Through the American Pride^® Veteran Care by Ohio’s Hospice program at Hospice of Central Ohio, Veterans receive benefits and support, acknowledging their service and sacrifice. Hospice of Central Ohio celebrates the lives of Veterans and honors their contributions through participation in Honor Flight, Veteran pinning ceremonies and special observances. Hospice of Central Ohio recently recognized two Veterans for their service.

Richard “Rick” Baker

Rick Baker was honored with two Purple Hearts from his service in the Vietnam War. Shortly before he was set to receive an astounding third award, the commanders assigned to award him the honor were killed in combat. Recently, Rick traveled to Washington, D.C., through Honor Flight Columbus, an organization that sends senior Veterans to visit the war memorials at no cost.

While he was in Washington, D.C., Rick received his Purple Heart coin. He also visited the World War II, Korean and Vietnam memorials. He was accompanied by guardian, Sue Grube, Hospice of Central Ohio team leader. The pride Rick felt for the opportunity to have his service celebrated by the community was felt by all around him.

At the end of the trip, Rick expressed his sincerest gratitude to his family, friends and the Hospice of Central Ohio staff members and volunteers who attended the Honor Flight homecoming at Port Columbus. Thank you for your service to our country, Rick.

Richard “Dick” McDonald

Dick McDonald proudly served in the United States Air Force during the Korean Conflict in the Philippines. He spent his life as an educator and coach in Roseville, Ohio, and was the oldest member of the Roseville American Legion Post 71 before he passed away in May.

Hospice of Central Ohio volunteers, Mike Havens and Bob Allen, attended Dick’s pinning ceremony along with members of the American Legion, who were his former students. They, along with many other family and friends, honored Dick at his pinning ceremony.

The ceremony features a volunteer Veteran saluting and offering an American flag pin to a Veteran patient. Hospice of Central Ohio is proud to honor our veterans.

To learn more about Veteran services available through Hospice of Central Ohio, please contact 740.788.1400.