Honoring Veterans When it Matters Most

Arbor Hospice, a founding member of the NorthStar Care Community,  recognizes and honors our veterans – the individuals whose service helped shape our nation.

Anthony “Tony” Gervasi was one of those individuals.

A U.S. Army Veteran, Tony served for two years during the Korean War and was stationed at Camp McCoy in Wisconsin. He enjoyed his role as a mess sergeant, where he helped run the mess hall for soldiers deploying to the Korean War. “I enjoyed my job a whole lot,” he said with a smile, recalling his time in service with humble gratitude.

When Tony needed extra support at the end of life, he began receiving care from Arbor Hospice. As part of the We Honor Veterans program, Tony’s care team gratefully recognized his service with a special veteran pinning ceremony held privately in his home.

These ceremonies are a small but meaningful way to recognize a veteran’s service. With a certificate, an American flag pin, and heartfelt thanks from staff and volunteers, each ceremony offers a moment of reflection, recognition, and gratitude. For many veterans, this is the first time their service has been formally acknowledged in such a personal and profound way.

Tony was grateful to feel love and care from family and friends at such a sacred time, but to receive that same love and gratitude from Arbor Hospice was more than he could have ever hoped for at the end of life.