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Volunteer Dedicates Over a Decade to Supporting and Honoring Terminally Ill Veterans 

Ken Bergeron has met amazing people during his 14 years as a VNA Care hospice volunteer. Many are fellow veterans with whom he finds a near instantaneous connection.

“They usually talk about the good things. If they talk about bad times, it’s not about themselves – it’s about the friends they’ve lost. But regardless, they talk,” said Ken. And he’s there to listen.

As an Army veteran, Ken has a special role in VNA Care’s commitment to elevate end-of-life care for our country’s veterans. VNA Care joined the national We Honor Veterans partnership when it was established in 2010 by the Department of Veterans Affairs and the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization. VNA Care’s dedication to meeting the unique needs of veterans and their families, including educating clinicians about a trauma-informed approach to patient care, has earned the agency four-star status.Hospice Volunteer Ken Bergeron

Another component of We Honor Veterans is matching terminally ill veterans with hospice volunteers who are also veterans. Ken was among the first of these volunteers. During the 1970s, he served as a lead Army medic, with as many as 32 medics reporting to him, and was stationed in Germany during the Cold War.

The first veteran Ken supported as a hospice volunteer had a brain tumor and an open head wound. Ken remembered him as “a brilliant man” whose post-military career included working on the government’s investigation of President John F. Kennedy’s assassination.

Ken’s favorite story in his many years volunteering was shared by a Korean War veteran. The man’s unit was under attack, and fighter pilots were called to aid in the battle. The patient recalled talking over the radio to one of the pilots, who detected the patient’s Boston accent. The pilot, who saved the patient’s life, was none other than Ted Williams, a member of the Red Sox and one of the best hitters in baseball history. They stayed in touch after the war, and the patient told Ken stories of going to Fenway Park and showed off his autographed baseball and other gifts from Ted.

Hospice volunteers are also a support for the family, giving loved ones peace of mind when they leave to run errands or just have a little time to themselves.

A particular meaningful time for families are pinning ceremonies held by VNA Care’s hospice clinicians and volunteers. Veterans are presented with a pin, certificate honoring their service, and a handmade, patriotic themed quilt. Ken has seen multiple generations gather to honor their loved one’s service.

Ken said, “To see the look in the grandchildren’s eyes when their grandparent is being honored – it’s something I think they’ll remember forever.”

“I’ve seen an awful lot of veterans during my time volunteering. There have been so many great times with them and great stories,” added Ken. “I’m glad I can be there for them and for their family too.”

Donations help support VNA Care’s hospice volunteer program so we can train and support volunteers like Ken. To make a tax-deductible gift, please visit our online donations page.