By: Luis A Estela COTA, Area Director of Operations
Some moments perfectly capture what it means to serve with heart. At the Tennessee State Veterans Home in Humboldt, Veteran’s Day was more than a celebration; it was a reminder of why we do what we do.
With more than 250 steaks sizzling on the grill and laughter filling the air, the Humboldt team came together to honor those who have given so much. At the center of it all was Director of Rehabilitation Jon James, a familiar face in the community and a skilled pitmaster who never misses an opportunity to serve others.
And right beside him stood resident Larry Alford, a veteran whose journey from recovery to the grill embodies resilience in its truest form. After enduring multiple knee replacements and months of therapy, Larry is now walking again and preparing to return home. When he heard about the cookout, he volunteered to help, calling on his friends from the professional barbecue circuit to make sure every steak was cooked just right for his fellow veterans.
Larry’s recovery is a testament to what happens when skilled care meets genuine compassion. Behind his success stands an entire interdisciplinary team (therapists, nurses, and CNAs) who work each day to help residents regain strength, confidence, and independence.
And true to form, Jon spent the day alongside them, even while on PTO, serving the very people who once served our nation.
Stories like this remind us that therapy is about more than recovery. It is about connection, purpose, and making quality personal in every moment.
