Who Can Benefit?
All Veterans and their families who receive care through Big Bend Hospice have access to these dedicated services. Our Veterans Program supports the emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being of Veterans. Offered at no cost, this program complements our hospice care, ensuring Veterans and their families receive the comprehensive support they deserve with appreciation for their contributions.
Ways We Care for Veterans:
- Veterans Liaison
- Vet-to-Vet Program
- Valor Ceremonies
- Veterans Memorial Garden
- Tree of Life Dog Tags
Veterans Liaison
Our Veteran Liaison is a dedicated professional who enhances the support and care provided to Veterans and their families. They coordinate special activities like Valor Ceremonies and Vet-to-Vet visits, build partnerships with Veteran-focused organizations in the Big Bend region, and connect Veterans to vital resources.
Veterans Liaison
Derek Sykes
Vet-to-Vet Program
This program connects Veterans with fellow service members, fostering camaraderie and shared understanding. Volunteer Veterans offer companionship and emotional support to our hospice patients.
Valor Ceremonies
Valor Ceremonies pay tribute to Veterans, honoring their service and sacrifices. These ceremonies can be held at home or in a hospice setting and include:
- Pledge of Allegiance
- Presentation of a tabletop American flag
- Patriotic music
- Certificate of appreciation and letter of gratitude
- Red, white, and blue Afghan quilt
- Legacy document reading (if available)
- Hospice-Veteran lapel pin
- Salute from fellow Veterans
Veterans Memorial Garden
Our Veterans Memorial Garden at the Jean McCully Family House serves as a place of reflection and remembrance. Created by Veterans for Veterans, it features:
- A prominently displayed American flag, lit in line with Presidential proclamations
- Custom-designed emblems representing each branch of service
- A sound system that plays “Taps” daily
- A walkway lined with memorial pavers dedicated to our Veterans
- Annual Veterans Day services and memorial paver dedications
Tree of Life Dog Tags
Veterans in our care receive two personalized dog tags: one is placed on the Tree of Life at the Jean McCully Family House as a lasting tribute, and the other is given to the family as a keepsake.
Our Veterans Care Program proudly participates in the We Honor Veterans initiative, a collaboration with the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization and the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Who Can Benefit?
All Veterans and their families who receive care through Big Bend Hospice have access to these dedicated services. Our Veterans Program supports the emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being of Veterans. Offered at no cost, this program complements our hospice care, ensuring Veterans and their families receive the comprehensive support they deserve with appreciation for their contributions.
Ways We Care for Veterans:
- Veterans Liaison
- Vet-to-Vet Program
- Valor Ceremonies
- Veterans Memorial Garden
- Tree of Life Dog Tags
Veterans Liaison
A Veteran Liaison is a dedicated professional who enhances the support and care provided to Veterans and their families. They coordinate special activities like Valor Ceremonies and Vet-to-Vet visits, build partnerships with Veteran-focused organizations in the Big Bend region, and connect Veterans to vital resources.
Veterans Liaison
Derek Sykes
Vet-to-Vet Program
This program connects Veterans with fellow service members, fostering camaraderie and shared understanding. Volunteer Veterans offer companionship and emotional support to our hospice patients.
Valor Ceremonies
Valor Ceremonies pay tribute to Veterans, honoring their service and sacrifices. These ceremonies can be held at home or in a hospice setting and include:
- Pledge of Allegiance
- Presentation of a tabletop American flag
- Patriotic music
- Certificate of appreciation and letter of gratitude
- Red, white, and blue Afghan quilt
- Legacy document reading (if available)
- Hospice-Veteran lapel pin
- Salute from fellow Veterans
Veterans Memorial Garden
Our Veterans Memorial Garden at the Jean McCully Family House serves as a place of reflection and remembrance. Created by Veterans for Veterans, it features:
- A prominently displayed American flag, lit in line with Presidential proclamations
- Custom-designed emblems representing each branch of service
- A sound system that plays “Taps” daily
- A walkway lined with memorial pavers dedicated to our Veterans
- Annual Veterans Day services and memorial paver dedications
Tree of Life Dog Tags
Veterans in our care receive two personalized dog tags: one is placed on the Tree of Life at the Jean McCully Family House as a lasting tribute, and the other is given to the family as a keepsake.
Our Veterans Care Program proudly participates in the We Honor Veterans initiative, a collaboration with the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization and the Department of Veterans Affairs.