November is National Veteran and Military Families Month, a time to recognize the service and sacrifice of those who have worn our nation’s uniform and the families who have supported them along the way.
Throughout the year, Heart to Heart Hospice has had the privilege of sharing stories of veterans whose lives, leadership and dedication continue to inspire us. Some are patients we have been honored to serve. Others are team members and volunteers whose military experiences shaped the people they are today. As we observe National Veteran and Military Families Month, we invite you to revisit a few of these inspiring stories.
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Norman Eugene Haynes: A Life of Service and Community
On what would have been his 100th birthday (July 15), Heart to Heart Hospice remembered and celebrated the life of Norman Eugene Haynes, a World War II Navy veteran who served from 1944 to 1946 as a Ship’s Cook Third Class. Following his military service, Norman devoted himself to his family, community and fellow veterans, spending decades supporting organizations including the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Masonic Lodge.
Shortly before his passing, Heart to Heart Hospice’s Muncie, Indiana team was honored to recognize Norman through a Veteran Pinning Ceremony as part of our We Honor Veterans partnership. Surrounded by family and members of his care team, he received a certificate of appreciation, Veteran pin and challenge coin in recognition of a lifetime marked by service, commitment and compassion. View Norman’s obituary. Learn more.
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Judith K. Stryczek: Service in Uniform and Beyond
The Heart to Heart Hospice Valparaiso, Indiana team had the privilege this year of honoring Judith K. Stryczek through Heart to Heart Hospice’s Veteran Recognition Program. Judith served 25 years in the Army Reserves and spent decades as a nursing educator, helping shape and mentor future generations of healthcare professionals.
Her commitment to serving others did not end with her military career. Through both her military service and her work in education, Judith dedicated her life to caring for others and making a meaningful difference in her community. We are proud to celebrate her remarkable legacy and express our gratitude for her years of service. Learn more.
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Gary Beasy: Continuing a Life of Service
After serving in the U.S. Army in Thailand and achieving the rank of E-5, Gary Beasy continued a lifetime of leadership and dedication through a 32-year career with Goshen Sash and Door, including 26 years as plant manager. Today, he remains committed to helping others through volunteer work with Heart to Heart Hospice alongside his beloved therapy dog, Henry in Eastern Indiana.
Gary’s passion for service continues to guide his life. As he shared, “God continues to use me to help people.” Whether in uniform, in the workplace or through his volunteer efforts, Gary’s story reflects the enduring spirit of service that so many veterans carry with them throughout their lives. Learn more.
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Sgt. First Class Santiago Vasquez: A Legacy of Courage and Service
On National Purple Heart Day, Heart to Heart Hospice’s Houston, Texas team had the privilege of honoring Sgt. First Class Santiago Vasquez, a proud Purple Heart veteran whose military service spanned more than 40 years in the United States Army.
Surrounded by family, fellow soldiers and members of our team, Sgt. First Class Vasquez was recognized during a special pinning ceremony celebrating his extraordinary dedication to our country. The gathering included words of appreciation, a heartfelt poem shared by a Heart to Heart Hospice social worker and time spent together reflecting on a lifetime of service and sacrifice.
The ceremony served as a moving reminder of the courage, resilience and commitment demonstrated by our nation’s veterans. Learn more.
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Regina Calder: Honoring a Veteran’s Story
The Heart to Heart Hospice team in Indianapolis, Indiana was honored to recognize patient, Regina Calder, a proud U.S. Army veteran whose 12½ years of military service reflected a deep commitment to her country and fellow service members.
During a special Veteran Pinning Ceremony, Regina received a challenge coin and recognition for her service. The ceremony was especially touching because it was led by Courtney Hardy, Heart to Heart Hospice Spiritual Care Coordinator, a member of the American Legion and a U.S. Navy veteran. One veteran honoring another created a powerful bond rooted in mutual appreciation.
As part of the celebration, Regina shared photos and memories from her time in the Army, giving our team a glimpse into the experiences that helped shape her life. It was a privilege to listen to her story, recognize her sacrifices and express our gratitude for her service. We are honored to celebrate Regina and the many veterans entrusted to our care. Learn more.
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Honoring Veterans and Military Families
Every veteran’s story is unique, but each reflects a shared commitment to service, sacrifice and love of country. During National Veteran and Military Families Month, we extend our heartfelt gratitude not only to those who served, but also to the spouses, children, parents and loved ones who supported them along the way.
It is a privilege to care for veterans and military families, to listen to their stories and to help preserve the legacies they leave behind. We thank them for their service and are honored to celebrate them this month and throughout the year.
We are grateful for the opportunity to honor Veterans through our Veteran Supported Care program. This year alone, we have been privileged to conduct numerous recognition ceremonies for those who served our country, with many more taking place across the communities we serve. Learn more and see one of these special ceremonies here. Click here to listen to our Heart to Heart Conversation with Schana Rosales, Director of Veteran Outreach and Education at Heart to Heart Hospice.
