Imagine a field trip through four 20th century wars, personal contact with veterans of each, all in one very appealing place near our own neighborhood. I had that privilege last Sunday, joining a van load of local veterans on a tour of the Montana Veterans Home in Columbia Falls. We strolled through the spotless facility for two hours, shaking hands and exchanging stories.

We met Marine Rudy Matule – the oldest resident – a veteran of four World War II beach landings including Iwo Jima. Lt. Col. Peter Cook – the youngest – explained that the Columbia Falls staff nursed him back to health after a near-death relapse from his Army Golden Knights parachute-training accident.

Our guide, Bonnie Savage, introduced staff members, one who’d been there for 20 years. Every employee we met was proud of their special job caring for veterans.

“We get the whole community involved, and the benefits go both ways,” Savage explained. “We’re creating life-history DVDs now, and I’m updating our many scrapbooks to share,” she added. The walls are covered with historic photos and memorabilia.

The facility has 105 beds plus 12 assisted living units and retains an overall five-star rating by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid. Dating back to 1896, the original hall stands proudly on the parklike premises. The facility was the object of legislative debate last session, regarding an option to close or privatize it. Veterans pay on an as-able basis. Part of its 10 million dollar-per-year budget comes from the VA, Medicare and Medicaid and cigarette taxes. A large balance comes from the state general fund. That is the portion causing the political tug-o-war.

I encourage you to tour the place for your own chance to meet some very special patriots. A simple “thank you for your service” will return you a warm smile, a handshake and a meaningful history lesson.

As always, I value your thoughts and questions. Contact me anytime: Senator Carmine Mowbray, 883-4677; carminemowbray@gmail.com.