Martinsburg VA consistently goes above and beyond for its Community Living Center Veterans, always striving to provide the most home-like environment possible. And a wedding is no exception.
When Army Veteran Jim Davis suffered a stroke that left him paralyzed and under full VA care, his daughter Chelsea couldn’t imagine her wedding day without him by her side down the aisle.
“She’s very close to her dad and it was important to her to ensure he was included,” said Rebecca Davis, mother of the bride. “She wouldn’t do it any other way.”
Important to bride that dad was there
Medical center staff jumped at the opportunity to provide this for the Veteran and his family. From the ceremony to the reception, every detail was planned and executed with much care.
“Love is the meaning behind any wedding.”
The intimate exchange of vows was officiated by Scott Collinash, the family’s close friend and minister. “Love is the meaning behind any wedding, wherever it takes place. It’s truly a blessing to be able to do this,” Collinash said.
The bride-to-be and her fiancé became engaged at Times Square in New York, so it was only fitting the couple said their ‘I dos’ in the Times Square-themed common area of the fifth-floor community living center.
Staff pulled together to decorate the areas, ensuring that the couple had a full “Once upon a Times Square” wedding experience.
“One staff member was recently married, so she provided decorations for both the wedding and reception areas,” said Stefany Sweadner, social worker. “It was truly a team effort to pull this off.”
VA staff came in on day off for the wedding
The cause was so special to medical center staff that some came in on their day off to be present for the occasion.
“Everyone involved had an important role in the event to make the ceremony memorable,” said Sweadner. “Mr. Davis has a very loving and involved family and the staff were honored to share this special moment with them.”
Martinsburg VA is proud to be the health care facility of choice for Davis and his family. Best wishes to the new couple.
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This is such a moving story ! Thank you for serving this veteran and his family on such a special day . I’m with the Department of Illinois American Legion Auxiliary and our unit helped with a wedding several years ago at Jefferson Barracks Hospital. We were as blessed as the family being able to celebrate with them on their special day.
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I’ve heard good things about Martnsburg!