To Be Thanked for His Service

Our stories about meaningful experiences are written as they unfold. Therefore, most stories are in the present tense. Some of the patients in these stories are no longer with us. They, and their families, gave us permission to share their experience with you. For those who have since passed, we share these in their memories with deep appreciation for what they have taught us about life and living.

Honoring those who have served our country is one of our greatest joys. Not everyone understands how important it can be for a veteran to be formally recognized for their service, especially as the end of life nears. For some, these bedside ceremonies are the first time they’ve experienced that kind of recognition. For Jack, a Korean War veteran, being honored for his service meant more than we could have imagined.

Jack’s family shared with us that the Korean War was often referred to as “The Forgotten War,” and veterans who served in this war sometimes feel overlooked. Jack’s hospice team got to work on planning a recognition for his service. They reached out to Honor Flight Bluegrass, out of Louisville, and plans were underway to get Jack on the next flight to Washington, D.C. Although Jack appreciated the offer, he ultimately decided that a ceremony at home would be best, so we brought the honor flight to him.

On a chilly October evening, members from the local American Legion, along with a representative from Honor Flight Bluegrass, helped us recognize Jack for his dedicated service as a Korean War veteran. There were a few tears, but mostly big smiles and a lot of stories from Jack’s days in the Korean War. His sister said he’d long been waiting for this day – a day to be formally thanked.

How can you honor life during National Hospice & Palliative Care Month? Visit the #WeHonorLife campaign page to learn about all the ways you can help, from volunteering and shopping to helping us increase access to specialized care for the seriously ill and their families. Questions? Contact us at hospice@hospicecp.org or 859-986-1500 or visit our website.

Leave a Comment





Our Mission:

Hospice Care Plus empowers those we serve to enjoy the highest quality of life, respecting their values, beliefs, needs, and goals through specialized care, education, resources, and grief support.

Our Service Area:

Our Home Hospice and Home Palliative Care programs serve you, wherever you call home, in the Kentucky counties of Estill, Jackson, Lee, Madison, Owsley, and Rockcastle.

Our inpatient care facility, the Compassionate Care Center, and administrative offices are located in Richmond, Kentucky.

Recent News:

New Volunteer Training Saturday May 17

Hospice Care Plus is hosting an in-person training for new volunteers on Saturday, May 17, from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM,...

Rockin’ Derby Eve Benefit Friday May 2

Reservations are now open for the Derby Eve Benefit Party: Rockin' Derby Eve! This adult only event is the longest...

Gift A Day Of Care in 2025

Every Day Is a Gift at Hospice Care Plus. We have spent 43 years fulfilling our mission of providing compassionate...

Journaling Through Grief Series Hosted in Irvine

Hospice Care Plus is offering a new grief support series called Journaling Through Grief, starting Aug. 7 and ending Oct....

News & Events

kilted classic logo

Kilted Classic Coming Sept. 17

The first annual Kilted Classic is coming to Richmond on Thursday, Sept. 17. The University Club at Arlington will play host to the new event, created and organized by local attorney, golfer, and Celtic enthusiast, Jud Patterson. The fun begins Wednesday night, Sept. 16, at the Mule Barn at Arlington with a pre-party featuring singer-songwriter Ashley…

Sewing

To Get Back Home

Nancy Isaacs, a Hospice Care Plus nurse, now retired but with 20-plus years under her belt, will never forget one patient’s bucket-list story. “He hadn’t lived in our county very long,” remembers Nancy. “He was from a small town in eastern Kentucky, and his greatest wish was to have his body taken back there to be…

Leaves

Ace Hardware Event to Benefit Hospice

Bluegrass Ace Hardware in Richmond, with Case Ambassadors Joe and Kathy Litton, are hosting a Case Knife Event and donating a portion of the proceeds to Hospice Care Plus. The event is on Saturday, September 19, from 9am until noon. There is no cost to attend. During the event, fans and knife collectors can view and…

dueling pianos

Big Blue Madness & Dueling Pianos!

Hospice Care Plus is excited to announce a new fundraiser that combines Kentucky’s love for basketball with music, comedy, an auction, and great food. On Friday, October 16th, Hospice Care Plus will host “Dueling Pianos & Big Blue Madness,” a new event at RT’s Cafe in Richmond. The fun begins at 7pm. The night begins…