John Paulick, 75, loves to see things grow. In the two years he’s been at the Minnesota Veterans Homes - Domiciliary (DOMS) program on the Hastings campus, he’s applied his gardening and horticultural skills to the goal of making the site more beautiful while also creating healthy, nutritional food items to be included in the Home’s dietary services. He’s grown personally as well, having overcome a long-term smoking addiction through the Home’s smoking cessation program. In February, John celebrated more than two years of smoke-free living and a new life of purpose and engagement at the Hastings Veterans Home.

Military Service, Education and Professional Life

John was born and raised in Duluth. Several family members had a history of military service including his father (Navy), grandfather (Army), uncle (Navy) and cousin (Marine Corps), so it wasn’t a surprise when John decided to join the armed forces during the Vietnam era. John selected the Navy; he signed up in 1967, went through basic training and then additional British Indian Ocean Training. John was a construction mechanic during the six years he was on active duty between 1970 and 1976, achieving the rank of E-5 Petty Officer Second Class.

The things that appealed to John most about joining the military are the same things that delivered his favorite life memories: traveling and educational opportunities.

John spent his naval time in the tropical climates of Hawaii, Guam, Thailand and the British Indian Ocean Territories, which he describes as “too hot.” Following his end of service, he took advantage of the GI Bill to fund his education at Duluth Technical College—known today as Lake Superior College—and majored in horticultural studies. He spent much of his professional career working for the City of Duluth, with a focus on its Rose Garden and parks. Ensuring a consistently lovely outdoor environment for the community brought John great pride and joy; he also built friendships with other Veterans who worked for the city.

In addition, John coached with the Minnesota Warriors, an ice hockey program for wounded, injured or otherwise disabled Veterans to assist with their reintegration to civilian life. He reveled in the ability to travel across the country, including Washington, D.C., Tampa, Atlantic City and Chicago.

A New Start Through the DOMS Program

Following a traumatic brain injury (from which he has since recovered), John felt it was time for a change. Based on the recommendation of his sister and brother-in-law who live in nearby Cottage Grove, he moved from Duluth to the Twin Cities and the Hastings DOMS.

“At this stage of my life, I love being close to my family and having lots of things to do,” says John. “I also really appreciate the experience of the Veterans Home staff and how good the food is.”

John is in fact a busy guy; he’s active in local Veteran Service Organizations, including Disabled American Veterans (DAV), American Legion and the Fleet Reserve Association, which advocates on behalf of sea service personnel. In trying to stay connected with what is happening in his city, he acted as the catalyst for arranging a visit from, and lunch with, the Hastings mayor and Veterans Home Residents. A huge sports fan, much of his time is spent watching baseball, football and hockey. He also enjoys a spirited game of pinball and attending barbecues.

John refers to Mondays as John’s Day. That’s when his sister and brother-in-law pick him up at the Home, then take him to lunch at the restaurant of his choice and to the local Walmart to stock up on desired supplies.

Robert Vandenbos, DOMS Veterans Resource Coordinator, says John is very personable and works hard to accomplish his goals. “He has such an upbeat and positive attitude. John is the perfect example of someone committing to being happy day to day, no matter what. And it’s gratifying to hear him talk about this Home being his home.”

What You Should Know About the DOMS

The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) DOMS program—available on both the Hastings and Minneapolis Veterans Homes campuses — is the only program of its kind in Minnesota. Unlike Minnesota’s seven other Veterans Homes, which are skilled nursing facilities for individuals requiring full-time clinical care, the DOMS program offers Veterans an independent living environment.

Residents can either live at the Home full- or part-time and choose to focus on a number of areas ranging from physical and mental health needs, socialization, therapeutic recreation, support groups, medication management and care coordination to employment goals and vocational rehabilitation, financial wellness, transportation and housing options and chemical dependency services.

The Hastings DOMS program is delivered on a 128-acre campus featuring nature trails, a bike path, an outdoor pavilion and a woodshop program that allows Veterans to learn and excel in this hands-on trade. Participants in the Minneapolis DOMS program enjoy a peaceful 53-acre wooded campus overlooking the Mississippi River near Minnehaha Falls. It’s walking distance from the light rail system, city parks and lakes.

DOMS Residents must be able to manage their own daily living activities, which are designed to be physically rewarding and psychologically therapeutic. For more information, please call 651-539-2500 or visit MinnesotaVeteran.org/Homes.