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New veterans chapel offers more space [UPDATED]
Published 10:16am Thursday, December 29, 2011 Updated 10:32am Thursday, December 29, 2011Included with the recent expansion at the Minnesota Veterans Home in Fergus Falls, is a new chapel. Veterans and family members appreciate the new chapel, on the northwest side of the complex.
“There’s more room here, and it’s a really nice chapel,” said World War II veteran Norman Feay.
On Wednesday afternoon Feay, 88, took time to pause and reflect at the chapel with fellow World War II veteran Milo Wille, 89. Both served in the U.S. Army in Europe during World War II, between 1941 and 1945.
Wille hails from Mahnomen and Feay is a native of Fargo. They took time to not only pause and reflect at the chapel but also to take time for readings and songs.
“Families of our veterans, who reside here at the vets home, appreciate this nice, new chapel,” said social worker Shannon Highland who is employed at the Veterans Home.
Veterans can use the chapel anytime they wish, unless it’s being used by support groups and/or other organizations at certain times of the week. Sunday services are held at 9:45 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. A Wednesday service is held at 9:30 a.m.
Serving as chaplain is Greg Hayek.
“We have more room for family members who attend worship services with their parents and grandparents who are veterans,” said Hayek. “As for space, we have about 2-1/2 times the space that we had in the old chapel.”
The VFW and American Legion auxiliaries have donated money to the chapel. Hayek says a new altar and pulpit will soon be purchased.
People in Otter Tail County express sincere respect for veterans who served their country during both war and peace. Seeing this every day is Hayek.
Hayek said that when he walks through the halls of the veterans home, and meets with vets, he thinks about the sacrifice the residents made for their country.
Hayek also serves as a part-time guidance director at Hillcrest Lutheran Academy in Fergus Falls.
He said the vets home staff provides the residents with as much independence and choice as possible. Hayek adds that the quality of care at the veterans home in Fergus Falls is outstanding.
“Our new chapel is a special place for them,” said Hayek.
