Thomas Hardy, D.O., chief of staff at the Dayton VA Medical Center, will be the keynote speaker at the American Pride® Veteran Honor Breakfast on Thursday, Nov. 14, at 8:30 am, in the Community Room at Ohio’s Hospice of Dayton (324 Wilmington Ave., Dayton, OH 45420).

The American Pride Veteran Honor Breakfast will recognize the Veteran volunteers and staff of Ohio’s Hospice of Dayton, a not-for-profit hospice provider that has served patients and families in the Dayton region for more than 40 years in their homes, extended care and assisted living facilities, and the Hospice House location in Dayton.

Through American Pride® Veteran Care by Ohio’s Hospice, Veterans receive benefits and support that acknowledge their services and sacrifice. By recognizing the unique needs of our nation’s Veterans who are facing life-limiting illnesses, Ohio’s Hospice of Dayton helps assure access to all the benefits to which a Veteran is eligible, provides spiritual support, and addresses individual post-traumatic stress issues. As part of the American Pride program, Veteran volunteers take part in pinning ceremonies that honor Veteran patients for their service in the U.S. military.

“We are pleased that Dr. Hardy will be our keynote speaker at the American Pride Veteran Honor Breakfast,” said Glenn Costie, chief of Veteran services at Ohio’s Hospice. “We want to thank our Veteran volunteers and staff for all they do to support the mission of Ohio’s Hospice of Dayton. Because of their commitment, we are able to provide exceptional support services to our Veteran patients and their families.”

Dr. Hardy will speak about “Thoughts On Veterans Day.” He was appointed chief of staff of the Dayton VA Medical Center on Oct. 8, 2012. Before this appointment, Dr. Hardy served as the vice president of Medical Affairs of Grandview Hospital and Medical Center in Dayton. He is board-certified in family medicine and holds a master’s degree in administrative medicine from the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine. He attended Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine.

He began his career in the U.S. Army as an infantry platoon leader in the 101st Airborne Division and served as an Army Ranger. He completed 18 months in Vietnam as an adviser to a Vietnamese infantry unit before attending medical school in 1976. He completed his internship and family practice residency at Eisenhower Army Medical Center in Fort Gordon, Georgia, from 1980 to 1983. Following his training, he served in leadership positions in both Europe and the United States before attending the United States Army War College from 1994 to 1995. He then commanded Irwin Army Community Hospital in Fort Riley, Kansas, before retiring from the U.S. Army with more than 20 years of active service.

Dr. Hardy is an affiliate of the American Medical Association, American Osteopathic Association and the American College of Osteopathic Family Physician. He also serves as associate dean for Veterans Affairs at the Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine.