Tennessee. California. Vietnam. Ohio. England. Florida. Greece. Texas. Korea. Georgia…

In 59 years of marriage, Frankie and Phillis Rivers have lived all over the world. They’re an Air Force family, and while the frequent relocation isn’t for everyone, they described each new home as an “adventure.”

Their latest adventure? Returning to Ohio and joining the community at 10 Wilmington Place.

The couple was living in Georgia when their children became more concerned about their parents living alone with increasing health complications. So, they encouraged Frankie and Phillis to look into other living arrangements.

“I immediately misunderstood what they were saying. I thought nursing home, and I didn’t see it as a positive thing for me.” Frankie said. “But they said, ‘No, Dad, we’re talking about senior living.’ They began to show me, and I thought, ‘This is nice. I didn’t know anything like this existed.’”

So, Frankie and Phillis flew from Georgia to Dayton to begin looking at communities with their daughter, who is currently stationed at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. They toured a handful of retirement communities but found that their visit at 10 Wilmington Place “exceeded their expectations.”

“We had seen some of these units by then, so we knew what the style would be, how it would be laid out, and all that,” Frankie said. “But, when I walked in, I thought ‘Wow, this is great.’ The grounds are beautiful, there was even a white squirrel in the front yard! We were convinced after seeing the facility and going to the guest suite.”

“I thought I would sleep on the decision,” Phillis added. “But I thought, ‘What am I sleeping for? I know!’ We told them it just wasn’t any comparison. And so, we never went back to Georgia! We flew up on September 13 and got the apartment key on September 28.”

In just a few short months, the couple has started enjoying the musical events, the Kroger shopping trips, the crafts, and other activities 10 Wilmington Place offers. “Everything is included and very convenient,” Frankie said. “But the staff, they really sold it for us. They are so friendly, so courteous and helpful. I haven’t seen anything yet they have missed.”

Frankie and Phillis were especially excited about the two-bedroom apartment, so their family could come and visit. With five children, 11 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren scattered across the country, any time they’re able to spend together is valuable.

The transition to 10 Wilmington Place was easier due to their long history of traveling, the couple agreed. In fact, Frankie and Phillis always enjoyed it. They met in middle school in their hometown of Chattanooga and married at 17 and 18—right before Frankie began his 23-year Air Force career. Some of their most memorable moments include trying fried cheese for the first time in Greece, running on the beach on the island of Crete, browsing the antique furniture stores in England, and all of the people they’ve met along the way.

And their love for adventure runs deep, as three of their children followed their father’s footsteps in the Air Force, one played six seasons for the Denver Broncos football team, and one is chief of staff for an aerospace company in Washington D.C.

These days, the family is beginning to discuss the couple’s 60th wedding anniversary—and are even considering hosting it at 10 Wilmington Place. After all, Phillis said, “every time I come in now, I feel like I’m coming home.”

So, here’s to their 60th year of wedded bliss, and many more new adventures at 10 Wilmington Place.