The Bungalows at Bowling Green celebrates veterans with a special photoshoot

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – The Bungalows at Bowling Green houses many residents who have many stories to tell from their experiences during their lives, many of whom served our country in the military and were being showcased in a veterans photoshoot.

Veterans and their spouses were photographed, and their stories were shared; decades of experiences and thousands of miles traveled among them were all captured in these photos.

From the World War II era all the way to Vietnam, these veterans are grateful the community is giving them this opportunity as a thank you for their service.

“I appreciate the fact that now young people are appreciating and understanding the sacrifice that goes along with those in the military and their families. It means a lot to know that,” said Robert Barnes, a Bungalows at Bowling Green resident and Navy veteran.

One veteran being showcased was 99-year-old Frank Smothers, a Korean War Vet.

Along with his time serving his country, Smothers also had a career as a jockey.

He talked about this time in his life and the passion he had for horses from a young age.

“I’ve been riding horses since I was two years old.” Smothers said. “My mom put me on a horse and I’ve been riding all my life.”

Now just weeks away from his 100th birthday, he still has a sharp memory and enjoys telling stories from his past.

He shared some of these, including the first time he tried to enlist in the military, and it’s safe to say the initial results weren’t what he expected.

“I got on the scale and the guy weighed me and he said, ’89 pounds, too light!’ Then he told me to step over here and he put this gadget on my head and said, ‘4 foot 11, too short!” Smothers added.

Outside of his passion for horses and his time racing, Smothers is a family man.  When thinking back on his life, he didn’t have to think long about his most precious moment. 

“When I met my daughters mother, and I married her the day we met.” Smothers said. “I took her to California and we lived there for 30 years.”

The Bungalows at Bowling Green helped these veterans share their stories and give them a chance to be recognized for their service to their country.