Margaret Kruckemeyer. MSN, FNP-C, MA

Dayton VAMC, Dayton, OH

NOVA Past President, NOVA Nurse Emeritus

On July 23, 2021, Margaret Kruckemeyer, David Clapper, and Trica Sloan were pleased to present a gravesite flower arrangement to honor Emma Lloyd Miller, Department of Veterans Affairs first female employee. Emma Lloyd Miller served as both matron and superintendent of Depot’s Central Branch of the National Home of Disabled Volunteer Soldiers (now known as  the Dayton VA Medical Center) from 1867-1914. 

Prior to this gravesite remembrance, Dayton’s Center for Development and Civic Engagement (CDCE) service hosted 30 new potential volunteer recruits from CareSource’s employee base to experience and tour the Dayton VA Medical Campus, a 288-acre national historical landmark. Highlights of their 2-hour campus tour included visiting the circa 1868 historic Protestant Chapel, Grotto Gardens, Dayton National Cemetery, as well as the grounds where soldiers and community visitors gathered for over 150 years. Medical Center Director, Mark Murdock welcomed them to learn more about all areas where veteran-focused volunteers can help impact the quality of life and activities for veterans and their families “who have borne the battle”. 

In addition to the VA’s presentation, the American Veterans Heritage Center (AVHC) and the Dayton National Cemetery Support Committee outlined numerous volunteer opportunities where generously donated personal time and effort consistently assists Veterans and helps to improve their quality of life. It is said that the greatest gift you can give someone is your time, and all were in agreement that our local Veterans have certainly earned this gift and so much more in return for their service. 

AVHC will host their Patriot Salute Festival on campus Sept 11-12, 2021 honoring the Dayton VA’s essential employees in memory of the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attack on America. CareSource’s MVSU ERG will be partnering to support this festive event. AVHC will also unveil a statue of our 16th U.S. President Abraham Lincoln to reside in the heart of Dayton's VAMC historic district. It was noted that on April 15, 2003, former Secretary of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Anthony Principi helped to launch the Heritage of Healing campus’ historic preservation program – now managed by AVHC. Mr. Principi is currently the Chairman of the CareSource Board of Directors. 

A mention to the future, Dayton’s VAMC campus will become the official home of the DVA’s National History Center in 2025. Veterans’ historical tourism is expected to return in greater numbers than what occurred in 1910 when a mere 660,000 visited the historic, post-Civil War, Dayton’s Soldier’s Home.  

Many of our wonderful volunteers are retired, and all energetic retirees and NOVA nurse emeritus are welcomed to join our efforts in supporting Veterans and their families by volunteering at their VA installations and/or Veterans’ groups within their hometowns. You have an opportunity on December 18, 2021 to honor a Veteran by donating a wreath to be placed on a Veteran’s gravesite as part of Wreaths Across America – what a perfect way to show gratitude during the season of giving by honoring a United States Veteran.

Photo (Left to Right): Trica Sloan (Public Affairs Office, CareSource’s Military & Veteran Support Unit Employee Resource Group); David Clapper (Civil Affairs Officer, CareSource’s Military & Veteran Support Unit Employee Resource Group; American Veterans Heritage Center Secretary); and Margaret Kruckemeyer (APRN, NOVA Past President, Nurse Emeritus)