By Lin Sue Flood
Photos courtesy Hospice of the Valley
Apple pie and hot dogs often take center stage on the Fourth of July, but the real stars are the men and women who served and sacrificed for our country. They dedicated their lives to protecting our freedoms — many losing their lives.
That’s why Hospice of the Valley care teams are delighted to honor veteran patients in meaningful ways — whether that is a tribute visit by another veteran, a birthday party or even sharing a unique recognition for their years of service.
That recognition came in the form of an emotional reception and book signing for Korean War veteran Bob Withers of Ahwatukee. He was excited to share his story with Imprints of Honor for the Library of Congress’ Veteran History Project. The proud 96-year-old Marine asked his Hospice of the Valley chaplain, Kody Kness, and daughter, Lauren, to attend the recent event with him at Scottsdale Stadium to commemorate the 3,000th veteran interview for this national endeavor. “It was a great opportunity to honor so many veterans,” Bob shared. “I won’t ever forget this wonderful day!”
Dorothea “Dolly” Dworkin, 102, was thrilled when her care team arranged for a tribute visit from volunteer Charles Roth, who is part of Hospice of the Valley’s Saluting Our Veterans program. The Phoenix resident served for three years in World War II, enlisting with WAVES — the women’s branch of the Naval Reserve — as soon as she turned 20. After her discharge, Dolly met her husband at a party for returning soldiers and sailors. They were married for 70 years and raised three children. The daughter of a WWI Navy veteran, she looks back on her military career with fondness, sharing this bit of wisdom: “We are so lucky that we live in this country. Anything that you can do, whatever way you pick to do it, you can make this country better.”
When you’re a proud veteran and your 100th birthday lands on Memorial Day, it calls for a celebration! Darrow “Buzz” Wehrman’s care team was not going to let this important milestone slip by unnoticed, so Hospice of the Valley nurses Sheri Pape and Carrie Aragon and social worker Jeri Reid planned a wonderful surprise party with fancy party decorations, cake and presents — and even a birthday hat to match Buzz’s shirt! “He makes a point of telling us at every visit how we are his friends,” Jeri said. “We just adore him!” When asked to share his favorite memory of his military service, the Mesa centenarian stopped everyone in their tracks with this amazing story: As he and his fellow soldiers were getting off the ship in the Philippines, they were told to go back — the war was OVER! “It was the first time we had felt peace in a long time,” he shared.
That peace is something we all celebrate each Independence Day with immense respect and gratitude for all the brave veterans like Bob, Dolly and Buzz who make it possible.
Lin Sue Flood is director of Community Engagement at Hospice of the Valley.
