Veteran’s Last Patrol, a nonprofit organization headquartered in Spartanburg, South Carolina, is on a mission to connect veteran volunteers with veterans who are in hospice care.
When friendships matter the most, a volunteer from Veteran’s Last Patrol can make all the difference for a veteran who may be alone during end-of-life care. While some enjoy the closeness of family and friends, others have lost connection with loved ones and the military community.
Robert Houk served in the U.S.Navy on the battleship USS New Jersey during the late ‘60s off the coast of Vietnam. In hospice care, his mobility is limited and days are spent in a wheelchair.
“Can I get out on the river one more time to fish?” he asked a volunteer with Veteran’s Last Patrol. His wish to catch one more trout was granted with help from Davidson River Outfitters in North Carolina this past summer. Once again on the river (in a chair), he was able to breathe the fresh air, enjoy the serenity of a summer’s day, the gentle flow of the river, and smile while holding a freshly caught trout.
