Honoring Fellow Service Members at End-of-Life

As a United States Air Force Veteran, Paul Arneson is no stranger to commitment. Now, in his retirement, one of his many commitments is honoring veterans in hospice.

“At this point in their lives, people need reliable and constant visitation if they’re going to benefit from it,” Paul said. “If you’re going to do this, you can’t skip a visit.”

Hospice and Transitions program volunteers at JSSA visit with individuals who are living with life-limiting illnesses. Those who are not yet eligible for, or have recently graduated from the hospice program, may be part of JSSA’s Transitions program, receiving ongoing care and monitoring from JSSA’s staff.

As a veteran, Paul tends to visit mostly with patients who have also served, and he gives remarks at, and participates in, pinning ceremonies for these patients and their families as part of the We Honor Veterans program. JSSA has earned recognition for the hospice program’s ability to compassionately serve veterans at the end of their lives.

“The families really love seeing their loved ones receive acknowledgement for their service,” Paul said. “It’s my pleasure to do that.”

Paul retired from the United States Air Force in 1998 after 30 years of service, which included 17 different assignments at bases around the world. He’s been busy in retirement as a volunteer and writing and publishing two books based on the lives of loved ones, including his brother-in-law, who served as a medic in World War II.

He was inspired to join JSSA’s volunteer corps by his daughter-in-law who was a previous volunteer coordinator at the agency. Paul said he enjoys the opportunities he has, to connect with, and serve, other veterans and their families.

“I really do love it,” he said, adding that he hopes more veterans will consider volunteering their time for JSSA’s Hospice and Transitions programs.

Volunteers for JSSA’s Hospice and Transitions programs offer companionship and comfort for patients and families in some of their most vulnerable moments. Volunteers may provide a listening ear, massage therapy, music therapy, or bring pets to visit with patients in need. To find out more about JSSA volunteer opportunities, email HospiceVC@jssa.org.