Honored to participate in Hospice of the Valley (HOV) Saluting Our Veterans program are left to right: Stephen Gardner (HOV) Chaplain, Bereavement Counselor and JWV member; and Julian Wyatt, Jewish War Veterans Post 619 Commander and hospice volunteer.
Nancy Stutman
Jewish War Veterans Copper State Post 619 members Dr. Julian Wyatt and Dr. Stephen Gardner are Hospice of the Valley volunteers. Both have served our country in uniform and are committed to saluting our veterans from every generation who are facing end of life.
“Saluting Our Veterans is truly one of my favorite programs at Hospice of the Valley, as it means so much to our veterans and their families to be recognized and honored for their service,” explains Eileen Dullum, program manager.
Volunteer veterans Wyatt and Gardner meet with patients, listen, and share stories about military service, and make a formal presentation of a special lapel pin and flag gift. Saluting volunteers relay that family members hear stories about their loved one’s wartime experiences for the first time during a Saluting visit. The trust and camaraderie between fellow military veterans brings comfort to both. JWV Commander Wyatt has volunteered 41 hours on this project alone, averaging 30 minutes per salute.
Hospice of the Valley is committed to honoring veteran patients whose service and sacrifice preserve the freedom we all cherish. Hospice of the Valley strives to meet their unique needs and support their families with Saluting Our Veterans tribute program. In addition to this program, Hospice of the Valley has professionals available when issues emerge (such as post-traumatic stress, moral injury, and survival guilt).
JWV Post 619, which meets the third Sunday of every month from September to June, boasts members who represent a wide range of religious affiliations and participates in philanthropic activities to help veterans of all faiths. To learn more about JWV activities and membership, contact Arthur Uram, 702–884-4175, uramarthur@gmail.com.