Foster homes offer veterans more choices, independence: Program enrolls first S. Floridian.

Byline: Mike Clary

Mar. 30--When Lillie Mae Hunter enlisted in the Women's Auxiliary Army Corps at the age of 22, she was among the first African-American women in uniform during World War II.

Now, at age 89, Hunter is once again a pioneer, the first person in South Florida to take part in the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Foster Home Program. The program is designed to provide disabled or chronically ill veterans with long-term care outside of traditional nursing homes or hospitals.

"What I remember is marching," said Hunter, reflecting on her wartime experience recently. She was settling into the Hollywood home of Barbara Smith, licensed …