Veteran Hospice Patient Receives Recognition from Veteran Volunteer

May 12, 2022

Daniel Haggard is supported by Bluegrass Hospice Care to manage symptoms for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). As a Vietnam Veteran, Bluegrass Hospice Care arranged a pinning ceremony to thank him for his service.

“He is a proud, tough man with a good sense of humor. It’s been a pleasure getting to know him and his family," said Tina Brown, Daniel’s hospice nurse.

A Bluegrass Care Navigators volunteer, Neil, who is also a Vietnam Veteran, performed the pinning ceremony for Daniel. As a Level 4 partner in the We Honor Veterans program, a collaboration through the National Hospice & Palliative Care Organization and the Veterans Administration, Bluegrass Care Navigators has been specially trained to address the unique needs of our nation’s veterans at end of life. “I feel so privileged to be able to honor and celebrate a fellow veteran,“ said Neil.

The pinning ceremony includes presenting the veteran with a branch-specific certificate, a VA/Hospice partnership pin (American flag) and a patriotic memorabilia item. Veteran volunteers and the hospice care team members are usually in attendance, and each veteran is encouraged to invite family and friends.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this was the first Volunteer-led pinning ceremony since March 2020, making the occasion extra-special and significant.

BCN Chaplain, Esther Sapp, CP, shared that “Neil did such a fantastic job of presenting our patient with his blanket, pinning and thanking him for his service with the all-tearful salute! Neil had such a calm, unhurried demeanor.”

Daniel’s wife, Cindy, echoed Esther’s praise, “He was wonderful, just wonderful.”

Cindy is so appreciative of the hospice team. “I can’t say enough good about hospice, I just can’t. They are angels from heaven.”

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