Dancing, good drinks and food and good conversation, made for a banner evening on Nov. 11 at Patriot's Landing in DuPont as residents, active-duty soldiers and airmen from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, and community members, came together to celebrate Veterans Day.

"Veterans Day is a huge day for our community," said Karen Getchell, community liaison at Patriot's Landing. "We like to honor our veterans."

Many of Patriot's Landing's more than 200 residents devoted plenty of time on the dance floor, as the Paul Sawtelle Jazz Quintet laid down some sizzling and sultry jazz tunes from the 1940s and 1950s era. The group, led by Paul Sawtelle on saxophone, finished the two-hour Veterans Day dance program with "God Bless America."

Paul and Carmen Knoop, who were the first couple to be married at Patriot’s Landing four years ago, enjoy an evening of wining, dining and dancing. Photo credit: Andrew Fickes

Paul Sawtelle on saxophone, along with his jazz quintet, entertains the audience with jazz standards of the 1940s and 1950s. Photo credit: Andrew Fickes

Patriot's Landing is an independent and assisted-living facility home to veterans and spouses of surviving veterans. Getchell said there are many couples who live at the residency.

One of those couples is Paul Knoop and his wife of four years, Carmen Knoop. Paul and Carmen met at Patriot's Landing after both their spouses passed away. They were the first couple to be married at Patriot's Landing.

"I think (the Veterans Day dance) is a good idea," said Paul Knoop, a retired U.S. Army colonel from JBLM. "My wife and I have danced some numbers. It's nice to see some active-duty and airmen come. I'm amazed at how young they look."

Those young soldiers and airmen Knoop referred to made up the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club in attendance that evening, who graciously served drinks and danced with veterans.

First Sergeant Charisse Ellison, president of the club, said the group comes to Patriot's Landing several times a week to volunteer.

"These veterans have paved the way to allow for more diversity, so it is nice to give back," Ellison said.