Tracy Rosinski, regional veteran liaison for ProMedica Home Health and Hospice agencies in Wisconsin and Northern Illinois, tells her story about a conversation she had with a veteran that helped her realize it is important to have a specific intention behind each "thank you".

“As a civilian whenever I would meet a man or woman who served our country in the military, I would say, 'thank you for your service'. My words were well-intentioned and came from a sincere place.

This was until I met Jim. Jim was introduced to me as a Marine who served in the Korean War; more specifically, the Chosin Reservoir. I instinctively thanked Jim for his service.

I was not familiar with this battle, the Chosin Reservoir. I did not remember learning about it in high school so long ago and I had never met someone who spoke about it. That night I looked up the Chosin Reservoir.  I was in tears. My tears were not because of the insane conditions these men were fighting in—and against.  My tears came from a place of embarrassment. I thanked Jim without knowing the true service and sacrifice he gave our country. At this point, my thank you felt empty. I had met someone who fought in one of the most savage battles in Marine Corp history. The next day, I was with Jim again and told him about my research the night before. I offered him an apology for my ignorance when I thanked him the day prior. I asked Jim if I could thank him appropriately. I explained that I had no idea of the battle he served in and thanked him for teaching me a very important lesson that I would remember when thanking Veterans in the future. We embraced and from that day began to develop a strong friendship.

When Jim and I would meet, I learned a little more about him as a person, as a father, as a husband. I became friends with someone who served as a frontline machine gunner and a squad leader in 5 major battles, including the battle of the Chosin Reservoir. I learned that Jim was a recipient of several military decorations including the Purple Heart Medal for injuries he received on the battlefield. I learned about Jim’s story.

Those who served in the military have his or her own story surrounding time in service and individual sacrifices were made. Not all stories are the same and not every person has the same experience. The story matters and the individual Veteran matters.

My lesson: Give intention to my thank you. Before I thank an individual Veteran for his or her service, I ask questions so that I may offer an informed thank you. Some questions I ask: What branch did you serve? When did you serve? How long did you serve? What was your job while serving?

Nowadays, I am not thanking a Veteran…I am thanking a 'Jim' who enlisted at age 17 and served four years (1948-1952) in the Marine Corp as a machine gunner in the battle of the Chosin Reservoir in the Korean War.”

Heartland Hospice Serving East Central Wisconsin Volunteer Coordinator, Amy Docter, thought it would be a great idea to have employees deliver a message to patients, families and the community using signs: "I thought it was a wonderful way to deliver a message to those feeling isolated and alone during these difficult times. The video shows each of us along with our signs and then together at the end. Even though we are not physically together, we are all experiencing the same feelings and emotions. I also think the nurses really related to this message. Anything we can do for our patients during this time, even simply sending them a card or putting a sign outside their window, is done because we care... and it's done with love."

Pictured in the video: Amanda Floyd (RN Case Manager), Ann Neitzel (RN Case Manager), Stacey Stone (RN Case Manager), Chris Wales (Administrator), Kim Boehnlein (LPN), Terry Gahl (Account Liaison).

Heartland Hospice Serving East Central Wisconsin Volunteer Coordinator, Amy Docter, thought it would be a great idea to have employees deliver a message to patients, families and the community using signs: "I thought it was a wonderful way to deliver a message to those feeling isolated and alone during these difficult times. The video shows each of us along with our signs and then together at the end. Even though we are not physically together, we are all experiencing the same feelings and emotions. Anything we can do for our patients during this time, even simply sending them a card or putting a sign outside their window, is done because we care... and it's done with love."

Pictured in the video: Shiloh Jones (Social Worker), Linda Wein (Bereavement Coordinator), Pao Yang (Social Worker), Owen Priepke (Patient Care Manager), Kayln Hungerford (Social Worker), Amy Docter (Volunteer Coordinator)

Heartland Hospice is dedicated to serving those who have served our country.  Taking the time and making the effort to care for and honor our Veterans when they reach end of life is the goal of our We Honor Veterans program. This program is a collaborative effort with the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization to help caregivers be better equipped to understand the unique needs of dying Veterans.

The Veteran-to-Veteran volunteer initiative plays an important role in the success of any We Honor Veterans program. At Heartland, our Veteran volunteers are essential to the delivery of quality hospice care for our Veteran patients. These volunteers have the ability to relate and connect with our patients who have served and help them to tell their stories through life review. 

Master Sergeant Jake Kowalski, one of Heartland’s Vet-to-Vet volunteers, recently returned from his 4^th deployment in Southwest Asia. Master Sergeant Kowalski is an Air Force National Guard, 128^th Air Refueling Wing and has been in the military for 18 years. After he returned to the states and started to adjust to life back home, Master Sergeant Kowalski stopped by the Heartland Hospice Serving East Central Wisconsin office to deliver a gift. 

It was with great humility and gratitude that he accepted the flag that had been flown on a combat mission over Southwest Asia in an F-22 Raptor, in honor of Heartland Hospice. When asked why he chose to honor us in this way, Master Sergeant Kowalski said, “Because of Heartland’s dedication in providing excellent care to local Veterans.”  

Master Sergeant Kowalski also presented Heartland with a challenge coin that his unit designed. “These coins are a way to show appreciation and are presented to people for a job well done” he explained. “Collections of challenge coins are often displayed at desks or on a wall so others can observe them as a roadmap of where the coin holder has been.”

In order to properly display the flag, it was taken to the local American Legion Trier-Puddy Post #75 in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. Greg Teichmiller, Vietnam Army Veteran and member of the Executive Board for the Legion, offered to fold the flag in the traditional triangle. Greg described the meaning behind the folding of the flag as representing the tri-cornered hat worn by the soldiers who served under George Washington. Greg has a wealth of knowledge about the history of the American Legion and Veteran activities in the area. 

The flag and certificate are now proudly displayed in the front entryway at Heartland’s office.  It serves as a reminder that Heartland Hospice is truly honored to care for Veterans and their families.