The “No Veteran Dies Alone” program’s aim is to ensure that Veterans are honored by a volunteer or staff member within 72 hours before their passing. It does this by meeting the unfulfilled needs of those Veterans who find themselves alone at the end of their life.
“In the tender and vulnerable moments of life’s closing chapter, solitude often looms for some of our nation’s finest heroes,” said Orlando VA Chaplain Eunice Smith. “These Veterans who have sacrificed so much of their lives to our nation find comfort in the compassionate arms of a dedicated team with the noble mission of ensuring their transition into the great beyond is met with the same unwavering commitment they once offered to us all.”
The program is personal
For Smith, the program is personal. Her brother, Elois Woodard, was one of five brothers drafted into the Armed Services. He was a Marine and Purple Heart recipient who served in the Korean War.
“Prior to passing away, he had wandered out of his home in the early morning hours in the cold streets of San Francisco and succumbed to the elements all alone,” she shared.
A poignant incident involving nurse Kiley Hilderbrandt caring for a Veteran also underscored the urgency of the program’s importance. Hilderbrandt recalled a situation with a Veteran’s daughter who needed to leave her father to tend to her young child. The Veteran eventually passed away with nursing staff by his bedside.
Due to Hilderbrandt’s experience, she reached out to Cristina Mercado Acevedo, Center of Development and Civic Engagement chief, to inquire about what options may be available for special circumstances.
“We deal with oncology patients and they sometimes don’t have families that are available toward the end of their life,” said nurse Allexius Harrell. “Especially during the midnight shift when families are not present. Having someone there for Veterans during this time makes a world of difference.”
Since June 2023, the program has grown significantly. “One hundred per cent of the Veterans who qualified for program have been served thus far. Plans for the expansion of the program are currently underway and there is no shortage of volunteers willing to help,” Hildebrandt said.
“Veterans weren’t alone in the battlefield, so they should not be alone at the end of their life,” Harrell said.
Volunteers provide activities and companionship
Numerous volunteers have voiced their eagerness to spend time with those Veterans who lack companionship before reaching the end of their life.
“We have established a new companionship program allowing volunteers to engage with Veterans, build meaningful relationships and provide comfort before the end-of-life process has begun,” Acevedo said. “Dedicated volunteers provide books, games, puzzles and other activities to share with Veterans to help with fostering connection and moments of companionship.”
The program upholds our organization’s sacred promise, “by honoring Veterans in their final moments, being present with them and expressing our genuine compassion, we ensure that a gentle embrace of humanity accompanies them as they leave their incredible mark in our memories,” said Hospital Director Timothy J. Cooke. “We should all be just as hopeful that when our time comes, others will extend a similar hand of dignity and compassion.”
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