As the year draws to a close, Hospice of the Northwest celebrates a major milestone: Richard Fink, a dedicated volunteer and fellow veteran, is on track to complete 150 Veteran Pinning Ceremonies for hospice patients by the end of 2024 or start of 2025. Richard’s contribution has left a profound impact on the lives of many veterans and their families, who find solace in knowing their service and legacy are being honored in a meaningful way during their final days.
The Veteran Pinning Ceremony, offered to each Military Veteran under Hospice of the Northwest’s care, is more than a tradition—it’s a moment of deep recognition and respect, specifically designed to honor each veteran’s unique service. By matching veteran patients with volunteers who also served in the military, Hospice of the Northwest creates an instant, familial bond, rooted in shared experiences and mutual understanding. Richard’s work exemplifies this connection, as he brings not only compassion but also a shared background, understanding, and deep respect to these ceremonies.
Supporting Those Who Served
Nearly a third of the patients Hospice of the Northwest serves are veterans, ranging from WWII and Korean War veterans to those who served in more recent conflicts. Hospice of the Northwest partners with the national We Honor Veterans program, which collaborates with the Department of Veterans Affairs to bring a high level of veteran-focused care. This partnership ensures that the unique needs of veterans are met through specialized services like trauma-informed care, veteran-to-veteran volunteer matching, and pinning ceremonies.
Richard’s dedication goes beyond ceremonial recognition. His care for fellow veterans was exemplified in his work with patient Bobby Keenan, a Vietnam War veteran who tragically lost his Purple Heart Medal in a house fire. Recognizing the significance of this loss, Richard collaborated with Hospice of the Northwest to replace the cherished medal, presenting it to Bobby and his family in a heartfelt ceremony. This kind of compassion and commitment to supporting veteran patients highlights the profound impact veteran-to-veteran volunteers like Richard have on the lives of those they serve.
Hospice of the Northwest’s commitment to veterans extends beyond ceremonies—it’s about meeting patients where they are, listening to what matters most to them, and providing care that honors their service, values, and memories. Thank you Richard Fink, for your service to our country and our volunteers.
For more information about how you can support veteran care, or to learn about our services, please call (360) 814-5550.