Ceca proudly announces Margaret George as a recipient of a 2025 National Ceca Award! Margaret is a Recreation/Music Therapist Supervisor at Missouri Veterans Home-Cape Girardeau—a community serving Veterans in the Southeast Missouri region and providing quality care and a homelike environment, including an exciting recreation program built in for all ages and abilities.
Margaret exemplifies the heart of service through her unwavering, compassionate care of the Veterans she serves. She brings warmth, dignity, and respect to every interaction, consistently going beyond her duties to ensure Veterans feel honored and valued. Margaret selflessly gives her time to create joyful experiences and meaningful moments for Veterans outside the walls of the facility through adventures like casino outings, a special meal at a favorite restaurant, fishing trips, concerts and more. Her devotion was especially evident during an Honor Tour to Washington, D.C., where she worked tirelessly to meet every Veteran’s needs without complaint. Calm, determined, and deeply compassionate, Margaret is far more than a caregiver—she is a trusted advocate, steady presence, and true champion for those who have served.
Nate Hamme, President and Executive Director of Ceca Foundation, commented, “It’s an honor to present this award to Margaret in partnership with the Missouri Health Care Association. When reading Margaret’s story, it was immediately apparent that she goes above and beyond in service of the veterans in her care community, planning fun events for all, as well as elaborate excursions that get the residents outside of the facility.” Hamme added, “But more than that, Margaret finds ways to honor their military service and connect them to their community in a respectful, compassionate and dignified way, while always being conscious of their medical and well-being needs.”
An award reception was held on March 23 at the Missouri Veterans Home–Cape Girardeau campus where Ceca President Nate Hamme presented the award to Margaret along with leadership from the Missouri Veterans Commission, Missouri Health Care Association, building administrator and other staff, and some residents and their families. Additionally, she received a cash award of $2,500 and an engraved commemorative trophy.
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The 2025 National Ceca Awards are sponsored by Holleran Consulting, Know by KARE, MemoryFox, Missouri Health Care Association, Ohio Health Care Association, Pennsylvania Health Care Association and RB Health Partners, Inc.