Across our nation, one in four people who die each year is a veteran. These are men and women who at some point in their lives raised their hand and pledged to serve something greater than themselves. Many carry stories of courage, sacrifice, and resilience. Some carry memories that are difficult to speak aloud. At Stillwater Hospice, we believe that every veteran deserves to be recognized, understood, and cared for with dignity.
That’s why we are proud to be a partner in the We Honor Veterans program, a national initiative that helps hospice and palliative care teams better understand and respond to the unique needs of those who have served.
Understanding Veterans’ Needs
Military service shapes people in profound ways. Some veterans may face spiritual or emotional questions at the end of life. Others may have service-related health conditions that influence their care. And many simply appreciate being able to speak with someone who can understand their experiences, without explanation.
Through the We Honor Veterans program, our clinical teams receive ongoing training in military culture, trauma-informed care, and the ways service can impact aging and illness. This ensures we can meet each veteran where they are, with compassion and respect.
Care Across Our Three Service Lines
Veterans come to us in many stages of life’s journey, and Stillwater supports them through all three of our service lines:
Hospice Care
For veterans facing a terminal illness, our hospice team provides medical care, emotional support, and comfort tailored to each person’s history and needs. We honor their service by ensuring they are never alone and always treated with dignity.
Palliative Care
For veterans living with serious illness, our palliative care team helps manage symptoms, reduce stress, and improve quality of life. We focus on what matters most to our patients and their families, helping them navigate treatment options and daily challenges.
Grief Support
Veterans and their families often carry layered grief. At the Peggy F. Murphy Community Grief Center, we offer individual and group support to adults coping with the loss of a loved one. We hold space for the complexity of their stories and the memories they carry.
A Connection of Shared Experience
One of the most meaningful elements of our work with veterans is our Veteran-to-Veteran Volunteer Program. We pair veteran patients with Stillwater volunteers who have also served. These visits can be calm conversations, quiet companionship, or the sharing of stories only another service member truly understands.
The sense of recognition between veterans is powerful. It reminds them: You are not alone. Your life mattered. You are honored.
A Moment of Recognition and Gratitude
As part of our veteran recognition program, each veteran patient receives:
- A symbolic American flag blanket
- A certificate of appreciation
- A personal acknowledgment of their service from our team
These are simple gestures, yet profoundly meaningful. For some, it may be the first time anyone has formally thanked them.
Guided by Our Values
At Stillwater, our mission is to provide compassion, comfort, and guidance through life’s journey. Our work with veterans reflects all we believe in: honoring each person’s story, caring without judgment, and ensuring that no one is forgotten.
To every veteran in our care, and to those in our community:
Thank you for your service. We are honored to walk beside you.