Local veterans honored by agency

Mt. Pleasant residents Claude Rhum and Robert Statler were recently honored for their military service during veteran-pinning ceremonies hosted by HCI Hospice Care Services at their resident at Park Place Elder Living.

Rhum was drafted into the Army?s Infantry Division, through which he served two years in the Philippines during a Philippine conflict. Statler was a cook at the Iowa National Guard based out of Fairfield for two years.

?It was a very nice ceremony, and everyone was so kind and helpful,? said Christy Sammons, Statler?s daughter.

Within the past year, the local HCI Hospice Care Services team has honored nearly 30 of its patients who are veterans for their service to the nation as part of its continued effort to ensure veterans receive specialized care at end-of-life.

?I feel so honored to participate in these pinning ceremonies,? said Machelle Lowe, volunteer coordinator for the organization. ?I?ve seen firsthand these soldiers in tears, so grateful for the recognition. One frail, weak man insisted on standing to say the Pledge of Allegiance, so we held him up so he could say it while standing. I have not left a pinning without goosebumps and tears myself.?

Lowe concluded that the patients and families are often so moved by the ceremonies that many are seen wearing the flag pins during their funeral services.