In partnership with the Veterans Coordination Commission, I am pleased to present the July, 2003 Veteran of the Month – Margaret Hochhalter.

Margaret enlisted in January, 1944 and was sent to Fort Des Moines for Basic Training and then on to Miami Beach, Florida. Margaret served for three months as a radio operator before being transferred to Camp Steward in Georgia. She was later transferred back to Florida, this time to Fort Oglethorpe where she received overseas training. As this was the time that the war came to an end and there were no more overseas transfers, Margaret was sent to Camp Shelby in Mississippi. She finished her tour and was discharged on February 4, 1946.

Margaret has been a long-time volunteer, as a member of the Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary and for both Fort Meade and the Hot Springs VA hospitals. At age 90, Margaret shows no signs of slowing down and helps out in the cafeteria at the State Veterans’ Home in Hot springs where she has been a resident for the past ten years.

Margaret serves daily as a tour guide and greets everyone with a winning smile and a pin that reads “Free Hugs”. She is a pleasant and happy senior who is loved by all who know her.