Veterans Serving Veterans

Gary Gustin served in the US Army during the Vietnam era and started as an Agape Twilight Brigade volunteer just one year ago. In that short time he has made 75 patient visits and an indelible mark on many lives.

Deborah is the daughter of an Agape patient, and she can’t say enough about the ways in which Gary served her father and their family during her dad’s last months. She describes her father as a 6’ 2” tall drink of water, a 91-year-old Army vet who had always been a big, capable guy.

Gary would visit, bringing his unassuming and respectful presence, and over time, the two men forged a friendship.

“The way he loved my dad was remarkable,” Deborah says. “It was amazing to see Daddy revered at that stage in his life.”

She notes that Gary always seemed to know when to stay and when to go.  His presence over the weekends meant that Deborah and her family could take off to go camping and know their dad not only had company, but a person who truly cared for him.

For Gary’s part, he feels honored that families allow him into their lives during this sacred time. He was touched by the way Deborah’s family treated him as one of their own. Gary notes his shock and sadness at encountering a good number of patients who don’t have friends or family, who face the last phase of their lives on their own.

In keeping with the Twilight Brigade motto that no veteran should die alone, Gary has stepped in with his caring presence and the understanding of a fellow service man.

Deborah says that the day her dad died, this past July, the room was wall-to-wall people, including Gary. He attended the memorial service, another gesture that touched Deborah and her family, paying his final respects to a fellow veteran and friend.