Vietnam vet receives experience of lifetime from Twilight Wish

Paula Grubbs Eagle Staff Writer

April 17, 2023 Last Updated: April 16, 2023 09:01 PM Local News

Bartlett, 81, of Jefferson Township, center, received a pair of tickets Wednesday, April 12, to the Outlaw Music Festival from the Butler County chapter of Twilight Wish. On hand to enjoy Bartlett's reaction to seeing his favorite recording artist, Willie Nelson, at the August concert are, from left, Michelle Pekich of ComForCare, who nominated Bartlett for the wish; Jean Bowen, president of the county Twilight Wish chapter; Bartlett; and Linda Thoma and Scott Hacker, Twilight Wish volunteers. Paula Grubbs/Butler Eagle

JEFFERSON TWP — Howard Bartlett will be on the road again come Aug. 12, thanks to Butler County Twilight Wish.

The group, which is similar to Make-A-Wish, uses the slogan “celebrating seniors and making wishes come true.”

Bartlett, 81, was surprised on Wednesday, April 12, to receive a visit by three Twilight Wish volunteers and the person who nominated him to receive a wish.

The group was thrilled to present Bartlett, an avid Willie Nelson fan and karaoke singer, with a certificate stating he is the holder of two tickets to the Outlaw Music Festival on Aug. 12 at the Pavilion at Star Lake in Burgettstown, Washington County.

Nelson, who Bartlett has never seen live, is the headline act at the festival.
“He is a down-to-earth person,” Bartlett said of his admiration for Nelson.
Regarding his favorite Willie Nelson tunes, Bartlett listed “Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain” and “Always on My Mind.”

He then belted out a few lines of the latter ballad to the delight of neighbor children, who call their kind and caring elderly friend “Pappy Howard.”

Howard retrieved the trophy he earned at a karaoke competition by crooning Nelson’s hits and showed it to the Twilight Wish staff, who also got him a new bed and washing machine for his birthday, which was Tuesday.

“I’m blown away,” Bartlett said of the gifts from the Twilight Wish volunteers. “I love them all.”
Bartlett, who proudly served in the U.S. Navy from 1964 to 1966 aboard the USS Intrepid during the Vietnam War, then two years in the Navy Reserves, was nominated for a Twilight Wish by Michelle Pekich, director of marketing at ComForCare.

Pekich said Bartlett and his ComForCare caregiver are very close and often sing together.
“I’m really happy for Howard,” Pekich said. “He is one of the nicest guys you could meet.”
She said he deserves the Twilight Wish because financial times are tough for Bartlett, he has health issues and he served the U.S. honorably during wartime.

Linda Thoma, a Twilight Wish volunteer, said her group worked with the Navy’s social services department and the local Elks Club to replace Bartlett’s 30-year-old bed.

She said while the group hopes to collaborate with a local home improvement center to secure a washing machine for Bartlett, he will receive one no matter what.

Jean Bowen, president of the county Twilight Wish organization, said the group has provided more than 200 wishes during its 13 years in existence.

Bowen said handing out wishes and seeing the smiles on seniors’ faces never gets old.
“The first one was special, and this one is just as special,” Bowen said. “All day long I’ve been waiting to do this.”

She said she heads up the county’s Twilight Wish chapter in honor of her mother, who is 99 years old.

“Every time we grant a wish, I imagine it’s for her,” Bowen said.

Whether your loved one needs assistance only a few hours a week or around-the-clock, our team is happy to help! Call (724) 759-7674 to learn more about the transition care services offered through ComForCare Home Care (North & Southwest Pittsburgh).