16 THE CHARBONNEAU VILLAGER July 2021
SpringRidge at Charbonneau
By KERRY PHILLIPS
SpringRidge resident , veteran urges togetherness
This Independence Day , Air Force Major Nick Nicholson encourages Americans to reflect on the legacy of freedom in the United States . He strongly believes “ everyone is worth the value of one ” and that our true strength as a nation is in our togetherness .
“ The freedoms of the United States are guaranteed to all of us , regardless of race , gender , creed , etc . We are one people ; one country ,” he explained . “ Whether you can trace your history back to the Revolutionary War like my wife , Janie and I , or you are an immigrant who recently arrived in the country , our first amendment makes us the freest people in the world .”
And , as a member of the Air Force , Nick ’ s travels have included numerous overseas locations , giving him first-hand insights into the culture and human rights of countries such as South Korea , the Philippines , Greenland , France and Germany .
Originally from northeast Ohio , the SpringRidge resident says his initial career plans did not include joining the
“ You don ’ t have to be a service member or even related to someone who served to appreciate the liberties we have as Americans .”
— Nick Nicholson
armed forces . His college , Ohio University , required students to participate in ROTC for two years prior to graduation . He joined the Pershing Rifles , a militaryoriented fraternal organization , and felt a great sense of pride and joy . He vividly recalls performing a “ rifle-tossing ” routine while at the University of Kentucky and amazing the military officers .
“ They would often mark in their grading books as they watched the cadets perform ,” he said . “ This time , they put the books down and just watched . My guys and I knew we ’ d won . It was such a wonderful feeling !”
After college , Nick went onto flight school in Texas , where he would meet Janie . The young couple married five months after meeting , and five months later , Nick was deployed to South Korea . He flew the Martin B-26 Marauder , completing 50 missions . He served an additional two tours in Vietnam and even flew beyond the earth ’ s atmosphere like an astronaut to test the effects of nuclear bombs over the sea .
His civilian employment included working with the Oregon Employment Division , helping low-income mothers and veterans struggling to integrate into society with job skills and college placement .
“ I learned so much from these brave women and men ,” said Nick , 92 . “ So often , I ’ m thanked for my service and I truly appreciate it . But I want everyone to know roles such as mothering and teaching are equally important . They are performed with love , and love is a service . It ’ s what makes life worthwhile .”
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COURTESY PHOTO
Air Force Major Nick Nicholson encourages Americans to reflect on the legacy of freedom in the U . S .
As Americans prepare to fire up the grill for the Fourth of July , Nick also reminds us the sacrifices and freedoms we enjoy came with many sacrifices .
“ Many people gave the ultimate sacrifice to ensure the rights we now have ,” he said . “ You don ’ t have to be a service member or even related to someone who served to appreciate the liberties we have as Americans .”
He and Janie are looking forward to Independence Day festivities at Spring- Ridge , a senior living community they ’ ve called home since 2014 . Spring- Ride ’ s continuum of care campus with independent and assisted living as well as memory care provided them with peace of mind knowing additional care would be available should it be needed .
Nick , who enjoys writing poetry and considers himself a social person , is fond of patriotic celebrations and other special programs honoring our nation and those who served . For events such as the annual “ Where Were You During WWII ?” luncheon at SpringRidge , he dresses in his military uniform — an accomplishment he ’ s quite proud of ! He appreciates the community ’ s dedication to acknowledging resident-veterans , including the permanent Wall of Honor exhibit .
In reflecting on his 20 years of service and the future of the armed service , he added : “ I ’ m so appreciative of our military and all the good they have done and continue to do worldwide . Look at the eastern parts of the world , where historically , women didn ’ t have many freedoms . Thanks in part to our military , girls have access to education , which will have a profound effect on generations to come . Even here at home , our military has expanded the role of women . During my military career , women only served as nurses . Now , they are on active duty and can be part of combat missions . It ’ s been incredible to witness these changes at home and abroad .”
Nestled on an impeccable , 10-acre parcel of natural beauty and serenity , SpringRidge at Charbonneau is located in one of Oregon ’ s most desirable master-planned residential communities . The SpringRidge at Charbonneau campus offers a comprehensive menu of lifestyle options including CARF-accredited independent living as well as assisted living and memory care services . For more information or to schedule a personal tour of SpringRidge at Charbonneau , please call 503-446-6250 or visit www . SpringRidgeatCharbonneau . com .
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