State of the Heart Care Performs Pinning Ceremony for Veterans

State of the Heart Care recently introduced the We Honor Veterans program to their patients in October of this year and has continued the efforts through November. This program was developed as a joint effort between the United States Department of Veteran Affairs (http://www.va.gov/) and National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (http://www.nhpco.org/) to identify, recognize and serve military veterans.

Thanking veterans for their service by providing a pinning ceremony is both an honor and a privilege to the staff and volunteers at State of the Heart Care. The pinning ceremony typically takes place shortly after admission. Each veteran is presented with a flag lapel pin and a certificate of appreciation for their service. During the ceremony veterans and families have the opportunity to share stories and memories of the veteran’s military experience.

State of the Heart Care wanted to reach out to veterans outside of those on their hospice program. The agency decided to offer the program to any individuals at nursing homes or assisted living facilities within the 15 county service area. Covington Care Center, Versailles Health Care Center, Oakley House, Rest Haven, & Union City Care Center were some of the facilities that the agency partnered with. Fifty-five Darke County veterans from different branches of the military were honored with a pinning ceremony. State of the Heart Care’s Volunteer Manager, Christena Subler initiated this project and has been working along with a volunteer, John Strawser to carry out the ceremonies. “It's all about honoring our veterans and ensuring they are recognized for their service,” Christena shared. “To see the veterans face when honoring them is priceless, there is a light that glows, even if they are unable to communicate, that cannot be forgotten.” Through the week of Veteran’s Day, the agency was able to honor 121 veterans.

State of the Heart has decided to make this a permanent offering for their patients. If you would like to make a donation to help with costs of this ongoing project, you can do so by sending a check to State of the Heart Care, C/O We Honor Veterans, 1350 N. Broadway Greenville, OH 45331. You can also make donations on our website at www.stateoftheheartcare.org. If you are a veteran that is interested in helping perform the pinning ceremonies, please contact Christena Subler at csubler@stateoftheheartcare.org or 937-548-2999.