WWII Army Veteran Andy Bonthron Honored with Salute to Service
Gilchrist recently had the privilege of honoring World War II veteran Andy Bonthron with a Salute to Service tribute. Surrounded by family and friends, Andy was recognized for his years of military service and his lifelong devotion to faith, family, and community. The ceremony, led by Gilchrist’s veteran volunteers, included music, prayers, and tokens of gratitude to thank Andy for his service to our country.
Early Life and Military Service
Born in September 1922 on 22nd Street in Baltimore, Andy graduated from Baltimore Polytechnic in 1940. Two years later, he entered the Army and was stationed in Manila, Philippines, and later in Japan. Working in communications, Andy laid phone lines before troops advanced—a critical role that kept soldiers connected on the front lines. He was honorably discharged in 1946.
A Life of Family and Community
In 1954, Andy met the love of his life, Joan Renehan. They married the following year at St. Phillip and James Catholic Church in Baltimore and raised two children, Drew and Carol.
Andy worked for 36 years with the Chesapeake and Potomac Telephone Company (C&P) in security. After retiring at age 55, he enjoyed a second career working with the Baltimore Orioles at Memorial Stadium—a role he held until their 1983 World Series victory.
Active in his church and community, Andy served as a past grand knight with the Notre Dame Council of the Knights of Columbus and was deeply involved at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church. He and Joan continued their spirit of service after moving to Oak Crest, where they have lived for nearly three decades.
Andy’s greatest joys are his family, including his granddaughter, Dr. Ami, a pediatric resident at Georgetown, and his great-granddaughter, Clare, a student at the University of Maryland College Park.
A Tribute of Gratitude
As a proud partner in the We Honor Veterans program, Gilchrist provides specialized recognition and support to those who have served in the military. Through ceremonies like Andy’s, veteran volunteers honor patients with prayer, music, pins, certificates, and tokens of appreciation. Families also receive recognition for their loved one’s service and sacrifice. These tributes ensure that veterans, like Andy, are thanked in meaningful ways for their courage and commitment to our nation.
Andy’s Salute to Service ceremony was a touching celebration of his life and service. The tribute began with an opening prayer, the singing of the National Anthem, and the Pledge of Allegiance. Andy received a We Honor Veterans pin from the Veterans Administration, a certificate from Gilchrist, a handmade patriotic blanket, and a thank-you card crafted by a student. His children were also presented with “Proud Family Member of a Veteran” pins.
The ceremony was filled with music from a Gilchrist music therapist, who played patriotic songs, concluding with the Army song. The veteran volunteers honored Andy with a salute before closing with prayer and the singing of “God Bless America.”
For Andy and his loved ones, the tribute was a powerful reminder of the lasting impact of his service and the gratitude of a nation.
To learn more about Gilchrist’s We Honor Veterans Program, visit: https://gilchristcares.org/services/hospice-care/specialized-hospice-programs/whv/