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Dole VA Medical Center to Add Honor Escort Program

Dole VA Medical Center to Add Honor Escort Program

Dole VA Medical Center to Add Honor Escort Program

The Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center joins VA Medical Centers across the nation in launching the “Honor Escort”program to honor Veterans. The program offers a ceremonial escort to patients who pass away while inpatient at the Medical Center or Community Living Center. The program allows staff, residents, patients, and visitors to pay their final respects to the Veteran and reminds family members of VHA’s mission to care for the “Widow and Orphan.” The Honor Escort program was created at the VA Sierra Nevada Health Care System in 2014.

The ceremony is performed by trained volunteer employees, and ensures that the Veteran’s service, accomplishments, and sacrifices are not forgotten as they are laid to rest. The ceremony begins with a bedside flag ceremony. Afterward, the Veteran’s gurney is draped with the American flag, and a procession escorts the Veteran to the morgue. As the procession moves through the Medical Center, we encourage Veterans who want to pay their respects to salute and all others stand quietly by placing their hands over their hearts. Program Coordinator Tonya Ross says a Veteran she worked with at another VA hospital passed away, and the Veteran’s daughter called her to express how much the “Honor Escort” meant to their family, calling it ‘The most amazing thing for my dad.’ Ross knew she had to bring the program to the Dole VAMC, “After hearing that story, I just knew we needed to honor Veterans the same in Wichita.  That is when I started to research the program and with the help of a dedicated committee, we have been able to obtain items to give the family as a memento to preserve their military excellence which include a book titled, “One Who Served”, a challenge coin and the United States flag in a shadow box.  It will be a solemn experience to see the love from our staff and those families that participate in the Honor Walk through our hospital.”

For more information, contact Honors Escort Program Manager Tonya Ross at 316-685-2221 ext. 57820. For volunteer applications contact the Voluntary Services Office at 316-685-2221 ext. 53222.

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