Volunteers Honoring Veterans Centra Hospice

David Kinzer began serving alongside his wife, Judy, as a volunteer for Centra Hospice around four years ago. His wife had chosen to volunteer at hospice because of the meaningful care her late mother had received as a patient, but Kinzer’s personal desire to volunteer came from his admiration for the hospice partnership with the We Honor Veterans Program.

We Honor Veteran’s conducts pinning ceremonies for veterans currently in the care of hospice. In this ceremony, the veteran’s service and sacrifice is recognized by other veterans who lead the service. Additionally, the veteran being honored receives an American flag, a commemorative plaque, and a special veteran’s pin.

Having served in the United States Army Corps of Engineers for three and a half years, Kinzer found that he was able to build intentional connections with veterans who were being cared for by Centra Hospice through the We Honor Veterans Program. One such notable connection, was a patient who had also served in the Army Corps of Engineers. The patient’s nickname when he served in the military was Rabbit, so Kinzer began calling him Rabbit and visiting him after they had conducted his pinning ceremony.

When asked how long he anticipates serving with Centra Hospice, Kinzer said, “I’m pushing 80 so as long as I can.” He also shared that it has been a pleasure to serve as a volunteer at Centra Hospice because of the joy that is brought to veterans through the recognition provided by the We Honor Veterans Program and because he believes it is important to let local veterans know that they are not forgotten.