Elvin Gilyard of Santiago recently was honored by the “We Honor Veterans Salute” at the Monticello Nursing home where he currently resides. 

He was pinned by his niece Kristi (Gilyard) Kelly last week.

Kristi recently retired from a long and successful career of nursing, most recently as an instructor at Inver Hills Community College and previously at Minneapolis VA Health Care System. Kristi (Gilyard) Kelly and her brother John Gilyard were on hand for their uncle Elvin’s special event, along with nine CentraCare staff members. 

A few of Elvin’s cousins also attended the event. Judy Larsén, Karen Sakry and Mary Nehring. 

Elvin served two years in the U.S. Army in the mid-1950’s and he shared some of his memories with the group on hand. The Hospice Team gifted Elvin a blanket, a US flag, a lapel pin award, pamphlets, and beautifully sang military and patriot songs as a group with Elvin and his family. This salute was a great way to show gratitude for Elvin’s service. 

Elvin shared how the entire staff at MNH and Centra Care Hospice has been exceptional in meeting his health care needs.