In advance of Veterans Day, Betty Bustin, 91, a resident of Watercrest at Kingwood, found herself reflecting on her military service during the Korean War and how her experiences impacted her future. Bustin served as an Army nurse during the war, helping to prepare the critically injured for evacuation behind the MASH units. For three years from 1950 to 1953 Bustin worked tirelessly, all while learning the skills she would carry with her following her service. After first being stationed in San Francisco and Japan, Bustin moved to the frontlines of Korea. Her main motivation in enlisting was to serve those fighting and ensure they received the best care possible while so far from home. It’s stories like Bustin’s that were celebrated by Watercrest at Kingwood when the senior living community hosted its Veterans Day celebration. During this meaningful tribute, Kingwood High School’s Junior ROTC unit was on hand for the changing of the colors and participated in the playing of the National Anthem. Additionally, each of the community’s 43 veterans in attendance were recognized for their service and received a pin thanking them for their service.
“My service was an incredibly meaningful period in my life,” said Bustin. “During my years of service, I learned and developed new skills that prepared me for my future nursing career, with each injury serving as a reminder why I served and my desire to help someone else. I’m proud to have served my country and feel a sense of satisfaction because I improved the lives of people who were injured and in pain.”
While in Korea, Bustin met her husband Richard, who was serving as a pilot. The couple married in 1953, shortly before returning to the United States. Upon re-entering civilian life, Bustin became a mother to three children, all while continuing a career in nursing and working in various capacities and positions. As time has gone by, Bustin often reflects on those who served our country, especially with health care in mind. She understands firsthand the difficulties those injured in war can face, in addition to those who return with psychological scars. Bustin believes in the importance of providing veterans with quality care, especially after their sacrifice.
“There are so many veterans who don’t receive proper care,” said Bustin. “Over time it has improved because we’ve seen the value and importance of caring for our servicemen and women. These selfless individuals give so much for all of us, it’s the least we can do to make sure they are well cared for.”
Bustin hopes that by sharing her story others will understand the importance of recognizing those who have served, especially if it will benefit the veterans in some way. She feels privileged for her own opportunity to serve, and she enjoys seeing the growing and impactful role of women in the military today.
“Veterans Day is a special time for all of us,” said Debra Burton, executive director of Watercrest at Kingwood. “This day gives us the opportunity to come together and pay tribute to the men and women who have served our country, sacrificed their time and, in many cases, their lives. It’s an honor to have individuals in our community like Betty Bustin who served our country and returned home only to continue serving others. We hope everyone was inspired to seek ways to show their appreciation for our servicemen and women both past and present.”