Print Article 11/04/2011
The Agency’s senior vice president of hospice Kim Kranz and hospice director Kathy Baker, along with the hospice staff throughout Bedford, Blair and Cambria counties, are spearheading a special recognition this month for the veterans enrolled in the Agency’s hospice program. Our Agency’s hospice staff has enhanced the efforts of the Hollidaysburg’s Veterans Home staff over the past five years in caring for veterans and their families, and we are now extending our efforts.
The Agency is joining the US Department of Veterans Affairs and National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization’s (NHPCO) new, pioneering program – We Honor Veterans – that focuses on respectful inquiry, compassionate listening and grateful acknowledgment.
America’s veterans have done everything asked of them in their mission to serve our country, and we believe it is never too late to give them a hero’s welcome home. That’s just what the Honor Guard from the Loretto American Legion #748 planned for two of our Cambria County hospice patients earlier this month. They presented our two patients with commemorative items and conducted a special ceremony in their homes. WJAC News was at the presentation for Robert Morrison on Nov. 3rd. Click here to see the story aired on WJAC. Patients in Bedford and Blair counties were also recognized through special presentations.
Hospice case manager Jim Roe RN– also a US Air Force Veteran – is so pleased with the program’s intent and mission. “I think this initiative is a great idea. We always honor our veterans after they die which is very appropriate and deserving, but these efforts give them the opportunity to experience a special commemoration while they are alive to enjoy it,” said Jim.
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Picture 1: Hospice patient Robert Morrison is recognized through We Honor Veterans at his Cambria County Home. WJAC captured the presentation to air on the news. Hospice case manager Donna Hershel RN and hospice director Kathy Baker present Robert with a certificate and gift of recognition.
Picture 2: Hospice case manager Jim Roe RN presents patient Ronald Michelone with a certificate of recognition as American Legion Honor Guard of Blair County members Fred Parks and Walter Edwards observe.
Picture 3: Hospice patient Francis Heiss is recognized through the We Honor Veterans program at his Cambria County home. Surrounding Francis (middle) are, from left, American Legion Honor Guard of Cambria County members Terry O'Neill, Adam Lee, Ken Clark, Bill Wyland, Frank Kuzemchak, hospice case manager Robyn Eutsey RN, hospice case manager Donna Hershel RN, Honor Guard members Larry Hoover and Walt Weiland.
Picture 4: Hospice patient Miles Datesman is honored for his service to our country by hospice case manager Stacy Crissey RN (left), American Legion Honor Guard of Bedford County member Pete Innes and hospice social worker Debby Rightenour.
