accomplished a major step to help fulfill what’s been described as a “once-in-a-generation opportunity.”

Officials announced Monday how they secured a deal with the Campbell property to purchase 161 acres of land next to Quantico Creek for $3.9 million. The plan allows the town to jumpstart the process to transform what was an old salvage yard, near Possum Point Road and Colonial Port Road, into a waterfront district.

With goals of additional jobs, economic investments, and cultural preservation, Mayor Derrick Wood said the project is part of Destination Dumfries Vision 2044. The plan would revitalize a town that was first established in the 18th century because of the port.

“We want people to now see further than what their eyes can see and begin to imagine what they would want to see on this,” Wood told WUSA9. “My vision has always been to make Dumfries a destination place that you drive to over and over again.”

One day after announcing that the Town of Dumfries secured a deal to purchase 161 acres of land next to Quantico Creek for $3.9M, Mayor Derrick Wood took his staff on a tour of the property. He’s envisioning what the goal of building a waterfront district would look like. @wusa9 pic.twitter.com/hYQvHCGnQc

— Matthew Torres (@News_MTorres) September 23, 2025

Town manager Tangela Innis said when she took the role two years ago, the council tasked her with finalizing a deal that would improve waterfront access and entice businesses. The $3.9 million came from a larger bond, which was also used for capital improvement projects.

Innis told WUSA9 that funding to build a waterfront district will pull in multiple resources including grants, bonds, and revenue from the newly opened casino.

“Our council is very ambitious so I’m hoping we’ll have something here within the next two to three years,” said Innis. “Our first marching order is going to demolish the buildings here.”

While the vision is to have mixed-use development, only about 14 acres are available for development. The rest is wetlands will be part of a process for environmental cleanup. The town already secured a $1 million Environmental Protection Agency brownfields grant to complete environmental assessments, community outreach, as well as cleanup and reuse planning on multiple sites throughout Dumfries like Quantico Creek.

Dumfries is also holding several meetings to collect input from the public. The first one is taking place Tuesday at the Town hall from 6-7:30 p.m.

Dumfries Locks In Junkyard Deal to Launch New Waterfront Era

DUMFRIES, Va. – Dumfries has finalized its purchase of the Campbell Junkyard property, securing 161 acres along Quantico Creek that town leaders say will anchor a new waterfront district.Mayor Derrick R. Wood announced the closing Monday, calling the acquisition “a once-in-a-generation opportunity” to reconnect Virginia’s oldest chartered town with its waterfront roots. “This is more than an acquisition. This is a legacy,” Wood said in a statement. “Together, we’re build...

DUMFRIES, Va. – Dumfries has finalized its purchase of the Campbell Junkyard property, securing 161 acres along Quantico Creek that town leaders say will anchor a new waterfront district.

Mayor Derrick R. Wood announced the closing Monday, calling the acquisition “a once-in-a-generation opportunity” to reconnect Virginia’s oldest chartered town with its waterfront roots. “This is more than an acquisition. This is a legacy,” Wood said in a statement. “Together, we’re building a new Waterfront Era for Dumfries.”

The Campbell Salvage Yard has long occupied the site off Possum Point Road. For decades, the junkyard’s location on the creek stood in the way of public access to the water. By buying the property for $3.9 million, town officials say Dumfries can reclaim land once viewed as a liability and turn it into an asset for future generations.

Plans call for trails, cultural and recreational spaces, new neighborhoods, and job-creating businesses, while much of the property will remain protected wetlands and open space. The project is tied to Destination Dumfries Vision 2044, a long-term plan that outlines how the town hopes to grow into a more connected and vibrant community.

Environmental cleanup will be part of the process. Earlier this year, Dumfries secured a $1 million Environmental Protection Agency brownfields grant to begin assessing contamination and prepare the property for redevelopment. Town leaders have also looked to projects like National Harbor in Maryland as examples of how to pair public access to the waterfront with economic development.

“This is about balance,” Wood said. “Much of the Campbell property will remain protected wetlands and open space. This commitment to environmental stewardship ensures that growth is responsible, sustainable, and respectful of the land we’ve been entrusted with.”

A community planning process is expected to launch in the coming months. Residents, businesses, and partners will be invited to weigh in on how the waterfront district should take shape. Town officials say that feedback will guide the next phase of design and development.

Battle of Iwo Jima veteran reunites with tank he drove 80 years ago: ‘That tank was my life’

DUMFRIES, Va. — A 100 year-old World War II veteran and Marine tank driver reunited with the tank that once carried him through the Battle of Iwo Jima, rekindling his memory of one of the fiercest fights in Marine Corps history.Marine Cpl. Leighton Willhite sat in front of the M4A3 Sherman tank, nicknamed “Lucky,” for the first time in 80 years at the National Museum of the Marine Corps’ support facility in Dumfries on Friday, the anniversary of Japan’s surrender in WWII.“It’s amazing,&...

DUMFRIES, Va. — A 100 year-old World War II veteran and Marine tank driver reunited with the tank that once carried him through the Battle of Iwo Jima, rekindling his memory of one of the fiercest fights in Marine Corps history.

Marine Cpl. Leighton Willhite sat in front of the M4A3 Sherman tank, nicknamed “Lucky,” for the first time in 80 years at the National Museum of the Marine Corps’ support facility in Dumfries on Friday, the anniversary of Japan’s surrender in WWII.

“It’s amazing,” Willhite said. “I never thought I would see the tank again. That tank was my life.” He added that if the tank was in good shape, he would fire it up again.

Willhite was accompanied by his son, grandson and great grandson at the reunion.

“I’m glad this happened while he’s still living,” said Chad, Willhite’s son. “It means everything to him, which is what it means to me. Everybody that has been around him tells his [Willhite’s] story.”

At 19, Willhite drove Lucky — one of only six confirmed Iwo Jima Sherman tanks in existence today — ashore the black sands of Red Beach II on Iwo Jima with the 5th Tank Battalion in 1945.

“I probably wasn’t the best driver in the world, but I wasn’t the worst,” Willhite said.

As Willhite touched and observed the tank, he reminisced on his days where he and his crew supported infantry units and took part in life-saving rescue efforts. During the battle, Willhite earned the Bronze Star with valor after assisting in the rescue of another Marine tank crew, “Jeannie,” under fire at Hill 362A, north of Mount Suribachi.

“My service was probably short, but I gave it all I had,” Willhite said.

Jonathan Bernstein, arms and armor curator at the NMMC, saw the tank for the first time in 2023 and spent two years conducting extensive historical research and archaeological work on the tank. He was finally able to identify Lucky, trace back its service on Iwo Jima and connect the tank to Willhite.

“I was really lucky with how everything came together,” Bernstein said, adding that he was “borderline obsessive” with identifying the tank. “This is the end of the beginning. As we move forward, this is going to get a lot more exciting as Lucky gets back to what she looked like on Iwo Jima.”

The NMMC plans to restore Lucky within the next five years and eventually put it on display at the museum.

“I hope that folks that serve in the Marine Corps are differently inspired by this,” said Keil Gentry, director at the NMMC. “Those who have not served in the Marine Corps, I think this is a great way to talk about the veteran service and sacrifice.”

After the Battle of Iwo Jima ended on March 26, 1945, the 5th Marine Division returned to Hawaii, and the 5th Tank Battalion turned in their tanks for refitting and training for the invasion of Japan.

In the 1970s, Lucky made its way to Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., where an attempt was made to preserve her. But due to a lack of funding, the tank was moved into the woods of 2nd Tank Battalion’s training areas and remained undiscovered until Master Gunnery Sgt. Lisa Marshall and her platoon found and recovered Lucky, then shipped her to the NMMC in 2001.

Marshall, who attended the reunion, said she was only following orders at the time and never would have thought she would witness the special reunion of Willhite and Lucky.

“I had a very physical, emotional reaction to knowing that I was able to be a part of … being able to give a memory back to somebody,” Marshall said.

Rosie’s Gaming Emporium To Close After Opening Of New Gaming Resort In Dumfries

DUMFRIES, VA — The first gaming location in Dumfries will close as owner Colonial Downs Group consolidates its Dumfries operations at the new Rose Gaming Resort.Rosie’s Gaming Emporium, a smaller gaming location in the Triangle Plaza Shopping Center in the Town of Dumfries, will shut down effective Aug. 20. That comes after Colonial Downs Group opened its larger location, The Rose Gaming Resort, in November 2024. That location has a gaming floor with 1,650 historical horse racing machines, eight restaurants and bars, over ...

DUMFRIES, VA — The first gaming location in Dumfries will close as owner Colonial Downs Group consolidates its Dumfries operations at the new Rose Gaming Resort.

Rosie’s Gaming Emporium, a smaller gaming location in the Triangle Plaza Shopping Center in the Town of Dumfries, will shut down effective Aug. 20. That comes after Colonial Downs Group opened its larger location, The Rose Gaming Resort, in November 2024. That location has a gaming floor with 1,650 historical horse racing machines, eight restaurants and bars, over 100 hotel rooms, live entertainment, 2,500 parking spaces and a seven-acre public park.

Colonial Downs Group plans to transition all Rosie's Gaming Emporium staff to The Rose Gaming Resort.

The Rose Gaming Resort is not technically a casino and does not have game tables and traditional slot machines. Instead, it has historical horse racing games that appear like traditional slot machines. Casinos within Virginia are only permitted in specific places as determined by Virginia law, and those permitted locations do not include the Town of Dumfries and Prince William County.

"The Rose has become a cornerstone of gaming and entertainment in Virginia," said Bobbi Sample, general manager of The Rose, via a release about the Rosie’s Gaming Emporium closure. "Built with our guests and communities in mind, it offers unmatched experiences. By welcoming our Dumfries team to The Rose, we’re providing a seamless transition for patrons and reinforcing our foundation for providing extraordinary experiences and service to every guest."

According to the Virginia Racing Commission, the state agency provides oversight on the closing. That includes detailed plans from the owner on protecting customers, such as honoring all winning tickets and player points, provisions for employees, consultation with local stakeholders, and secure financial accounting for the closure. The Virginia Racing Commission Board will have a public hearing and vote on the owner surrendering its license for the Rosie's Gaming Emporium location. The Virginia-based owner Colonial Downs Group is a subsidiary of Churchill Downs, which puts on the Kentucky Derby at the Churchill Downs racetrack.

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