Aultman Woodlawn Chaplain Kathleen Schen believes that all U.S. veterans should be respected and honored. So, together with co-worker Rachel Elek, LISW, she created a program at the Compassionate Care Center (CCC) called Aultman Respects Veterans.

The new program honors all patients who are identified as veterans upon their admission to the CCC. A flag is posted outside the patient’s room and a patriotic blanket is presented to the patient. Then, with permission from the patient and/or family, a bedside service is arranged to honor the veteran.

Kathleen and Rachel worked with Commander Brad Teis of American Legion, Post 44 to implement these honorary services. Family, friends and staff members are invited to join each bedside service. In addition to a military salute, the patient is presented with a pin and a hat from the war in which he or she served. Teis attends each service and personally thanks each veteran for his or her military service. Depending on the patient’s spiritual beliefs, psalms and/or prayers may also be said. At the conclusion of the service, Teis speaks to the patient personally, many times bringing tears to the patient’s eyes.

Patients have responded with much more than tears, however. Just last week, Rachel presented a patient in very poor physical condition with a service of honor. She spoke to him directly, thanking him for his service to our country. Immediately the patient, who was mostly unresponsive beforehand, sat up in bed, looked her in the eyes and said, “thank you.” Other patients who have received the service have commented how honored they feel and how thankful they are that their service to our country is being remembered.

“Many lives have already been touched by this new program and we look forward to honoring more of our CCC patients in this special way.” Kathleen said. “Our patients truly are our heroes.”

In addition to the new Aultman Remembers Veterans program, Kathleen and Rachel also spearheaded the annual Veterans Day service that takes place at Aultman Woodlawn.

“When I came to Aultman Hospice five years ago, there was no service to honor veterans here at the CCC on Veterans Day,” she recalled. “I talked with Rachel and together, we came up with the idea for the annual Veterans Day service.”

During the yearly ceremony held at Woodlawn, each veteran in attendance is pinned. An added special touch is the pinning of any family members who are present. Being the mother of two U.S. Marines, Kathleen understands the importance of including family. “This part is truly touching to the family members of the veteran, including this chaplain!” Kathleen added. 

This year’s event is taking place Nov. 11 at 9 a.m. at the entrance circle of the Compassionate Care Center. In addition to the pinning, the featured speaker will be Aultman Chaplain Michael Lemon with music provided by Michelle Cole. There will also be Honor Guard representation and Commander Teis will be in attendance. All employees and community members are invited to attend.