TEMPLE, Texas — Interim HealthCare of Temple, a hospice service, is asking for help. They are looking for veteran volunteers to help their veteran patients by partnering with the national program, We Honor Veterans.
From sharing stories, phone calls to check in, pinning ceremonies, writing letters, having a coffee and attending community events, the mission is to help a vulnerable population.
"You're giving a gift that can't be measured," Volunteer Program Manager Katie Lee said.
Companionship, care and support are all things patients need at Interim HealthCare. Volunteers like Anthony Lee dedicate their time to fulfill this.
"All [the patient] wanted me to do was they wanted me to just walk with him down the hall," Anthony Lee said. "I did like seven laps with them and that's it. They were just happier than ever just to walk back and forth."
In each room, there are unique stories ready to be shared, with some coming from veterans. It takes a special person to understand.
"A fellow veteran will know when to laugh," Katie Lee added. "They'll know when to be silent. They'll know what our veteran patients need in that moment. They're with someone that they can have that brotherhood and that camaraderie with that the civilians just can't relate to."
April Williams is a registered nurse and the director of health care services. She has a son who served, now he volunteers indirectly.
"He had some PTSD related from the Navy, due to his friends being killed, and he wasn't really coping really the best," Williams told 6 News. "When he helps with us, he feels like he's able to help them and it makes him feel better because he wasn't able to help his friend."
Anthony Lee is one of the 11 volunteers. He is not a veteran but hopes those out there can serve alongside him.
"If you are a veteran and you are able to assist in just one hour a week, I know that other veterans would really, really appreciate it," Lee said.
If you are interested or have questions, contact 254-220-8872.
"As volunteers you get to be someone's someone," Katie Lee said. "That's a gift that lasts for the rest of their lifetime and you get to carry it with you for the rest of yours."
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