Living Life to the Fullest: Chuck’s Story of Service, Family and Community

For Navy veteran Chuck Cromer, life at EverTrue Meramec Bluffs is about staying active, cherishing family and reflecting on a remarkable journey of service.

Chuck and his wife moved to EverTrue Meramec Bluffs in 2017, attracted by its scenic location and strong sense of community. “The geographical setting – it’s a beautiful place,” Chuck says. “I love the people. And it’s just three blocks from my church!”

The couple currently enjoys independent living but knowing additional levels of care – such as Assisted Living, Memory Support and Care Center – are available provided peace of mind when choosing their home. “Yes, the different levels of support certainly made an impact on our choice of senior living,” Chuck explains. “We’re still in independent living and hope we can stay there for a good while. But it is always good to have a plan”

After a military career that took him and his family across the country—from California to Washington, D.C.—he ultimately chose to put down roots in the St. Louis area. Today, he’s grateful to have found his forever home at EverTrue Meramec Bluffs.

“After moving throughout my military career, it feels good to finally be home. EverTrue Meramec Bluffs is a place where I belong,” Chuck says.

During his Navy career, Chuck flew A-4 Skyhawks from the aircraft carrier Independence and completed more than 330 carrier landings then later served as an Aeronautical Engineer.

“The Navy did more for me than I did for the Navy,” Chuck says. “They paid for my undergraduate education, taught me how to fly and sent me to graduate school.”

His years in the Navy taught him discipline, resilience and the value of working together toward a common goal—lessons he still carries with him.

Today, Chuck remains active in the EverTrue Meramec Bluffs veteran’s organization where he has made many friends who share their military experiences. He also has served as a facilitator for one of the community’s favorite activities – shuffleboard! “Shuffleboard is my main activity,” he says with a smile.

Recently, Chuck was celebrated at EverTrue Meramec Bluffs when he participated in an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. Accompanied by his daughter, Laura, who works part-time in dining services at EverTrue Meramec Bluffs, the trip gave them a memorable experience.  “One of the things I most looked forward to is spending the day with my daughter in Washington,” he said. “We see each other frequently because she works here in the evenings, and that’s something I treasure. But sharing the magnificent words of our founders together and seeing the monuments was special.”

When Chuck returned from his Honor Flight, friends from EverTrue Meramec Bluffs were on site to welcome him and talk about his exciting moment.

“The Honor Flight was an experience I’ll never forget. It gave me the chance to reflect on my service and connect with fellow veterans. Coming home and seeing my friends from EverTrue Meramec Bluffs waiting to welcome me made it even more meaningful. It reminded me that I’m part of a community that truly cares.”