Gulf Coast veterans displaced by Katrina anxious to go home

[babylonsister]

Gulf Coast veterans displaced by Katrina anxious to go home

By Maria Recio | McClatchy Newspapers


WASHINGTON — Hundreds of residents who were evacuated from Armed Forces Retirement Home in Gulfport, Miss., after Hurricane Katrina destroyed it are looking at their last Veteran's Day in Washington.

For almost all of them, it couldn't come too soon.

In four years, they've adapted — or not — to life at the beautiful Washington campus of the Armed Forces Retirement Home. With 10 months to go before the rebuilt facility reopens on the Mississippi Coast, however, the veterans talk of little else but getting back to Gulfport.

Most don't plan to attend Veteran's Day events in the Washington area, either saying that they've been to Arlington National Cemetery before or that they find it too difficult to get around. All say they appreciate the recognition, though.

Irene Smith, 85, the most talkative of a group of 10 former Gulfport residents gathered in the lobby of a residence building, grew emotional talking about Veteran's Day.

"I thank God every day that I joined the Navy," said Smith, a Navy WAVE in World War II.

Asked if she wants to return to the Gulf Coast, the good-natured Smith said bluntly, "That's not a very good question." Laughing, she said, "Gosh, yes."

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http://www.mcclatchydc.com/226/story/78666.html

[LuvNewcastle]

1. We look forward to having them

back home soon.:)