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Morning Pointe Major

by Alexander Ledet
Retired Air Force Major Howard L. Ellis, 85, recently started living at Morning Pointe Assisted Living Center. A veteran of the Korean and Vietnam wars, Howard served 20 years in the military.

The silver plaque, surrounded by eight medals, states: “For honorable and faithful service to your country and the United States Air Force.”

An American flag folded into a triangle sits on top.

Twenty years of duty in the Air Force and service in two wars earned that plaque for Retired Major Howard L. Ellis, 85. It hangs on the wall of his room at Morning Pointe Assisted Living.

Howard moved to Morning Pointe in February 2015, is one of the newest residents. He wasted no time getting to know people and places. He eats his meals with other military veterans and talks to and greets everyone he passes.

Even the day nurses know him as a talker.

Howard likes to remain active. If weather permits, he rides his scooter on the sidewalk outside, stopping at the end of the parking lot to watch a construction project or cars pass. He goes out to eat lunch twice a week with a group from Morning Pointe.

Even though he cannot drive it, Howard keeps his car, a pre-owned Lincoln MKX.

“­­I’ve always wanted to have a Lincoln,” he says.

His children and grandchildren drive him around when they visit him.

The lifestyle of an assisted-living home is a change, but Howard is optimistic.

“Since I’ve been here, they’ve treated me awful nice,” he says. “If it stays like it is now, I like it.” ­­­­­

As part of his daily routine, Howard drives his scooter around the parking lot to watch construction and passing traffic.
Howard and Richard Boyer talk on the porch in front of Morning Pointe. Sitting outside, when the weather permits, is a big part of Howard's day.
Howard keeps the key to his room on a band around his arm so that he doesn't lose it. "I don't usually lock my door," he says. "But I keep this here just in case."
Martha Cox and Howard greet each other before group singing. Though he doesn't sing, Howard enjoys saying hi to other residents. Morning Pointe schedules activities for all residents to help keep them active and entertained.
Because of his poor vision, Howard has to hold printed text close to his face. He usually gets the daily newspaper in the afternoon and reads it over dinner.
Before bed every night, Howard sets aside time to brush his teeth and clean his bridges. "I got this electric toothbrush that cleans real well," he says. "It just takes too long for me, and it's really loud."