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 \u2014 many losing their lives.<\/p>\n
That\u2019s why Hospice of the Valley care teams are delighted to honor veteran patients in meaningful ways \u2014 whether that is a tribute visit by another veteran, a birthday party or even sharing a unique recognition for their years of service.<\/p>\n
That recognition came in the form of an emotional reception and book signing for Korean War veteran Bob Withers of Ahwatukee.<\/p>\n
He was excited to share his story with Imprints of Honor for the Library of Congress\u2019 Veteran History Project.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was a great opportunity to honor so many veterans,\u201d Bob shared. \u201cI won\u2019t ever forget this wonderful day!\u201d<\/p>\n
Dorothea \u201cDolly\u201d 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\u2019s Saluting Our Veterans program.<\/p>\n
The Phoenix resident served for three years in World War II, enlisting with WAVES \u2014 the women\u2019s branch of the Naval Reserve \u2014 as soon as she turned 20.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
WWII veteran Dolly Dworkin enlisted in the women\u2019s branch of the Naval Reserve at age 20.\u00a0<\/p>\n
(Hospice of the Valley\/Submitted)<\/p>\n
The daughter of a WWI Navy veteran, she looks back on her military career with fondness, sharing this bit of wisdom: \u201cWe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
When you\u2019re a proud veteran and your 100th birthday lands on Memorial Day, it calls for a celebration.<\/p>\n
Darrow \u201cBuzz\u201d Wehrman\u2019s care team was not going to let this important milestone slip by unnoticed. 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 \u2014 and even a birthday hat to match Buzz\u2019s shirt.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe makes a point of telling us at every visit how we are his friends,\u201d Jeri said. \u201cWe just adore him.\u201d<\/p>\n
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 \u2014 the war was over.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was the first time we had felt peace in a long time,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
That peace is something to celebrate each Independence Day with immense respect and gratitude for all the brave veterans like Bob, Dolly and Buzz who made it possible.<\/p>\n
Lin Sue Flood is director of Community Engagement at Hospice of the Valley.<\/p>\n
How to be saluted<\/p>\n