As we observe the final year of the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War this month, it is a poignant time to reflect upon and honor the sacrifices made by our Vietnam veterans. These brave individuals faced unimaginable challenges and, upon returning home, often encountered a society unprepared to acknowledge their service adequately. Today, we have the opportunity and responsibility to rectify that oversight, ensuring that our veterans receive the recognition, care, and support they so richly deserve.
Honoring Vietnam Veterans: A National Commitment
The Vietnam War Commemoration, initiated in 2012, is a 13-year program designed to honor and pay tribute to Vietnam veterans and their families. This initiative ensures that every veteran, family member, caregiver, and survivor impacted by the Vietnam War feels the nation’s gratitude for their sacrifices. As part of this commemoration, events and ceremonies are held nationwide, providing platforms for communities to express their appreciation and for veterans to share their stories.
Partners In Care: Dedicated Support for Veterans
At Partners In Care, we hold a deep-seated commitment to serving our veteran community with the utmost compassion and respect. We understand that veterans have distinct physical, emotional, and psychological needs, particularly as they approach the end of life. Many Vietnam veterans carry not only the visible scars of war but also the unseen burdens of their service—memories of combat, the loss of comrades, and, in many cases, the lack of recognition upon their return home. Our mission is to provide these brave individuals with the dignity, care, and direct support they deserve through a range of veterans’ services tailored to honor their sacrifice and ease their journey.
Veterans Outreach Program
Our Central Oregon Veterans Outreach Program is a cornerstone of our commitment to veteran care. This program offers specialized care tailored to the unique health and mental health needs of military veterans in our local communities. Our team understands firsthand the challenges faced by their fellow servicemen and women. They provide compassionate listening, assist in navigating veteran healthcare and benefits, and offer support to families, ensuring a holistic approach to care.
We Honor Veterans Program
As a Level Five partner in the national We Honor Veterans program, a collaboration between the National Alliance for Home Care (NAHC) and the Department of Veterans Affairs, we are dedicated to elevating the standard of care for veterans. Partners In Care is one of only three programs in the entire state of Oregon to be recognized as a Level Five partner. This program enables us to provide veteran-centric hospice and palliative care, addressing not only physical symptoms but also emotional and spiritual concerns that may arise from military service. Our staff and volunteers receive specialized training to recognize the unique needs of veterans, ensuring that their service history is acknowledged and respected in their care plans.
Specialized Services for Veterans
Understanding that veterans may have distinct end-of-life needs due to their service experiences, we offer a range of specialized services:
Memorial Benefits and Military Honors: At Partners In Care, we believe in honoring veteran service members while they are still with us. We conduct flag-pinning ceremonies, where a veteran is presented with a pin and certificate of appreciation, ensuring they feel seen and valued. These ceremonies, often performed at the bedside, are deeply meaningful moments for both the veterans and their families. Additionally, we provide guidance on military funeral honors and memorial benefits, helping families coordinate arrangements that recognize their loved one’s service with dignity and respect.
Legacy Sharing: For many veterans, sharing their experiences can be a powerful and healing process. Our legacy-sharing program provides veterans with opportunities to reflect on their service and record their stories for future generations. This can take the form of written memoirs, audio recordings, or video interviews. These personal accounts not only serve as a lasting tribute to their courage and sacrifices but also offer a therapeutic outlet for veterans to process their experiences in a supportive environment.
Caregiver Support: The families of veterans often play a crucial role in their loved one’s care, and we recognize that they, too, need support. Through caregiver resources, respite care options, and grief counseling, we help family members navigate the challenges that come with caring for a veteran at the end of life. Our goal is to provide families with the guidance, education, and emotional support they need to ensure their loved one is comfortable and at peace.
The Role of Veteran Volunteers
Our veteran volunteers play an invaluable role in our mission. Individuals like Lloyd Phelps, a United States Marine Corps veteran who served in Vietnam, bring unparalleled empathy and understanding to their volunteer work. Lloyd joined Partners In Care as a veteran volunteer in 2016, inspired by his wife’s volunteerism. He emphasizes the importance of walking beside fellow veterans, understanding their unique challenges, and helping them access the support services they need to promote a more peaceful end-of-life experience.
Community Collaboration
Our commitment extends beyond individual care; we actively collaborate with Central Oregon community members and service organizations supporting veterans in Deschutes, Jefferson, and Crook Counties. This collective effort ensures that veterans receiving hospice, home health, palliative care, or transition services get the assistance, resources, and care they need.
Commemorating Vietnam Veterans Appreciation Day
On March 29th, Vietnam Veterans Appreciation Day, we pause to reflect on the sacrifices made by our Vietnam veterans. This day serves as a reminder of the courage and resilience displayed by those who served during a tumultuous time in our nation’s history. It is also an opportunity for communities nationwide to come together, honoring these individuals through ceremonies, storytelling, and expressions of gratitude.
A Commitment to Veterans that Extends Beyond Hospice Care
While hospice care is a significant part of our comprehensive services, our commitment to veterans extends beyond end-of-life care. Through supportive services such as palliative care and home health services, we offer veterans the assistance they need at various stages of illness. Whether helping with symptom management, connecting veterans with additional resources, or simply providing companionship, our programs are designed to support veterans and their families in a meaningful way.
At Partners In Care, we believe that no veteran should face their final days alone or without recognition. By providing specialized services that honor their service, acknowledge their sacrifices, and offer compassionate support, we strive to give back to those who have given so much to our country.