Article Library Video Library Definitions

Saluting Our Valued Veterans

Author

VITAS HEALTHCARE SWFL

For more information about the author, click to view their website: VITAS Healthcare

Posted on

Nov 07, 2024

Book/Edition

Florida - Southwest

Email US

Click to Email Us

To show honor and respect to the veterans of Charter Senior Living in Gainesville, Florida, VITAS unveiled a veteran wall of honor in July. The memorial wall features the names and pictures of residents who have served in the U.S. military during World War II, the Korean War, and other armed conflicts.

We want to serve those who served us first.-Christina Coffield, VITAS representative

The event featured a ribbon cutting by the Gainesville Chamber of Commerce and a pinning ceremony led by Officer Patrick Treese, a Coast Guard veteran and head of Newberry High School’s Academy of Criminal Justice, along with the up-and-coming generation of service members.

The following veterans received pins:

William Evans, National Guard
Jacob Feaster, Army & Air Force
Wilbur Groves, Air Force
Norman Hallock, Army
Robert “Bruce” Jones, Navy
Jerome Leyendecker, Army
Anthony Messina, Marine Corps
John Saffer, Navy
Fred Snellgrove, Army
Richard Wheeler, Army & Navy

In proxy, Rosalie Spada, who is the oldest living Korean War female Marine, also received a pin.

Making It Personal

William Evans receives a pin for his service — William Evans, who served in the National Guard, receives a pin for his service from criminal justice student Keegan Lowrey.

Christina Coffield, the daughter of a veteran and the VITAS representative who led the event coordination, said: “Gainesville veterans are close to our heart. During the pandemic, we partnered with students who wrote 4,000 letters expressing their thanks to veterans for the freedoms they enjoy today. We want to serve those who served us first.”

Echoing this sentiment was Angela Hamrick, general manager for VITAS in the Nature Coast.

"At VITAS, every day is Veterans Day,” said Angela. “Our experts are trained to help meet the unique needs veterans face as they near the end of life, and our dedicated hospice teams provide compassionate care to improve their quality of life. Through pain and symptom management, VITAS can help them make the most of their remaining time."

Other VITAS team members showed their appreciation and regard for the sacrifices of these veterans by attending the ceremony, including Director of Market Development Donald Bussey, Rep Isaiah Brinza, Volunteer Manager Lynda Schladant, and Army veteran volunteer Lacey Wallace.

Recognition on a Statewide Level

Community and state leaders also joined the day's events to honor the veterans.

Dirk Frazel, regional field director for the Republican Party of Florida, read a letter of commendation from Governor Ron DeSantis and Senator Marco Rubio for VITAS' work in honoring and upholding the community's veterans.

Following the presentation, representatives from the Veterans Administration offered education to veterans and their families on how to maximize their benefits. VITAS partners with veterans to determine benefits and serves as a resource for advance care planning, including for those who are not patients.

Since 2019, the Gainesville community has welcomed VITAS hospice teams in delivering compassionate care to patients and their families at home throughout Alachua County and the Nature Coast.

Leaders from Charter at the veterans wall — VITAS Rep Christina Coffield (center) poses with Executive Director Christine Rodriguez (L) and Director of Health and Wellness Raven Monroe, RN, of Charter Senior Living.

VITAS team in front of the veterans wall — Gainesville’s VITAS team (from left): Lacey Wallace, Army veteran volunteer; Lynda Schladant, volunteer manager; Christina Coffield and Isaiah Brinza, VITAS reps; and Donald Bussey, director of market development.

To view the original version of this article visit www.vitas.com/family-and-caregiver-support/vitas-stories/2022/july/saluting-our-valued-veterans
Seniors Blue Book was not involved in the creation of this content.

Other Articles You May Like

Holiday Visits: Prepare the Home, Protect Your Peace

A warm welcome doesn't require a perfect house. Whether family is coming for an afternoon or staying a few nights, a little planning now can make holiday gatherings more comfortable for everyone.1. Have the conversation earlyConfirm dates, overnight arrangements, food preferences, and any mobility needs. Let guests know what works for you, including visit length and quiet time.2. Create a comfortable place to landFresh linens, a clear bedside surface, and an easy-to-reach lamp can make a guest space feel welcoming. No guest room? Agree on sleeping arrangements ahead of time.3. Make movement easierClear hallways and stairs, secure or remove loose rugs, and check lighting between sleeping areas and bathrooms. Keep frequently used items within comfortable reach.4. Put safety before tidinessStore medications securely, especially when children are visiting. Check smoke and carbon monoxide alarms according to the manufacturer's instructions, and keep exits clear.5. Share the hostingInvite family to bring a dish, help with cleanup, or organize an activity. Keep meals simple and make room for breaks. Being together matters more than doing everything yourself.6. Make space for connectionSet out a few family photos, plan a favorite game, or ask guests to share a memory. Often, the simplest traditions are the ones everyone remembers.

Night of Wonder at The Ringling

A New Chapter Deserves a Thoughtful Beginning.

A New Chapter Deserves a Thoughtful Beginning.Choosing a senior living community is an important life decision. But what happens between making that decision and feeling truly settled?At Silk Road Connection, we work directly for you and your family, providing personalized planning, professional coordination, and oversight of the many details involved in transitioning to senior living.Our goal is simple: Less stress for families. More time to enjoy what comes next.Founder-Directed Team DeliveredSchedule a complimentary consultation. [email protected] silkroadconnection.org

View Details

VITAS Healthcare

Support Groups & Services 12751 Westlinks Drive, Fort Myers, Florida, 33913

VITAS Healthcare is a leading provider of hospice and palliative care, dedicated to helping patients with advanced illnesses live with comfort, dignity, and quality of life. Since opening its first Florida office in 1981, VITAS has provided compassionate, personalized care to patients and families wherever they call home, including private residences, assisted living communities, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities.VITAS offers a comprehensive range of services, including hospice care, pain and symptom management, 24/7 telecare support, inpatient hospice care, respite care, emotional and spiritual counseling, social work services, and grief and bereavement support. Its interdisciplinary care teams include physicians, nurses, hospice aides, social workers, chaplains, volunteers, and other specially trained professionals who work together to support patients and their loved ones. VITAS also provides specialized services for veterans and complementary therapies to enhance comfort and well-being.South Florida Office Locations and Service Areas: Collier County: 239-649-2300 Lee, Glades, and Hendry Counties: 863-301-5450 Broward County: 954-486-4085 Miami-Dade and Monroe Counties: 305-420-2800 Palm Beach County: 561-364-1479 Treasure Coast: 772-301-6500VITAS Healthcare is committed to providing compassionate end-of-life care, personalized support, and guidance for patients and families throughout South Florida. Care specialists are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.For more information about hospice services and local office locations, visit VITAS Healthcare's website.

View Details