National Capital Trackers at the Armed Forces Retirement Home
I am thrilled to report that we have been invited back the Armed Forces Retirement Home (AFRH) for another chance to run trains and meet/greet our retired heroes at the AFRH. This time we are their guests for a TWO DAY EVENT. The residents loved meeting us and playing trains with us last year. We made a positive difference in the daily lives of our vets. (Can you tell I’m excited??!)
Fellow NCT team members for the AFRH Show,
March 1 and 2 are our big days at the Armed Forces Retirement Home. The residents are excited and ready for our show. Below is the layout design. I’m sure we will present them with some fine train operations. And they will have stories and excitement for the NCT, returning to the AFRH.
Be sure a vote if you home state has a primary tomorrow.
If you are former Military, where your colors if you can.
Our Point of contacts at the AFRH is Nicole Chappell, reception specialist, AFRH, Ph. 202-553-6049 or Constance Maziel, Lead Recreation Specialist, AFRH, Ph. 202-541-7637.
We are in the Community Center in the Scott Building. Unload at the delivery ramp and park in Lot #5. National Capitol Tracker members on the team:
Clem Clement bring trains
Jim Gray bring trains
Marty Dougherty bring trains
Glen Mackinnon bring trains
Ralph Fox bring trains
Mike Smith 1 straight MS
Bill Hakkarinen 2 straight BH
Regis Harkins bridge RH
Ron Tucker 3 modules RT
Bill Knapp 2 straights BK
Wide Radius Curve WR1,2,3,4
Power Cabinet PC
Total of 20 modules including Regis’ bridge and a two foot bridge.
The WR curves are 6’.
This layout will be 28’ by 36’.
Bigger that last year!
Thank you for you time and effort in support of our honored heroes at the AFRH,
See you all in the morning,
Clem Clement
Cell 571-239-1701
Trackmaster and Vet
Report from NCT at the AFRH; Day 1
We had such a fine day today. Trackers started arriving before 7 am, and the first loco fired up at 10:07.54. We chased a no-green go lite to a bad connection and on we went. Three tracks in full use until quitting time at 3 PM. Many residents remembered us from last year and several that had to miss last year due to medical appointments made the point to tell us how glad they were that we were back. Our POC, Recreation Specialist Nicole Chappell, was most helpful in supporting us her work was a key part of our success.
Gracie spent much of her day with us greeting and chatting with the residents, most of whom were wheelchair bound. It was a blessed sighted to see. More that one of us and they as well teared up at the compassion and love she showed for our vets. You go Gracie girl!!
On the way to my car to rush home to vote, I managed to get my feet tangled up with the concrete floor and the floor won. I am very impressed at the number of staff that came by to check on me including security, Nicole, the med team and general workers. They really were concerned for me. I’m fine and did no drop my train or coffee.
We all look forward to another great day serving those who served us so faithfully for so long. Clem
NCT at the AFRH: Day 2 (end of show)
Congrats all, what a great show. We made a difference. Total run time about 13 hours on the layout of three tracks. Most of my prewar preformed well. We had several requests for prewar tin and one for Standard gauge, to which I brought a custom brass loco and tender the second day. After lunch today the special group of folk who came to see our layout was from the section for vets with dementia. They began talking about living near railroads, having trains and riding trains. They were very good at long ago memory recalls. Nicole was most excited to watch the residents remember trains of their youth. TCA Librarian Jan Athey gave us some old TC Quarterlies, train catalogues and train magazines the vets could go thru and exercise their memories. Tracker Michael Smith returned to the AFRH after a doctor’s appointment. He was bubbling with happiness after receiving a clean bill of heath and lower blood pressure.
We had a steady flow of Vets enjoying our trains. Easily 4X that of the good crowd we had last year. Janet McFarland and her DAR team of Katrina Sarlin, and Beverly Tomb brought special punch and great cookies for the residents. Several of the staff dropped by to see what we were all about. Sandy Clement attended the second day. She and Janet’s ladies provide adult supervision over the NCTers. (Gracie did so for day one.) Beverly Tomb, Vice-Regent, Eleanor Wilson Chapter, Virginia DAR, honored me as a Vietnam Vet, with a special Proclamation Letter from President Obama, a Vietnam War Veteran Pin and a hug. So special to be welcomed back after so many years. Thanks Beverly and the DAR.
This from Ron Kartz, Chief, Resident Services, Armed Forces Retirement Home-W
“Thank you Team NCT for supporting our Veterans!”
This from Nicole Chappell, Recreation Specialist, AFRH: “Thanks again guys for supporting our Veterans! You guys are very special to us and we just love and appreciate you so very much.”
A great day for all involved.
Clem Clement
Trackmaster and Vet