Gilchrist Honors Veterans With Dedicated Programs and Events

Gilchrist Honors Veterans With Dedicated Programs and Events

After fighting in the Vietnam War for three years, William T. Hill returned to the United States proudly wearing his military uniform. The Army sergeant was not greeted warmly at the airport. Quite the opposite.

Strangers verbally assaulted him for taking part in the controversial conflict. “The reception,” he said, “was awful.” In response, he dodged into a restroom to change into civilian clothes.

Sadly, Hill’s experience was not uncommon. Countless service members met with extreme hostility, vile accusations, and intimidation tactics.

But thankfully, Hill and others are now doing all they can to provide veterans with the recognition and honor they deserve while in Gilchrist’s care.

As part of Gilchrist’s “We Honor Veterans” initiative, Hill and a large corps of volunteer veterans offer a variety of thoughtful programs to patients and families and events throughout the community to recognize and celebrate those who have served our nation in the military.

A few of Gilchrist’s “We Honor Veterans” programs include:

• Salute to Service Tributes. Volunteers who served in the U.S. military host special ceremonies for seriously ill or dying veterans to show appreciation for all they’ve done for our country. 
• Veterans History Project. Gilchrist, in collaboration with U.S. Library of Congress, is collecting and making accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans to ensure that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war.
• Operation Gratitude. Veteran volunteers visit K-12 students to share stories about their service. In return, young people make cards of gratitude that Gilchrist distributes to veterans on various occasions.
• Vet to Vet Task Force. Veterans and active-duty military volunteers provide companionship and friendship to veterans with serious illness. 
• Veteran’s Day Celebrations. In 2022, Gilchrist’s volunteer team of military vets conducted an hour-long program at 15 long-term care facilities throughout Central Maryland, all of them featuring patriotic stories, remembrances, and music for all residents.

Gilchrist also hosts an annual Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day Celebration to honor veterans and their families free of charge. This year’s event will be held on Saturday, March 25, 2023, at Martin’s West in Baltimore County, starting at 8:30 a.m. The keynote address will be delivered by Robert “Rocky” Bleier, who defied the medical odds by becoming an NFL superstar after suffering serious injuries while fighting in the Vietnam War as a member of the U.S. Army.

Gilchrist is devoted to meeting the unique needs of our veterans and thanking them for their sacrifice and service to our country. To learn more about supporting or volunteering for Gilchrist’s “We Honor Veteran’s program, contact Kimberlee McDonnell, at kmcdonnell@gilchristcare.org or 443.849.8337. We also invite you to register for the Welcome Home Day Celebration.