Honoring Our Veterans

For over a decade, Hospice of Orange & Sullivan Counties has partnered with the Veterans Administration to provide compassionate end-of-life care for our nation’s veterans. Only about 4% of veterans receive VA services at the end of life, making local hospice support critical.

We collaborate closely with the Palliative Care team at Castle Point VA Hospital, helping manage symptoms and providing additional services tailored to veterans’ unique needs. When families are unable to care for a veteran at home, we can also coordinate admission to the Castle Point palliative care inpatient unit.

Hospice of Orange & Sullivan has achieved Level V Community Partner status through the We Honor Veterans program, developed by the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization in partnership with the VA. This distinction recognizes our commitment to veteran-centered care, including staff and volunteer education, strategic partnerships, and meaningful veteran recognition.

Through respectful inquiry, compassionate listening, and grateful acknowledgment, we strive to honor the service of veterans and support the families who care for them.

Vet-to-Vet Volunteer Program

Hospice of Orange & Sullivan is committed to providing compassionate, veteran-centered end-of-life care. Our Vet-to-Vet Volunteer Program pairs Veteran patients with Veteran volunteers, offering camaraderie, bedside reminiscing, participation in veteran recognition events, and assistance with obtaining unawarded military medals.

After completing volunteer training, volunteers can support veterans in their preferred geographic area or at the Kaplan Family Hospice Residence.

We are currently seeking Veteran volunteers to join this meaningful program. Contact our Volunteer Department for more information.

Honor Salute Program

As part of our commitment to serving Veterans, Hospice of Orange & Sullivan honors every hospice patient who has served in the military with a ceremony of their choosing. Each honoree receives a pin, framed certificate of service, patriotic lap quilt or blanket, and a thank-you card from a child.

With the family’s consent, we partner with local Veteran organizations to have fellow Veterans provide a salute, giving our honorees the opportunity to salute back. This meaningful program allows Veterans to give back in a uniquely veteran way—through recognition, respect, and gratitude.