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National Home Care & Hospice Month - Stories from Hospice in the Pines' We Honor Veterans Program

Nov 30, 2017 3:09:54 PM / by ACHC

November is National Home Care & Hospice Month, and the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization’s (NHPCO) theme for this year is “It’s about how you live!”

ACHC asked agencies to submit stories honoring the lives of the patients they serve. We are excited to share two stories we received from Hospice in the Pines in Lufkin Texas. These two stories are about men this organization serves through their We Honor Veterans program. This program was founded by the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization in collaboration with the Department of Veteran Affairs that partners with hospice organizations around the nation. We are proud of Hospice of the Pines' commitment to our veterans and the way they honor the lives of these heroes!

 

Bill Fortune

At 91 years old, Colonel Bill Fortune is an exceptional American hero who served in the United States Air Force during World War II.

This impressive and decorated serviceman is one of two siblings in his family to serve in the United States Military. Collectively his immediate family members and himself have served a total of over 120 years in the military.  Colonel Bill Fortune was one of the first air pilots to fly into an active hurricane.

Today he displays several pictures within his bedroom, above his bed, of the B-29 airplanes which he flew in the war. These images bring such great joy to his mind and heart when reminisced upon. Colonel Fortune was a co-pilot, and served for a total number of 36 years in the United States Military.  Colonel Bill Fortune is a native of Lufkin and has been active until his diagnosis with cancer, yet his lovely and beautiful spirit truly remains ever cheerful to all.

Hospice in the Pines had the honor of recognizing his dedicated service through the We Honor Veterans pinning ceremony. On Friday September 15, 2017, three team members from Hospice in the Pines joined the Fortune family in their home to celebrate the life and servitude of Colonel Fortune. It was a ceremony that doubled as a small family reunion and will forever be a memory in the legacy of Colonel Fortune’s beautiful life. What an honor it was to play a part in showing appreciation to such a dedicated veteran.

 

Tommy Solomon

Tommy Solomon is a United States Veteran who served during the Vietnam War.

Mr. Solomon was stationed in Lackland Airforce Base, he was selected to be a mechanic for his expertise and knowledge of repairing and assembling airplanes. In Mr. Solomon’s home, you will find numerous models of planes decorated with the traditional colors of the F104-Fighter planes and the Douglas DC3 planes, all which Mr. Solomon had assembled, dissembled, fixed, cleaned. Mr. Solomon worked on planes such as the C124, C118, P38 Fighter, and the C121 which he stated, “this was the most beautiful plane ever built”. Mr. Solomon said he will never forget his fellow comrades and the unification they all shared to take care of one another; to always provide servitude, dignity, shared values and most importantly faith and unity with one another.

Mr. Solomon’s spirit, strength and humor can still be felt and seen every day. His art and Greek mythological statues and images that can be found in his home, remind him of living in Greece for a short duration of his life.  Mr. Solomon loves to spend his time with his family and his many pets.

Hospice in the Pines was honored to acknowledge his service to our country through the We Honor Veterans pinning ceremony. Mr. Solomon’s dedicated service is a glimpse at the wonderful and beautiful life he has lived. We are forever grateful for his service.

Topics: ACHC Today, Home Health, Hospice, Uncategorized

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