DES MOINES, Iowa — A new program is helping and honoring veterans when they enter hospice care.
UnityPoint Hospice participates in the national program called, “We Honor Veterans.”
The program allows veterans to be thanked for their service but also provides an opportunity for them to open up.
Melvin Ghee is an Army veteran and served during the Korean War, but he’s also in hospice suffering from COPD.
Ghee is just one of many veterans being recognized as part of the program.
The program honors veterans with a small pinning ceremony but also allows them an opportunity to open up about their time serving our country.
It also pairs vets in hospice with volunteer veterans and sometimes companion pets.
Organizers says it’s an opportunity for veterans to be able to talk to someone who understands what they went through.
Ghee says the program makes veterans, like him, know they’re appreciated.
“Hospice is a wonderful program, they do so much for people like me, and I can’t emphasize how important they are,” says Ghee.
So far this year 120 ceremonies have been held for veterans and their families.
For more on the national program please click here.
Or click here for more on UnityPoint Hospice.