Avow Veterans Committee invites veterans from all branches and their families to a free event Friday, May 20, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Avow’s Dick Lee & Mary Martha Tonra Waterview Room in the Ispiri Community Center, 1205 Whippoorwill Lane, Naples. The event will also be available starting at noon on Facebook Live.
Keynote speaker for the event is Chaplain (Brigadier General) Kenneth E. Brandt (U.S. Army, Retired), who served in the Army National Guard for nearly 32 years before retiring as Chief Chaplain, National Guard Bureau and United States Army Deputy Chief of Chaplains, Army National Guard in Arlington, VA. Palmetto Ridge High School JROTC and Naples Young Marines will also be participating in the event, which is sponsored by America’s Military & 1st Responders Museum, Naples.
Plans also include special readings to honor veterans, patriotic songs and a pinning ceremony, where each veteran receives a pin and certificate thanking them for their service. Avow recognizes veterans in this way during ceremonies throughout the year. Each year approximately 2,000 pins are distributed to veterans by the nonprofit.
The event is free, but seating is limited. Lunch will be provided. Please RSVP to 239-649-3683 or foundation@avowcares.org. Video of the ceremony will also be available for replay on Avow.TV or Avow’s YouTube channel.
Avow is a Level 5 Partner with We Honor Veterans, a program of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO). Avow is among 3.8% of hospices participating in the program to achieve the highest level, demonstrating commitment to veteran-centric care.
“Avow’s mission is to create peace of mind for those in our care,” said Jaysen Roa, president & CEO of Avow companies. “The men and women who served our country made great sacrifices and commitments to safeguard our peace as a nation. It is our privilege to recognize that service and to help bring peace to them.”
Avow provides specialized care to veterans who are facing a terminal illness, including a veteran-to-veteran volunteer program, training on conflict-specific medical and mental health concerns and knowledge to assist veterans navigating VA benefits.
NHPCO and the Department of Veterans Affairs launched We Honor Veterans in 2010 to address the growing need for veteran-centered care, especially as veterans from different eras are aging and need access to veteran-centric palliative and hospice care. Learn more about the We Honor Veterans program at WeHonorVeterans.org.
In addition, Avow clinicians have trained to be guardians on the Collier-Lee Honor Flight to assist veterans, many who have life-limiting illnesses, on an all-day adventure to the Capital and back in 24 hours.
Avow will also celebrate Women’s Veterans Day Friday, June 10, with a luncheon. All female military service members are invited for lunch and conversation from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. RSVP by June 3 to foundation@ avowcares.org or 239-649-3683.
About Avow:
Avow was founded in 1983 as Collier County’s original, nonprofit hospice. Today, Avow’s nonprofit companies provide palliative care consultations for adults facing chronic or serious illness and hospice care and bereavement support services for children and adults. To learn more about the scope of services provided by Avow, call 239-261-4404 or visit www.avowcares.org.
