Honor Them: Patient & Volunteer Vets

Don, Carl and Captain Schermerhorn

A certain camaraderie exists between two people who have served in the military that seems to span experience and generations. We've seen this in the depth of many relationships forged between Agape veteran patients and Agape volunteers who have served in the U.S. armed forces. 

This past week, we experienced something new: an honoring ceremony for two vets, both patient and volunteer. Patient  J. Carl Montoya (United States Army) and Agape volunteer Don Straney (United States Navy) both were honored for their service to our country in an "Honor Them" pinning ceremony. Volunteer, family, caregivers and staff of Agape and Villa Manor Care Center, where the ceremony was held, gathered to witness a deeply moving event.

This ceremony, carried out by U.S. Army Captain David Schermerhorn, was established by All Veterans Funeral & Cremation to honor as many veterans as possible for their sacrifice and service. All Veterans was founded in 1989 by a US veteran who was passionate about every service member receiving recognition, not just on Veteran's Day, but the other 364 days of the year.

Andrew Martinez honored 

Not letting any opportunity for recognition pass by (and acknowledging the importance of home front support), Captain David recognized Carl's wife, Esther, for her support of her husband as a service member. Carl's brother Andrew also was recognized for his own military service.

The room was heavy with emotion and humble strength. What a privilege to be there!