Dr. David Tribble

Some time ago at a National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization session on care for veterans, the speaker asked all the veterans in the room to stand up. Then she asked if anyone still seated had been in the service and worn the uniform, and about as many more stood up (including me).

She told us, “You are veterans, too.”

I served as a physician in the United States Air Force for 7 years, remained stateside the entire time, and never saw combat, though I certainly spent enough time with its aftermath. I also delivered babies, cared for the families, and saw to the health of active duty servicepeople, and I have a keen appreciation of just what that life demands both of the service people and their families.

Somehow, I have always considered all of them veterans, but myself less so. I got to do for them what I love to do, never had to leave my home to do it, and had the benefit of experiences I would never have had in any other setting.

Other veterans have left their families behind for remote tours and moved themselves and their families every few months or years. Many have been in harm’s way and changed both mentally and physically for the rest of their lives. They have given and continue to give much more than was ever asked of me.

So I salute all of you who have served, who serve now, and who will serve in the maintenance of the freedoms we enjoy. I am glad we have matured as a nation to the point where we properly honor our veterans, particularly those who have seen combat, but also those who have served and supported them and their families. I am humbled to be considered part of that group.

I am also proud that the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization encourages all of us to have specific programs for veterans, whose palliative care and hospice needs are unique, and who have earned all we have to offer them.

A proud Veterans Day to you all.

Dr. David Tribble is Alive Hospice’s chief medical officer.

Barbara Cannon

I visited Arlington National Cemetery recently. What a national treasure and what a treasure trove of history! 

Understandably it’s one of the most often visited sites in the Washington, D.C. area. All the numerous national and international visitors assume a respectful, dignified air when walking about the grounds. One cannot help but be moved by viewing the JFK Memorial and the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. 

There is no higher honor than for a Veteran to rest at Arlington; one is moved beyond description to witness in the distance a full military service. This Veterans Day, let us remember their exquisite service to our country … for all of us.

Photos by Barbara Cannon (click to enlarge).

Barbara Cannon is Alive Hospice’s interim CEO.

Among those in attendance at Alive Hospice’s Nov. 9 salute to veterans were Mr. Joseph L. King (left), who served in the United States Air Force for nearly 37 years, and World War II veteran Mr. Bill Lundy, who served in the Army Air Corps. (Photos by Sara Pérez)

Alive Hospice held a special tribute to our nation’s veterans on Nov. 9, the nonprofit agency’s way of saying thank you to those who have served their country with honor. Flying over the assembled crowd was a new American flag, which was raised for the occasion and dedicated to veterans. The salute also included the Pledge of Allegiance; a live rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner”; and the playing of “Taps” by Pat Kunkee of the Nashville Symphony. Alive Hospice Chief Medical Officer (and blogger) Dr. David Tribble and Metro Councilwoman Erica Gilmore offered remarks to celebrate the occasion, expressing great gratitude to all veterans and the importance of honoring them.

Veterans have a proud legacy of service and sacrifice, and honoring one’s legacy is an important aspect of the hospice philosophy. This event, which coincided with National Hospice and Palliative Care Month, also served as an important reminder: Just as veterans were there for their nation in a time of need, hospice care is here for veterans in their time of need.

We salute you, veterans, and we thank you.

Today is Veterans Day, and we join with the rest of the nation in celebrating and saluting those who have served our country.

Mrs. Katie White holds a portrait of her husband,    Mr. Joseph C. White, who was a Tuskegee Airman and    an Alive Hospice patient.

People like Mr. Joseph C. White and Mr. James Ladd, who both served in World War II and were Alive Hospice patients.

Mrs. Katie White knew her husband, Joseph C. White, was a wonderful person when she married him. There was something she didn’t know about him, though, until after they wed in 1963. Something he had never talked about. Mr. White was one of the Tuskegee Airmen, the United States’ first squadron of African-American fighter pilots.

“He really was very proud to be a Tuskegee Airman,” Mrs. White said. “He said that he felt it was his duty to do what he did for the United States. He said he didn’t feel like the country owed him anything. (The Tuskegee Airmen) did it because they wanted to do it.”

As Mrs. White learned later, Mr. White flew many a mission over Germany, North Africa and Italy during World War II. His duty was to protect bomber aircraft from enemy fire. His unit, the 332nd Fighter Group (which came to be called “The Redtails”), never lost a bomber that flew under their escort.

Many years after his distinguished military career, Mr. White fought a battle of a different kind: cancer. When his illness became terminal, Mr. White and his family turned to Alive Hospice for comfort and support. He died in 2007.

Mr. James Ladd, who was an Alive Hospice patient, was a proud    veteran of World War II. He is pictured with medals he earned during    his military service.

Like Mr. White, Mr. James Ladd took great pride in serving his country during World War II.

Mr. Ladd was a gunner with the 738th Tank Battalion who helped liberate the Buchenwald concentration camp in 1945 and fought in the Battle of the Bulge.

“I was just a boy when I went in, 19 years old,” he said.

Of all of the things he did in life, Mr. Ladd said without hesitation that his military career was one of the things he was proudest of. He died in 2008.

Alive Hospice salutes Mr. White, Mr. Ladd and all veterans who have served their country over the years.