Veteran'S Last Patrol

Mission Statement: "Last Patrol"- serving veterans by bringing new friends to veterans in hospice. Purpose: Our veterans served America. They protected us and our way of life. We must stand by them. Our veterans know about patrolling land, sea, and air. Veterans in hospice are in their final fight and on their last patrol. Whether it goes by the name “battle buddy” or “shipmate” or “wingman” --- all veterans understand that tough assignments are best faced together. Execution: Last Patrol connects veteran volunteers to veterans in hospice. We cooperate with medical providers of hospice care to connect volunteers to the patients so that their last patrol isn’t alone. It’s hard to underestimate the importance of friendship during end-of-life care. Last Patrol brings new friendships when friendship matters most. When America’s veterans go into hospice care they often lose contact with family, friends, and with the military community. Some are alone. Some sit quietly in nursing homes. Many families are loving and attentive to their hospice patient, but appreciate getting the support, connection, and information that a friend from the military community can provide. Last Patrol helps provide that support. Some stories are only shared between veterans. The exceptionality of military experience is such that a special bond of service results. Many veterans describe their military service as a singularly unique period of their lives. As many veterans approach death, meeting a new supportive friend, sharing stories, and reawaking memories of “patrolling” with their buddies can be richly rewarding for both the patient and their families, as well as veteran volunteers. Last Patrol brings that service. How You Can Help: -Volunteer to be friend to a veteran in hospice. -Tell us about a patient in need. -Provide financial support to make this Last Patrol possible for America's veterans.