Navy veteran Joseph Robert Rogers, center, was honored for his service by Newport's American Legion Post 25, whose members surround him, and the Lake Sunapee Region VNA. (Courtesy of Lake Sunapee Region VNA)
Navy veteran Joseph Robert Rogers, center, was honored for his service by Newport's American Legion Post 25, whose members surround him, and the Lake Sunapee Region VNA. (Courtesy of Lake Sunapee Region VNA) Credit: Courtesy of Lake Sunapee Region VNA

Navy veteran Joseph Robert Rogers, 93, was honored by members of American Legion Post 25 in Newport and Lake Sunapee Region VNA & Hospice as part of the “We Honor Veterans” program.

Rogers served in the Navy from 1943-46 and received three medals during that time: the WWII Victory Medal, American Theatre Medal and Asiatic Pacific Medal. He served aboard USS Eldorado AGC-11, which played critical command and communications roles in the Pacific, including at Iwo Jima and Okinawa.

Following his military service, Rogers went to college on the GI Bill. He attended Salem State College in Massachuestts for his undergraduate degree, received a graduate degree from Tufts University, and was a high school history teacher and principal in Ipswich, Mass., for more than 25 years.

He is the proud father of three daughters and has five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

The ceremony honoring Rogers took place at The Seasons at Summercrest, an assisted-living community in Newport where he currently resides. His daughter Elise Bundy and her husband, Gerry, were present and took part in the ceremony.

Chaplain John Monroe-Cassel opened the program with thanks to Rogers and all veterans for their service. Maureen Healey, a social worker at the VNA, presented Rogers with a pin, star from a retired flag, certificate of appreciation and memorial book. Kelly Rochford, VNA massage therapist, presented Rogers with a picture of the ship he served on in the Pacific.

Members of the American Legion read letters from President Harry Truman and Secretary of the Navy James Forrestal, sent to Rogers at the time of his separation from active duty, thanking him for his dedication and commitment in service to our country. Post 25 members also presented Rogers with an American Legion cap and American flag in recognition of his service.

“We Honor Veterans” is a program of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization in conjunction with the Department of Veterans Affairs designed specifically for hospice teams to meet the unique needs of veterans.

— Kelly Burch