We Honor Veterans
We Honor Veterans is a program designed to thank veterans and their families for their sacrifice and service to our country.
Veteran Support
Gilchrist works together with local VA offices and as a result, hospice providers are better equipped to understand the complex end-of-life care needs of veterans. Gilchrist ensures that this special group is recognized and respected. We do this through important discussions, life review and special salute to service ceremonies.
Our Commitment
Since July 2012, Gilchrist has completed four levels of the We Honor Veterans partnership program. As a result, we have made great strides in our ability to better serve veterans and their families. By earning the four-star program rating, we show our commitment to providing the highest quality end-of-life care for veterans.
Salute to Service Ceremonies
Gilchrist’s Salute to Service initiative recognizes our hospice patients who are veterans. It is a powerful tribute of appreciation for the veteran’s service to our country. Most often it is the last public thank you they will receive.
Working with the veteran’s family, Gilchrist staff and members of our Veteran Volunteer Task Force, who arrive in dress uniform, conduct a formal ceremony. Veterans are presented with a military service lapel pin, certificate and hand knit American flag blanket. Our veteran volunteers give the salute command then turn and salute the patient. Often patients return the salute.
This unique program gives pride and peace to our veterans while bringing together family and friends to celebrate their loved one’s military service.
Gilchrist has performed hundreds of special, and even large-scale, salute to service ceremonies for veterans over the years. Please take a moment to view some of their stories.
Intentional Veteran Support
At Gilchrist, we are deeply committed to supporting our veterans through various initiatives and programs. From our specialized We Honor Veterans program to tailored services and resources, we honor the service and sacrifice of our veterans. Our dedicated team ensures veterans receive the recognition, care, and support they deserve, providing specialized care tailored to their unique needs. Additionally, we offer educational and outreach programs to raise awareness and support for veterans and their families. Explore some of the ways we are making a difference.
Vet-to-Vet
Task Force
This volunteer-based service provides active duty or veteran outreach to our veteran hospice population.
Nothing can compare to the intrinsic bond, trust and camaraderie of someone who understands the military experience.
Veterans History Project
Veteran volunteers accompany students to interview our veteran patients about their military service. Then they submit the written or recorded work to the American Folklife Center of the Library of Congress. This will help future generations to better understand the realities of war.
Operation Gratitude
Veteran volunteers visit local elementary, middle and high school students. While there, they read to students and share their stories about service to our country.
In return, the children make cards of gratitude that we give to veterans during our tributes.
Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Celebration
Every year, Gilchrist hosts a Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Celebration, honoring the courage and sacrifice of our veterans. This event, coinciding with Maryland’s Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day, stands as a testament to our commitment to veterans’ unique needs and our gratitude for their service. As part of the celebration, veterans can explore resources, enjoy food, and connect with fellow service members. It’s a poignant gathering, amplifying the voices and experiences of our veterans.
We Need More Thank You Cards For Our Veterans
Our veteran volunteers have not been able to go to schools this past year where they normally ask students to make cards thanking veterans. Those cards are then given to veterans during Salute to Service Tributes. We are asking you to help us to spread the word that we are in need of more cards from students! Hand-made or store-bought cards will be accepted, we just ask that the message focuses on thanking veterans for their service and sacrifice and not on getting well or feeling better.
Cards can be mailed to:
Gilchrist
Attn: We Honor Veterans program
11311 McCormick Rd, Ste. 350
Hunt Valley, MD 21031
We Honor Veterans Newsletter
Gilchrist is dedicated to honoring those who have served our country in the military. We publish an e-newsletter for military veterans and their families focusing on the veterans under our care.
The purpose of this newsletter is to connect and inform veterans and includes:
- Stories about veterans
- Information from state and national veteran organizations
- Updates on events for veterans (e.g., We Honor Vietnam Veterans Welcome Home event)
- News about services available to veterans
- Military humor
To receive copies of our We Honor Veterans Newsletter or to request previous editions, please contact Kim McDonnell, We Honor Veterans Coordinator, at kmcdonnell@gilchristcares.org.
Support our We Honor Veterans Program
Supporting our We Honor Veterans program is a meaningful way to give back to those who served our country. If you’re a veteran yourself, consider volunteering your time to support fellow veterans receiving care through Gilchrist. Your unique perspective and shared experiences can provide invaluable support and companionship to those in need. Additionally, donations directly to Gilchrist help sustain and expand our programs, ensuring that we can continue to provide comprehensive care to veterans and their families. Your contribution, whether through volunteerism or donations, makes a significant difference in the lives of those who have served.
Learn More About Our We Honor Veterans Program
