Washington Soldier's Home (Orting, WA)

Here is a movie I created with footage from the Washington Soldier's Home I took when I visited the site.

A few things to note:
There is an American Legion Hall on property
A Chapel
Several Barrack Buildings
A VA Administrative Office
Lounge/Pub/Event Hall
Library/Magazine/Video Hall
Cafeteria (was closed for cleaning while we were there so it is not in the video)
Laundry Room/New Clothing Facility
Wood Shop
Fishing Pond stocked with trout yearly
Rehabilitation Center
Barber Shop/Snack Shop

They have buses that come in weekly and take the guys to Walmart, Fred Meyer or the nearest mall for shopping. They also have movie shuttles that take them to the theatre, the price of which is included in thier stipend except for popcorn and those types of snacks. While I was there, I observed poker games, bingo, working on puzzles and models, people working in the wood shop, doing their own laundry at the laundry building, fishing, getting in some rehab, lounging in the recreational areas and hanging around chatting with each other.

Each barracks consists of private rooms which the guys can lock and have their own key. The smallest size room is in the video. Bathrooms with 3 shower stalls and several toilets are in every hall and then there is the special bathrooms with the walk in jetted tub featured in the video that can be used as well. The guys have access to everything. The grounds are huge. Every morning, afternoon and evening meals are served in the cafeteria. They have to do their own laundry and can big new clothes out for free if they need them from the huge stockroom next door to the laundry room. They take the guys to the VA for their doctor's appts and also to the local cemetary and to parades and all the local veterans events.
Life here is very independent and the guys do what they like as they please. There are some very talented players (musical guys) who live here and once toured with some well known acts that perform once a week. People are welcome to join them or just listen if they want.
Snacks are served every night in the barracks rec room, sandwhiches, cookies, milk etc.

All in all. He's gonna love it here. It has such a sense of freedom and all the vets are really nice. Our tour guide was a vet with a brain injury like Frank, his name is Ari and he lives on the facility. He was very sweet and many of the vets went out of their way to talk to us and say hi while we were there. Ari says all you have to do is say good morning to someone and you'll make friends. Also, these guys are from all over the place. Most are not even from Washington State, and they span many wars and different experiences. The grounds are kept immaculate, it's like a huge park and some people have pets that live there. There was a very friendly, big, dog that came up to us when we were filming the pond. A couple of guys have already pulled out trout about as big as their feet (they told me).

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[pkawal]

Hi Tara!

I remember meeting you on the tour! I was very impressed with the facility...keep up the good work =)

[HoofsPick]

My first job, when I was 14, was here. Its so different but also so much the same.

[tarasperry72]

Thanks so much for posting this wonderful video of the Washington Soldiers Home!! I'm the Occupational Therapist there, and I absolutely LOVE working there!! It's very unique and wonderful community living :-)