Many Americans who are celebrating Veterans Day this year are doing so amongst a group of constituents — friends in their retirement communities. On Nov. 11, Aegis of Bothell Living will honor and celebrate the lives of its residents who have served the United States at home and abroad over the many decades.

“We’re proud to be the home for many of America’s war veterans and those who served in support of them,” says Karl Miller, executive director at Aegis of Bothell. “These are the people who sacrificed to preserve the freedoms we enjoy each day. We want to share their stories, celebrate their accomplishments and recognize their dedicated service.”

Aegis of Bothell is home to nine veterans who have served in all branches of the armed forces.

Miller tells LeRoy Mattson’s story:

“LeRoy Mattson was only 17 years old when he enlisted as an aviation cadet,” he said. “He attended advanced deck-officers school and was then assigned to the USS Atlanta. The Atlanta was stationed in Japan just after the end of World War II to inspect shipping vessels to ensure they were abiding by the peace treaty they had signed. He was called back to active duty during the Korean War in January 1951 and served on the USS Salerno Bay for 18 months.

“Afterward, Roy served as the legal officer of the San Francisco Naval Shipyard, and then went to the school of Naval Justice where he taught for one year. Roy completed active duty in 1954 with the rank of captain and remained active in the Naval Reserve for 30 years.”

Other veterans living at Aegis of Bothell:

• Earl (Stan) Radford, Army, received Purple Heart

• Warren Mason, Army

• Claude (Bud) Bridges, National Guard and Army Air Force

• Hiroto Nagasugi, Army

• Robert Donovan, Army

• Harry Gustafson, Navy

• Warren Mason, Army

• Donald Anderson, Army