We Honor Veterans

Whatcom Hospice participates in a program called We Honor Veterans. This program was developed by the National Palliative Care and Hospice Organization (NPCHO) in collaboration with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Its focus is on learning about the unique needs of America’s veterans and their families through respectful inquiry, compassionate listening and grateful acknowledgement.

Whatcom Hospice staff recognizes the unique needs of our veterans and their families and can facilitate access to:

Veteran benefits:

  • Burial Benefits
  • Health Care Benefits
  • Survivor and Dependent Benefits

Professional Counseling and Support:

  • Grief and Bereavement
  • Psychosocial and Substance Abuse
  • Financial and Caregiving Resources
If desired, we gratefully acknowledge our Veteran in a recognition ceremony.

It is our honor to serve the military veterans in our community. For additional information about Veteran assistance facilitated by Whatcom Hospice, please contact our Supervisor of Holistic Care Team at (360) 733-5877.

Whatcom Hospice is Recruiting Military Veteran, Reservist, or Active Duty Volunteers

One way that Whatcom Hospice is reaching out to our veterans is through a veteran recognition ceremony. We currently have a few military veteran, reserve, and active duty volunteers who participate with Whatcom Hospice staff in our recognition ceremonies.

What is the recognition ceremony?

Our military volunteers participate in conversations with the veteran and their family about the veteran’s military service; the branch of the military in which they served, the international events that occurred at the time of their service, the jobs they performed, the places they were stationed and, lastly, how their military service and experiences shaped their life.

There are many interesting stories shared and wonderful memories made. The culmination of the visit is the pinning ceremony.

Our military volunteer pins an American flag on the veteran’s shirt collar and presents a certificate to the veteran that includes the veterans name, rank and military branch. With a handshake our volunteer thanks the veteran for their service to our country on behalf of himself, Whatcom Hospice, the VA and the NHPCO.

One of our military volunteers says “It is an honor and a privilege to meet and recognize these men and women who have served in the military before me. I truly appreciate the sacrifices they have made to make this world a better place. Participating in the We Honor Veterans program provides me the rare opportunity hear their stories and to personally thank them.”

Through shared experiences our military veteran, reservist and active duty volunteers provide an invaluable service to their fellow veterans. Please consider volunteering your time to this rewarding project.

For additional information about participating as a volunteer in Whatcom Hospice’s veteran recognition ceremonies please contact our Supervisor of Holistic Care Team at (360) 733-5877.