It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas … 365 days a year. Step into Phil Sherrick’s house and no matter the season, you’ll see signs of Christmas everywhere you look. A figure of Santa himself stands in the living room to greet friends and family. Why does Saint Nick have a permanent place in Phil’s home? “Because,” Phil explains, “when I was a kid, Santa was a stable male figure in my life. I could count on him to be there.”.
Santa isn’t the only thing that’s special about Phil’s home. Turn the corner into the dining room and you’ll find the table set for a Thanksgiving feast. That’s because, according to Phil’s philosophy, “Every day is a gift and every day we should be grateful for what we have.”
Phil has a lot to be grateful for—most importantly two daughters and a close extended family. His sister, Colleen, who also attended Kurn Hattin, pops in every morning for coffee and a daily visit. It’s a routine that they both value. Phil also has a loving foster family, many lifelong friends, a beautiful home, and an impressive professional track record.
Phil has:
- Served in four branches of the United States Armed Forces—the Marine Corps, Air Force, Army, and Navy
- Earned a bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy and a master’s degree in human relations, both with honors
- Earned a certification from America’s Hand Therapy Certification Commission and has been awarded with the specialty credential of Hand Therapist
- Earned the U.S. military’s special designation as Physician Extender/Upper Extremity Neuro-Musculoskeletal Evaluator
- Retired from the U.S. military after 32 years of distinguished service
Phil says, “I grew up at Kurn Hattin Homes from third through eighth grade and credit the Homes with many of my adult successes. I learned invaluable life lessons there that I have carried into my adulthood. The Homes provided me with a sense of belonging, instilled personal values, encouraged a strong work ethic, and taught me the importance of taking responsibility for my actions.”
Phil, or Buster as he was known then, also credits Kurn Hattin with launching him into his chosen career as a hand specialist. “Back in the ‘70s we used to watch The Six Million Dollar Man television show in our cottage at night. I was fascinated by Lee Majors’ character, Steve Austin, who was an Air Force colonel with bionic parts that gave him superhuman powers and strength.”
Bionic parts aside, Phil has his own superpower. He has the power to connect with people, a skill he considers vitally important. “Human connections, character, and honor matter. I believe that authentic relationships and self-responsibility are needed now more than ever, and that all of us should strive to be more compassionate and empathetic toward all people.”
Phil has plans to put that belief into action. In addition to hosting a number of Kurn Hattin reunions at his home, Phil has been in contact with the Keene Family YMCA to further his vision of creating a community group for people who are interested in making local connections and reaching out to form new friendships. If this effort goes the way of Phil’s previous pursuits, it’s bound to be successful.
What is Phil’s definition of success? He says, “Success is your ability to know you matter and your ability to connect with others. How we treat each other either divides or unites us. My successes are in my effort to reach out to people and ask, ‘Are you doing OK? How can I help?’”
Well said, Phil.