One Army Veteran was conflicted about the "moral wounds" he carries from his years in Vietnam, another Marine will never forget "feeling helpless, and somewhat guilty" for surviving an explosion in Korea that wiped out most of his unit. There are others who are fortunate enough to share more pleasant experiences, such as the Navy medic who “felt like a beacon of hope and peace for wounded soldiers" in the Gulf War.
One in every four of our Hospice of the Calumet (HCA) patients is a Veteran. These men and women have done everything asked of them to serve our country, and it is an "honor" to care for these heroes and their families who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
"There is something extraordinary about caring for those that served," said LaToya Griffith, Hospice of the Calumet Area Transition’s Program social worker. "We are very proud to honor patients at their final stage by celebrating their legacy through our We Honor Veterans Program. The patients and their families light up when we present them with a certificate and pin honoring their sacrifice.”
HCA also visits various healthcare facilities to educate and present patients and families with certificates and to discuss our 4-star level We Honor Veterans Program.
"There is no greater feeling than to share my journey and stories about serving our country," said Karren Nygaard, Navy veteran. "It's good for the soul. I am grateful that people appreciate my commitment to this wonderful country.”
We Honor Veterans is a program of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, in collaboration with the Department of Veterans Affairs. HCA has partnered with the organizations for over a decade and received their 4-star status in 2017 by offering educational presentations, resources, and ceremonies to patients and families.
