Honor Escort Program
Honor Escorts pay respects to Veteran
Paying final respects to a Veteran is a difficult, yet honorable, task. The employees and volunteers at the Tomah VA Medical Center honor those Veterans with a humbling ceremony handled by the Honor Escort Program volunteers.
“The program honors and respects the Veterans that have passed at the Tomah VAMC,” said Amanda Meinke, Patient Centered Care Coordinator.
While many VA Medical Centers have Honor Escorts the Tomah VA looks to put in extra effort for those who served. To notify staff of the Veterans’ passing, a bell is rung throughout the campus.
“The bell rings to honor the service and sacrifice of a Veteran who has died in the facility. It is a call for an honor escort and an opportunity for all to show respect for that person and his or her family and friends as they may be escorted through our area,” said Michelle Kuehl, Hospice, Palliative and Bereavement Care Coordinator.
Each unit performs their own individualized bedside service for the Veteran along with the Veteran’s family. Next, the Veteran is transported to an appointed destination as the Honor Escorts line the sidewalk or hallway and salute or place their hands on their heart out of respect.
The Veteran is taken out of the front of the building to be transported to a vehicle. A flag folding ceremony takes place and then the Veteran is escorted by Tomah VA Police and Fire departments to the facility's boundary.
Currently, 73 employees and two volunteers have been trained to serve as Honor Escorts and others are needed especially on the evening shift. Training is only one classroom session and all are encouraged to register.
For more information on the Honor Escorts Program, contact Amanda Meinke at 608-372-3971 ext. 64235 or Michelle Kuehl at ext. 61752.
