or nurses who served in the Women’s Army Corps (WACs) during World War II, like resident Polly Alcorn, the present day site of Warwick Forest holds some memories. Warwick Forest stands at the former location of Patrick Henry Hospital. “I was in the Women’s Army Corps and stationed at Patrick Henry Hospital during World War II,” said Polly. Polly Alcorn a Founding Member  Warwick Forest’s elegant dining room was the perfect place for a Friendship Club of Retired Nurses to have one of their monthly luncheons. The group actually formed during the war years and immediately after.    “After the war we all worked together in Hampton, at the V.A. Kecoughtan Hospital,” said Polly.  Polly is one of the Friendship Club founders.  “We began it in 1973 at a restaurant in Buckroe Beach,” remembered Polly.  At first only

retired V.A. nurses were admitted.  “Later we invited people who worked with the V.A. and were closely connected to nurses,” Polly said.  The Friendship Club is also open to professional retired nurses. Retired Nurses Choose Warwick Forest for Luncheon  The group meets on the third Wednesday of each month, except for July and August. Presently there are about 30 members.  The luncheon was planned with Administrator Barbara Dearmon’s blessing, a semi-retired nurse herself.  “The nurses thought it would be nice to come here to make it convenient for me,” said Polly, a 92 year-old resident.  “When I approached Barbara about it, she was enthusiastic and helpful.  But then, I’ve always felt close to her because she was in the same profession,” she added.  Polly has known Administrator Barbara Dearmon for approximately 10 years, since Barbara first became a

staff member at Warwick Forest, and served as the Director of Health Services. Nurses Converse on a Variety of Topics Polly finds conversation with her colleagues fulfilling.  Like many residents of Warwick Forest, she still maintains an active interest in her profession.  “We talk about our memories of serving as nurses during the war,” said Polly.  She continued, “I was lucky because I was on the home front. Many of the women I knew were stationed near battlefields.”  Nurses also speak about current topics in the nursing field and health care.    Polly was a nurse from 1930-1970, and she is proud of her accomplishments.  “We love our profession,” said Polly, “and our job is rewarding.  Nurses tend to draw together. We find comfort this way,” she added.