We Honor Veterans—Today and Every Day

Our NRV, Franklin County and Roanoke Hospices are proud to support veterans through We Honor Veterans (WHV)—a program of the National Alliance for Care at Home (formerly National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization) in collaboration with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This national initiative helps hospice teams better care for veterans at the end of life.

As active partners of WHV, we train our hospice teams to understand military culture and recognize the distinct needs of veterans and their families. Our staff also become familiar with various military branches and war periods, which enables them to customize hospice care for each veteran patient. 

There are 5 levels an organization can achieve as a WHV partner. Moving through the partner levels increases an organization’s knowledge and capacity to help provide for their veteran patients. 

Our NRV Hospice was the first in Virginia to earn a 5-star designation—the highest level. Franklin also reached 5 stars, and Roanoke has achieved a 4-star designation. Only 7 hospices in Virginia have Level 5 status; we're proud that 2 of them are part of Carilion.

What It Takes to Earn Level 5 Designation

To reach Level 5, our teams complete special training, host community events and work with veteran volunteers. We also partner with Veterans Service Officers to help patients and families understand their benefits. Our care plans are tailored to veterans’ unique needs, including those related to PTSD and trauma. We even added PTSD screening to our military hospice checklist.

Maintaining Level 5 means we keep doing all of this—and more—every year. We submit detailed reports, train staff and volunteers (especially about Vietnam-era veterans), and continue mentoring other hospices across the nation.

Why It Matters

One quarter of individuals suffering from a terminal illness are veterans and 1 in 4 people who die daily served in the military.

WHV brings healing and honor to veterans who may feel forgotten. Through pinning ceremonies, patriotic music and handmade quilts, we show appreciation for their service. Veterans and their families often say these meaningful moments bring a sense of peace and closure.

We are also integrally involved in the community—whether it’s participating in a Veterans’ Day parade, setting up veterans’ trees in our hospitals or hosting community events, we actively acknowledge the service of our veterans and address the needs of aging veterans before they come to hospice. 

“Our goal is to honor all veterans if they wish to be honored,” says Treasa Rigney, with NRV Hospice. “This program is a way for our team to give back and give thanks for their sacrifice and courage.”  

Photos from 2025 Veterans Day pinning ceremonies will be shared on Inside Carilion soon!

For more information, contact:

• Treasa Rigney, New River Valley Hospice, at tarigney@carilionclinic.org or 540-633-9380
• Heidi Morris, Franklin County Hospice, at hlmorris@carilionclinic.org or 540-489-6503
• Erica Van Doren, Roanoke Hospice, at envandoren@carilionclinic.org or 540-525-1151