Page 51 - Senior Link Magazine Fall 2017- Online Magazine

became so much more than that, because when through VetStar, an organization already involved
the families found out that their loved one was with veterans who are in crisis.
going to receive this kind of recognition, family
came in from near and far to watch this happen. Veteran-to-veteran volunteer program
It became a really big deal,” Presley said.
Hospice of Lubbock relies heavily on volunteers to
• Also in 2016, Hospice of Lubbock participated in help care for the needs of their patients. They are
Lubbock’s Veterans Day parade, with staff and always looking for new volunteers, but they would
volunteers atop a beautifully decorated patriotic especially like to grow their pool of volunteers who
float. More than half the HoL staff participated have military experience.
in building the float and marching in the parade.
“Military service is such a common denominator
• Around Memorial Day, volunteers from the VFW for these men and women,” Chase said. “It’s a very
and the local Purple Hearts Chapter conducted significant part of their lives. Any time we can recruit
a formal flag presentation to the mother of one a veteran volunteer, they bond with the patient much
of the HoL nurses in honor of her brother that easier. They have a commonality. They can talk about
never returned from war. things that the rest of us don’t really understand.
It is so emotional for so many of the patients, the
“We have found that veterans are appreciative of our volunteer has to be someone who has walked that
recognition of their service, but they are truly moved journey. It’s private. They don’t open up about this
by the formality of presentations by fellow veterans” experience to just anyone.”
said Chase. “Partnering with the VFW and Purple
Hearts has been an honor.” “Privileged does not begin to describe the great
honor we have in knowing Hospice of Lubbock has
Hospice of Lubbock also has partnered with cared for veterans and their families throughout the
elementary schools, whose students have written 19 counties we serve in West Texas,” Presley said.
letters, cards and other remembrances to veterans.
In June HoL held a garage sale to raise money for For more information on how you can help support
the gift cards which are used for emergency needs the We Honor Veterans program or to volunteer with
during Christmas; the gift cards are distributed Hospice of Lubbock, call (806) 795-2751.

Lubbock Senior Link 51