Some Vietnam veterans may feel they were never really recognized and thanked for their service. But the Lutheran Hospice and Palliative Care team in Colorado is quietly trying to change that, one veteran at a time. And their efforts have earned the team a certificate of Vietnam War Commemoration from the Department of Defense. The certificate recognizes the team for its commitment to provide better care and resources to veterans.
When the hospice team finds out a patient is a veteran, they hold a pinning ceremony where the veteran is presented with an American flag pin, a certificate, and a star from a retired American flag. Vietnam veterans are also presented with a special lapel pin to honor their service. The team has also hosted a clothing drive to help veterans in need.
Lutheran Hospice and Palliative Care’s initiative, led by Sasha Benner, assistant volunteer coordinator, and Ginger Cooley, volunteer coordinator, aims to better help veterans receive the care they deserve, and raise awareness of the sacrifices veterans have made for our country. This program also serves as a referral source for the Veteran Affairs locations throughout the communities we serve.
The Hospice and Palliative Care team has been partnering with “We Honor Veterans,” a national hospice and palliative care organization, since 2019. In partnership with “We Honor Veterans,” the team has worked on a collaborative community outreach approach to provide resources and support to veterans in Colorado. There are more than 394,000 veterans in Colorado alone, of which more than 127,000 are Vietnam veterans.
“During the Vietnam War, there was a political divide that separated America as we fought in the war,” Ginger says. “Because of this, soldiers were ostracized and not portrayed or respected appropriately, and once they returned from war, they weren’t celebrated or honored for their time. They weren’t thanked for their service, and most importantly, they weren’t welcomed home.”
Sasha says veterans have sacrificed much for all of us.
“Being a part of this program touches my heart because I know how impactful this is for our veterans,” Sasha says. “Many never got to talk about their service or wanted to seek help, which resulted in many taking their own lives. They also experienced the long-term effects of the hazardous chemicals they were exposed to, causing lifetime illnesses, cancer, and death.”
Veterans face many unique challenges because of the service they offered to our country, says Steven Michaels, technology support services leader and member of the Peaks Region Veterans Resource Group.
“The work of the Lutheran Hospice and Palliative team continues to support our mission of supporting those who’ve served,” he says.
The Hospice and Palliative Care team received a 4-star recognition from the “We Honor Veterans” organization in May 2021. The team has been working towards earning a fifth and final star. The Lutheran Hospice and Palliative Care team hopes to grow their veteran recognition and earn their fifth star in 2023.
Organizations that choose to apply for the 5-star level embark on a year-long journey that includes hosting a “Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans” party. This celebration, which is scheduled for next year, will commemorate the sacrifices Vietnam veterans, and all veterans, have made.
Sasha says the program was introduced at Lutheran Medical Center by an Air Force veteran who saw an opportunity to improve care for our veterans and pay tribute to them.
“It was also a way to offer education to staff and be a part of a larger community,” she says.
Learn more about the work of the “We Honor Veterans” program at www.wehonorveterans.org.