Center for Hospice Care Honors Veterans With 11th Annual Veterans Tribute Ceremony

On Tuesday, October 13, Center for Hospice Care’s Mishawaka Campus hosted its annual Veterans Tribute Ceremony, honoring the legacies of veterans among a mix of both civilians and service members. The ceremony saw the commemoration of various veteran tribute gifts, including plaques, bricks and a tree donated by multiple families to the Captain Robert J. Hiler Jr. Veterans Memorial.

The program included speaker Command Sergeant Major Jordan Willsey, currently serving in the U.S. Army Reserve.

To Willsey, the ceremony speaks to the impact veterans have on those around them.

“Being a veteran, it’s about that legacy. The legacy you leave is the opportunity, the memories, the relationships, the impact that goes on past you, whether it be the stories, the mentorship, the leadership, or even just the opportunity. That’s what being a veteran is—you’re creating the opportunity for generations to come. Whatever they do with that opportunity, that’s also your legacy,” Willsey said. “If I have an opportunity to come out here and inspire and remind people of the opportunity afforded to them by the legacy of all these veterans, it’s an honor for me to do that.”

This year marks the ceremony’s 11th year. As the event has continued over the years, Center for Hospice Care has found a steady way to observe it. Chris Taelman, chief development officer for Center for Hospice Care, shared his perspective on the event’s precision.

“We strive to provide a meaningful ceremony each year,” Taelman said. “We focus on recognizing the people who have sponsored various memorial items here along with those being memorialized.”

Taelman expressed his appreciation for the community support for Center for Hospice Care and its veteran initiatives, including this event.

“We hope that the families and veterans here today will feel our appreciation and our gratitude, especially the veterans who were here today,” Taelman said. “We also want to extend our thanks to the communities we serve. The generosity of many supports us in  providing care  to veterans.”

The ceremony recognized five veterans, including plaque recipients Thomas J. Eisele, U.S. Army, John S. Gleva Sr., U.S. Marine Corps and Steven “Tom” Keyser, U.S. Air Force. Brick recipients included Raymond F. Goepfrich, U.S. Air Force, and William Osterloo, U.S. Merchant Marines. This year, Center for Hospice Care also received a tree donation, dedicated to the honor and memory of all veterans.

Tribute gifts come from those seeking to honor loved ones who have served in the military. Individuals and families are able to purchase plaques or bricks, allowing their donations to aid Center for Hospice Care in its specialized veterans care initiatives.

Nationally, approximately 25% of hospice patients have served in the military. Center for Hospice Care’s patient population sees similar numbers. The organization is dedicated to creating a space conducive to the comfort and understanding of veterans and their specific needs as palliative patients, providing veteran-specific training to volunteers and staff, as well as working to provide veteran-oriented events or opportunities to those receiving care.

Taelman opened the event and served as the master of ceremonies for the evening. Miller’s Vets

Then posted the colors, followed by a welcome from Center for Hospice Care’s President and CEO, John Mastrojohn III.

“Today we gather not only to express our gratitude, but to reflect on the courage, the sacrifice, and the commitment of our veterans—those with us today, and those we are honoring in memory,” Mastrojohn said. “To those who have served in times of war and peace, we thank you.”

Mastrojohn then introduced Willsey as the main speaker of the evening.

“Behind each name is a lifetime of stories, relationships, accomplishments, and sacrifices that no ceremony can ever fully capture,” Willsey said. “And that’s why we’re here. Not simply to remember their military service, but to honor the lives they lived and the difference they made.”

He noted the bittersweet nature of the ceremony.

“To the families gathered here today, I recognize that this ceremony may bring a mixture of emotions: pride in your loved one’s service, sadness in remembering their absence, and perhaps comfort in knowing their names and contributions will continue to be remembered. I hope, also, you recognize something else,” Willsey said. “Your loved one’s legacy isn’t confined to this memorial; it lives in you. It lives in the stories you share, the traditions you preserve, and the values you pass on to your children and your grandchildren.”

Following Willsey’s speech, Trevor Foley, chaplain for Center for Hospice Care, led a prayer, then dedicated the donated items. The ceremony closed with the retiring of colors and attendees were invited to move to the Center for Hospice Care Conference Center for a reception including refreshments.

Throughout the event, the hope of carrying forward the legacies of those who served remained strong. Willsey pointed to this as the most important way civilians can continue to honor the veterans around them.

“Each veteran has a story, and none are alike. Whatever those stories are, those memories you had with a veteran in your life, remember and honor that,” Willsey said. “Use every opportunity you get to honor the legacy of that veteran.”

For more information about Center for Hospice Care’s specialized veteran program, you can visit this page or call 574-243-3100. For more information about the organization, you can visit its site.