Veteran Volunteer Fills Unique Role

There is a certain bond that veterans have with one another that is not affected by time, age differences or branch of service. Veteran volunteers have a special knack for understanding the unique needs and challenges of their fellow veterans, and our goal is to help ease some of the issues that veterans and their families may face at the end of life.

A veteran and volunteer since 2007, Scott McNeil has provided a direct service to many Hospice patients and families, including fellow veterans. Scott says it is meaningful to him to connect with veterans during visits. He gets particular joy from hearing stories about their lives and of their
time in service.

Some of the most valuable things a veteran volunteer can provide include:

• An empathetic, listening ear
• Bedside compassionate presence for dying veterans
• Emotional support for families
• Help with writing life reviews or letters
• Socialization or companionship for veterans and their families

If you are a veteran and would like to learn more about helping our veteran patients and their families, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator at 240-566-3038. We’re more than happy to speak with you and answer any questions you
may have.