ROCHESTER, MI – On Thursday, November 9th, Oakmont Rochester Independent Senior Living Community will proudly host a celebratory Veteran’s Day-themed ceremony awarding a United States Army veteran with a medical service dog named Whiskey.

Trained by Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs, a 501(C)3 is based in Williston, Florida, Whiskey’s unique skill set enables him to mitigate the challenges associated with several disabilities, including PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), Traumatic Brain Injury, seizure disorders, glucose imbalance, mobility issues, hearing impairment and more. This adoption is facilitated at no cost to the recipient veteran thanks to the more than $22,000 raised by Oakmont seniors, their families, and staff.

In attendance at the ceremony, which will include a catered red, white, and blue-themed lunch, as well as a half-hour program, will be more than 150 Oakmont seniors, including more than 70 veterans, from the organization’s 10 properties throughout Southeast Michigan. Representatives and employees from Oakmont, as well as elected officials and members of the American Legion, will also be on hand to take part in the ceremony.

“This event isn’t only about honoring the awarding of Whiskey to a well-deserving American Hero, it’s also about celebrating the efforts of hundreds of Oakmont seniors who helped to raise the funds to make it possible,” said Katherine Kalaydjian, Oakmont’s Director of Operations. “From the get-go, it was our seniors who spearheaded this effort and helped bring this wonderful day, and wonderful event, to fruition.”

“It’s an honor to host this kind of event in our community,” said David Weller, Oakmont Rochester Independent’s Executive Director. “To bring so many people together who worked so hard to raise this money is really something special. I look forward to seeing all of our veterans gathered together in celebration.”

The ceremony begins at 11 am and, due to space limitations, is not open to the public. An organization-wide charitable effort is undertaken each year by Oakmont Senior Communities and its residents to give back to the community.

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Oakmont Senior Communities is a family-owned, Michigan-based company that has served the seniors of Metro Detroit for more than two decades. With locations in Rochester, Clinton Township, Northville, Livonia, and Sterling Heights, Oakmont offers many different living options to suit the needs of all seniors including Independent Living, Enhanced Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care.