As a Jesuit Catholic school we bring a strong sense of mission into every aspect of our school community, including everyday practices and decision-making. • Preschool (3 year olds) through 8th grade • Extended day program available • iPad technology • Eureka Math • Spanish • Superkids Reading • Art in new art studio and Music Discover the possibilities at St. Francis Xavier Jesuit Parish School Preschool and Kindergarten Open House Please join us on Tuesday, November 17th 7:30 am to 9:00 am Tours given by Parent Ambassadors, visit the classrooms, listen to a presentation given by our Principal and Teachers. Visit our website at school.sfxphx.org to register. Applications can be found on our website at school.sfxphx.org www.facebook.com /sfxphx 4715 North Central Avenue | Phoenix, AZ 85012 | 602.266.5364 KACHINA Quality Dry Cleaning 602-955-5540 3926 E. Indian School Road Arcadia Family Owned & Operated Since 1959 Home & Office Pickup & Delivery Available Page 46 November 2015 By Jean Hodgson Who doesn’t love a birthday celebration? But imagine brass bands and fireworks on that day every year. That’s what happens when you are born on the Fourth of July! Now imagine that the party on July 4, 2015 not only celebrated your 100th birthday, but was also an event to honor your years of service to America! The veteran and birthday girl I’m referring to is Arcadia resident, Frances Pauline Thorp. Lt. Col. Thorp now lives at MorningStar at Arcadia, and that’s where the big party was held. It included the residents and family members as well as military personnel from Luke AFB, the 944th Reserve Wing. She had the traditional celebratory birthday cake – red, white and blue, of course – but her gifts were as unique as her history. She was presented with an American flag, which the commanding officer at Luke had flown over the Goldwater Range in her honor, and a pin and certificate recognizing her service. She also received letters of congratulations from President Barack Obama, Senator John McCain and Senator Jeffrey Flake. Frances began her nursing career by joining the Army Nurse Corps in 1938. Her first tour of duty was at Walter Reed Army Hospital in Washington, DC as a night duty nurse. Her first patient was General Pershing and she commented that he was “a delightful person to take care of.” As they walked up and down the hallways, he taught her how to properly salute and march. When the Air Force was initiated, Frances joined that branch of the military. During her 28-year career, she served in three wars: World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. During WWII she was a flight nurse, behind the lines picking up patients and being stationed in several locations. The remainder of her career was primarily spent as a chief nurse in Air Force hospitals in the States, training nurses and medical airmen. During her service she received a number of honors and medals, including four Oakleaf battle stars and the Lt. Col. “star.” When asked to make a comment about her career, her response of “I had lots of adventures, met many people and saw many places,” definitely seems to be an understatement. Her adventures continued after her retirement as she homesteaded for 18 years in Alaska, volunteered at different Air Force bases, taught medical terminology in a business college, and helped with a family business in California. She eventually moved to Phoenix because a sister lived here. Frances participated in the Veterans History Project of The American Folklife Center at The Library of Congress. If you would like to learn more about this Arcadia veteran, you can find her interview on the Library of Congress website, loc.gov. Celebrating an Arcadia veteran on her 100th birthday RETIREMENT NOW WHAT? Lt. Col. Frances Pauline Thorp (left) celbrated her 100th birthday in July (right).