Life Matters Newsletter - Fall 2021
Lieutenant Commander Donald B. White knows something about service. A twenty-year veteran of the US Navy, LCDR White proudly served as an officer on the USS Nantahala, a Cimarron-class refueling vessel that supported warships in both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans between 1943 and 1973.
Having begun his naval career in Norfolk, Virginia, LCDR White traveled the world courtesy of Uncle Sam. Of his many moments in uniform, he proudly remembers sailing the Mediterranean toward the end of his career, spending time in Portugal, before returning to Virginia where he retired after two decades to spend more time with his beloved wife, Madge.
Recently, Hospice & Palliative Care Charlotte Region (HPCCR) had the honor of recognizing LCDR White’s Naval career in a public pinning ceremony. What was
initially planned as a small, intimate gathering soon grew into a party with friends, family, caregivers, other veterans, and neighbors as word got out as to what was happening.
“What was really special was seeing the turnout for Donald’s pinning ceremony,” recalls HPCCR Social Worker Dan Morris who helped organize the event. “Word spread and there ended up being 30 people in attendance. Staff and other residents at Summit Place – South Park attended. Looking at old photos, Donald reminisced about
his days at sea and swapped stories with other vets who were there.”
Dressed in his officer’s uniform, pressed neatly for the occasion, LCDR White was presented with his We Honor Veterans Pin and certificate on behalf of the organization and saluted for his service to a grateful nation by his veteran peers who were there to help honor and bear witness to his years of service.
HPCCR’S COMMITMENT TO VETERANS
As a program of the National Hospice & Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) the We Honor Veterans initiative empowers hospice providers to meet the unique needs of America’s Veterans and their families by offering guidance and resources focused on respectful inquiry, compassionate listening, and grateful acknowledgment of service. As a Level 5 We Honor Veterans organization, HPCCR maintains the highest possible ranking available as a reflection of its commitment to serving those who have served.
Are you a veteran who would like to volunteer?
Contact: Elise Hurst at hurste@hpccr.org | 704.887.6413
Visit https://www.hpccr.org/life-matters-fall-2021 to read more from our Fall 2021 Edition of the Life Matters Newsletter.