On the anniversary of 9/11, we acknowledge the many lives lost and forever impacted by the events of 9/11. The anniversary of this event also serves as a reminder of the critical role our nation’s service members play in protecting our nation and our individual freedoms. On this anniversary, we are especially grateful to the service members who answered the call to enlist or continued their military service following these attacks. Veterans are deserving of our gratitude and appreciation at every life stage.
The We Honor Veterans (WHV) program ensures that all Veterans are recognized and honored in their final days. In the following video, our WHV hospice partners speak to the necessity and impact of providing Veterans with honor, recognition, and high quality care at the end of life.
In observation of 9/11, we encourage the entire Alliance community to express gratitude to the Veterans in their lives.
Caring for veterans at the end of life is so important because a lot of them haven't had the opportunity to share their history, which sometimes can open up opportunity for closure or a better understanding of their loved one. Hospice is very unique in Hawaii because we have a lot of older generation of multiculture of people who live on the island. So there is very, very deep rooted generations there that truly care for what we call kapuna, the Hawaii elderly people. That's where the connection is important with our relationships with them from the different levels of our IT team, from our volunteers and also from our We Honor Veterans program. It allows them to understand. That we see them. We go back to the stories and the people that they were in the prime of their life and they can remember that the person that they are is still here today. Then it's not so hard for them to share the other things that came after that time. It's very important to care for our veterans at the end of life. They sacrificed for our freedom, literally, and I believe in that with all my heart. So therefore, why not give back to our country? So in a way, it's giving back not just to our veterans, but it's giving back something to our country overall. The framework that we honor veterans provides to be able to help our veterans as priceless, I think, to be able to care for. Veterans, you have to really be aware that it's their own culture and that you have to be sensitive. And for most people, they're not aware of that. And so we really emphasize a lot of training for our clinicians and we really try to introduce them to the culture. And it's through hearing them and, and encouraging people gently to be able to open up and to be able to share those experiences that they find healing. It's so many things, but it just encompasses community, staff, volunteers, just a veteran centric culture within your organization, within everyone who wears the the badge of your organization in any way and all the community that we touch. I'm a veteran of the Navy and I served in the first Gulf War. Working with the veteran population has really helped me. Better understand myself and better understand the culture, and nothing satisfies me more than being able to help a veteran and their family at this really important time of their lives. Personally, I feel like the two more sacred things than any human being of life are when you come into this world and when you leave it. And to have just a tiny window to that sacred process and being able to make that more meaningful for a veteran patient is a humbling experience to come here and for veterans, for Americans who have, who have fought for this country that I live in, that I have the liberties to have today to represent that. On a personal level, on a professional level is probably one of the best things in my life.
Personally, as the mother of an active U.S. Special Operations Elite Force Unit member I could not agree more. Professionally, I am fulfilled to see this important program offering continue in the new National Alliance for Care at Home. Thank you.
𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗩𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀
Most Veterans, whenever they're in the military or just coming out, they've been told for years what their mission is, what their purpose is, and why they exist. And then when they get out, they do not have that clear focus of where to go next.
Every Veteran is at a different point in their life. I empower Veterans and equip them to do the things they need to do to be a better version of themselves.
Have you thought about your purpose after the Military?
Let's talk and take a look at your thoughts?
I am so excited for this! My great-grandfather's WWII discharge records were the only records of his to survive the fire. They were water-damaged but still provided new information.
"We know about 80% of Army records from Nov. 1 1912 to Jan. 1 1960; and 75% of all Air Force records from 25 Sep. 1947 to 1 Jan 1964 were destroyed in the fire of 1973 at the St. Louis National Personnel Records Center. So how can you obtain information on your veteran for those years?
Answer: Morning Reports
With Morning Reports researchers may be able to trace their veteran's service from their starting date to their discharge. Even if your veteran was transferred from one unit to another, which was quite common, that would be noted in the morning reports.
Recreating Burnt Military Files? 2 Great Military Resources
The NARA, St Louis, microfilms of Morning Reports from 1944-1946 are being digitized and will be available on line at the National Archive website: archives.gov"
https://lnkd.in/ecbt-bJk
Project Manager at US Navy | Leading sustainable maintenance initiatives, specializing in Project & Program Management | MBA | Looking to relocate to Ann Arbor Michigan.
It’s so important to stay connected with those who have shared our journey in service. A simple check-in can make a huge difference, especially during Veteran Buddy Check Week. Taking a moment to reach out shows we care and can remind someone that they’re not alone. Let’s strengthen the bonds we built in service and continue to support each other beyond it. #VeteranBuddyCheck#SupportOurVeterans#VeteranWellness
How to Talk to a Veteran or current Military personnel:
When meeting a veteran or current active member of the Armed Services for the first time, it’s always a kind gesture to thank them for their service.
However, it's crucial to be mindful that many veterans may feel uncomfortable in how to respond.
Avoid prying into their service background or asking about "war stories," as these topics can be deeply personal for them.
Instead, allow them to share their experiences if they choose.
Be there to support and listen without judgment. It's important to recognize that everyone’s experience is unique, and many veterans face complex emotions tied to their service.
History has shown us the harmful consequences of mistreating veterans, as seen with those who returned from Vietnam war.
Let’s ensure we never repeat that mistake. Remember, your political views should never influence how you treat someone who has chosen to serve their country. Respect, listen, and show support to our veterans.
I consider this good advice when meeting a veteran, just thanking them for their service is perfect for many people, if you mean it. 😊 Some veterans might have seen a lot of combat, some, none at all. It doesn't matter, each one is different. Why "thank them", as they did get paid by the US Government already? They signed the US military contract and took the "OATH" to protect the country. Because of that specific "OATH" they took, it means potentially sacrificing everything, including themselves and some of their best friends, to achieve the mission. 🙋♂️ 🙋♀️ In pretty much every other professional field, you can "QUIT". This includes the FBI, DEA, CIA, Federal Law Enforcement, fire-personnel, police and first responders. Civilian employees "QUIT" in the Iraq/Afghanistan Wars all the time, I witnessed this, and we remaining there had to make do.... Veterans/military personnel, outside of medical necessity, can't "QUIT", until their service obligation is complete. They had/have to follow their orders, even if it leads potentially to their deaths. In combat/war zones, it's generally "follow lawful orders" from your officers/non-commissioned officers (NCOs), or go to federal military prison, often in disgrace... These are just my thoughts after several decades in combined US military and Federal Law Enforcement service... Doesn't mean I assess one career field is better than the other. Military service though is different, for your entire life. 🙂 ..... #specialoperations#DEA#USArmy
Captain "Mac" @ The Military Party #VBUSA | Military Association, Veterans' Rights Advocate
Freelance Writer and Journalist
How to Talk to a Veteran or current Military personnel:
When meeting a veteran or current active member of the Armed Services for the first time, it’s always a kind gesture to thank them for their service.
However, it's crucial to be mindful that many veterans may feel uncomfortable in how to respond.
Avoid prying into their service background or asking about "war stories," as these topics can be deeply personal for them.
Instead, allow them to share their experiences if they choose.
Be there to support and listen without judgment. It's important to recognize that everyone’s experience is unique, and many veterans face complex emotions tied to their service.
History has shown us the harmful consequences of mistreating veterans, as seen with those who returned from Vietnam war.
Let’s ensure we never repeat that mistake. Remember, your political views should never influence how you treat someone who has chosen to serve their country. Respect, listen, and show support to our veterans.
Sunday Thought
Up until 2001, the US military was not well appreciated and few Americans would take a moment to thank a service member. Service in the US military is voluntary and only those who meet the physical qualification requirements even have the option to serve. Among those that meet the required standards, not everyone is willing to sign a "blank check" that could include anything up to and including making the ultimate sacrifice to support and defend the Constitution of the United States of America against all enemies, both foreign and domestic.
So... how and when should we show appreciation for those who voluntarily raised their right hand and vowed to serve? There are 3 different dates set aside each year for people to show their gratitude for current and past service members.
1. Memorial Day - the day that we commemorate those who gave their lives while serving.
2. Veteran's Day - the day where we show thanks to those who served at some point in the past.
3. Armed Forces Day - the day when we show appreciation for those currently serving our country.
Armed Forces Day was just yesterday, whether it is widely recognized or not.
THANK YOU to each person who reads this who is serving the US Military today.
-Thank you for making the sacrifices to be away from your friends and loved ones every time your nation determines that your presence is needed elsewhere.
-Thank you for moving to new duty stations every time the order is given to conduct a Permanent Change of Station.
-Thank you for the training and education that you have gone through to be part of the best prepared military force anywhere on the planet.
#sundaythought
CEO, Co-Founder & Co-Host VET S.O.S. Podcast | We educate veterans, service members, and MILSpouses on the services available to them during life's transitions | Veteran & MILSpouse Advocate | Army Veteran
Director, Membership - Legacy NAHC - National Alliance for Care at Home
1moPersonally, as the mother of an active U.S. Special Operations Elite Force Unit member I could not agree more. Professionally, I am fulfilled to see this important program offering continue in the new National Alliance for Care at Home. Thank you.