Page 72 - Senior Link Magazine Fall 2021- Online Magazine
P. 72
SENIOR RESOURCES
Hospice of Lubbock
HOW "WE HONOR VETERANS"
by: Sydney Wenglein M.S., LMFT - A Hospice of Lubbock Bereavement Counselor
ospice of Lubbock has but there is a sacredness that committee specifically focuses
been providing quality comes with honoring a fallen its fundraisers on collecting
Hcare for adult and pediatric soldier. We Honor Veterans monies geared towards families
patients in the Lubbock community has adopted the Final Salute, of veterans who have been on or
and surrounding areas for over 30 which is a powerful memorial are currently on Hospice service.
years. In addition, our 4-star level ceremony which brings one last Care team members identify
We Honor Veterans program and recognition to the veteran and his needy veteran families with
committee has taken great pride in or her family. In a meticulously children and recommend them
serving over 700 veterans since 2013. structured final salute, a nurse as potential beneficiaries. Often,
This group of over 18 committee and other providers, including multiple families are recipients
members from our community, the funeral home staff, drape the of Christmas blessings from
including veterans and Hospice American flag over the deceased We Honor Veterans. Members
of Lubbock’s own social workers, before proceeding to the hearse. of the committee then go into
counselors, nurses, and other staff, is As the gurney is wheeled by, the the community to purchase the
proud to honor and serve veterans in family, friends, and care team of items requested by the family
a variety of ways: the veteran patient line the street members. From kitchen utensils
or sidewalk. The traditional to toys to clothing, the We Honor
• Food Pantry. As a result of the “Taps” is played, signifying the Veterans committee buys dozens
COVID19 pandemic, We Honor passing of a military veteran. of items to make sure each
Veterans has expanded its initial Hands over hearts and military veteran family is blessed with a
program of providing food, salutes honor the fallen soldier. wonderful Christmas.
hygiene, and paper items to This is one of the most sacred
veterans on hospice service who ways in which the We Honor This committee endeavors to serve
are in immediate need. Our food Veterans committee pays their veteran patients and their families in
pantry has grown exponentially, respect to a veteran. the most honorable ways possible.
and we have provided nearly 200 Giving back to these stalwart
bags of these items to veterans • Family Christmas. Over the members of our community, whether
in need over the past year – not past several years, the We Honor it be through the food pantry, final
only to our own veterans on Veterans committee has striven salute, family Christmas, or other
service, but also to veterans to serve not only veterans, but servant actions, is a way to show our
throughout the community, also their precious families. The gratitude for these honorable men,
through contacts with the organization recognizes both women and their families for all they
Veterans Administration. What the veteran as well as the family have sacrificed for us.
started out as a vision during for their sacrifices. Throughout
a trying time is now making a the year, the We Honor Veterans
huge impact in the community, committee works diligently If you know a veteran or family
one that has received local to raise funds to provide for in need or would like to donate to
recognition, and the We Honor veteran families – through the We Honor Veterans committee,
Veterans committee intends to luncheons, cookouts, bake sales, please call Hospice of Lubbock’s
continue the initiative. and generous donations from office at 806-795-2751.
our community and staff. In the
• Final Salute. Honoring a soldier months leading up to Christmas,
can take a variety of forms, the We Honor Veterans
72 Lubbock Senior Link
