Becoming a volunteer in American Pride^® Veteran Care by Ohio’s Hospice was an easy decision for Penny Adams. 

“I had family who were on hospice, and who passed under hospice care. And I’m a Veteran,” Penny said. “I’m a member of a women Vietnam Veterans group and one of our missions is to take care of other Veterans.” 

Since 2016, that’s what Penny has been doing for Ohio’s Hospice in Miami County, which also serves nearby Darke and Shelby counties. She helps coordinate recognition ceremonies for Veterans in our care wherever they call home. 

As a Vietnam Veteran, Penny knows a thing or two about what a little recognition means. She had uncles who served in previous wars and when they returned after their time ended, they received a hero’s welcome. Many Vietnam Veterans weren’t treated like that due to opposition to the war. 

She served six years in the Navy in the medical service corps, with stops at Bethesda Naval Hospital in Maryland, the Naval Medical Center in San Diego and aboard a ship going up and down the coast in Vietnam. Penny was in charge of the laboratory and the blood bank on the ship while also sharing hospital administrator duties when needed. 

“When I was stationed [in San Diego] we had a period of two months where we could not wear our uniform back and forth to work, especially if you were taking public transportation,” she said.  

So when Penny joined Ohio’s Hospice, it didn’t take long for her to realize the importance of the American Pride program – which combines medical excellence with meaningful recognition. 

Penny was at one of her first such ceremonies when she witnessed the power of the flag. The patient who was receiving the recognition had not been talking or responding much of the day. 

“We got all the way to the part where we salute the Veteran, that man pulled his hand out from underneath the sheet, and he saluted us,” Penny said. “And there were gasps in the room. And I had tears running down my face, and I thought, ‘They’re going to have a fit. The only woman in the group, and she’s bawling already.’”  

Once she saw other volunteers dabbing their eyes, she knew she was in the right place. 

“I thought, ‘Well, OK, then, I’m all right,’” Penny said. 

In another instance, the patient was alert and conversing with those gathering. 

“After we gave him the flag, we all stood back and saluted, and he took the flag, and he held it up, and he said, ‘This is what it’s all about,’” Penny said. “And it’s the same thing. Immediately, I look around the room, and all his family, they’ve got tears running down their faces. And I thought, that’s true, that is what it’s all about.” 

And now as the de facto lead contact of the Miami County American Pride program, she makes sure every Veteran is honored for their service and sacrifice. 

“I hesitate to say enjoy because that’s not the right word,” Penny said. “But I’m really happy to be able to do this.” 

Last year, our South Care Region honored nearly 320 Veterans.