Unity to Honor Local Veterans in Pinning Ceremony on Tuesday, November 14th, 2023
De Pere, WI – Unity, Northeast Wisconsin’s nonprofit leader in hospice care, palliative care, nonmedical home care, and grief support, announces a Veteran pinning ceremony for residents of Rennes Nursing Home, 200 S 9th St, De Pere, WI, on Tuesday, November 14th at 9:45am. During the pinning ceremony, Unity Veteran Volunteers will present each Veteran with a personalized certificate of appreciation and a metal flag pin. Media is welcome to attend.
“A pinning ceremony is a way to extend our deep gratitude for the sacrifices made by each Veteran and his/her family. It creates a time and space for Veterans to share their stories”, says Alisa Gerke, Unity Hospice Executive Director.
The pinning ceremony is part of Unity’s Respecting Valor program, specialized care and support provided to hospice and palliative patients who have served in the military.
Key features of Unity’s Respecting Valor Program include:
- Customed Plan of Care – Goals of care are based on the branch and era of military service, service-related illnesses/conditions, and past experiences
- Assistance with Unresolved Military Experience – Unity’s specially trained psychosocial staff assist with unresolved issues associated with the stresses of military service, PTSD, depression, and even suicidal thoughts
- Veteran Pinning Ceremony – A personalized pinning ceremony is offered to veteran patients wherever they reside, including a private home, assisted living facility, or nursing home
- Patriotic Lap Blankets – Handcrafted by a Unity Volunteer, a red, white and blue blanket is gifted to each Veteran patient
- Jack and Engrid Meng Hospice Residence – Veteran patients residing at the Meng Residence are honored with a patriotic floral arrangement displayed outside their room. At time of death, family and friends are invited to pay their respects, along with Unity staff, by attending a Walk of Honor while the glow of a Veteran Memorial candle keeps their memory alive.
- Resource Connection – Unity’s collaboration with area Veterans of Foreign Wars posts, American Legion posts, County Veteran Service Officers, and Veteran Administration agencies connects families with the resources needed for Veteran benefits, military honor funerals, burial assistance, honor flight applications, and more
- Full Range of Grief Support – Unity’s Grief Counselors support Veterans’ loved ones through one-on-one support, grief groups, and memorial services with special Veteran honor and recognition
- Sgt. David L. Rasmussen Veterans Fund – Established in honor of David’s service in the U.S. Army, the funds support Veterans who are receiving care from Unity and are in need of financial assistance to cover the costs of basic needs
“One out of every four dying Americans is a Veteran. Every decision we make is mission-driven to honor life by bringing peace of mind and comfort when it matters most. Veterans have unique needs. Emotional, psychological and spiritual pain are treated just as rigorously as physical pain to ensure veterans find holistic comfort for body, mind and spirit,” adds Unity Medical Director Dr. Amy James.
About Unity
Unity is Northeast Wisconsin’s pioneering not-for-profit healthcare provider that offers a full complement of care solutions including nonmedical home care, supportive palliative care, hospice care, and grief support. With a commitment to seamlessly adapt care to the everchanging needs of each patient and family, Unity works tirelessly to enhance quality of life through innovative services and unique programs ensuring the wishes and goals of patients and families are always met. As the only locally owned and operated advanced illness provider in the region, Unity partners with area skilled nursing facilities, assisted-living facilities, and pharmacies, ensuring seamless care in all settings. Unity is the sole organization offering inpatient hospice at seven area hospitals and is a collaboration between Bellin Health, HSHS St. Mary's Hospital Medical Center, and HSHS St. Vincent Hospital. Established as the third hospice program in the nation, Unity launched Wisconsin’s first palliative care program in 2002, the area’s first hospice residence in 2007, the region’s only Grief and Education Center in 2021, and the area’s first pediatric hospice program in 2024. Learn more at https://unityhospice.org/.