Page 50 - Senior Link Magazine Fall 2020- Online Magazine

HONORING SENIORS

In Word and in Deed

by Sydney Wenglein M.S., LMFT-A Hospice of Lubbock Bereavement Counselor

ospice of Lubbock has been serving the
Lubbock community and surrounding areas for
Hover 30 years. In addition to quality care for our
adult and pediatric terminally ill patients, Hospice of
Lubbock’s 4-star level “We Honor Veterans” program
has taken great pride in serving over 600 veterans since
2013. This evolving group, which has now grown to
include over 18 committee members of our community,
alongside Hospice of Lubbock’s own social workers,
counselors, nurses, and other staff, is proud to honor
and serve veterans not just with words, but in a variety
of purposeful actions.

Food Pantry
Most recently, as a result of the COVID19 pandemic,
“We Honor Veterans” has expanded upon what was
a small idea to provide food, hygiene, and paper
items to veterans on hospice service in immediate
need. Our food pantry has grown exponentially, and
we have provided over 100 bags of these items to
veterans in need over the past few months, not only
to our own veterans on service, but also to veterans
throughout the community, through contacts with the there is a sacredness that comes with honoring a
Veterans Administration. What started out as a vision fallen solider. “We Honor Veterans” has adopted the
during a trying time is now making a huge impact Final Salute, which is a powerful memorial ceremony
in the community. The program has received local bringing one last recognition to the veteran and his or
recognition, and the “We Honor Veterans” committee her family. In a meticulous, structured final salute, a
does not plan on stopping this new initiative. nurse and other providers, including the funeral home
staff drape the American flag over the body before
Final Salute proceeding to the hearse. As the gurney is wheeled
Honoring a soldier can take a variety of forms, but from the house, the family, friends, and care team of the

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