As a veteran that spent four years active duty and two years reserve as a Hospital Corpsman in the U.S. Navy, I know firsthand how uplifting and impactful it can be to feel supported by other veterans. There is an unspoken camaraderie between us, understanding one another through a special connection.
As soon as I heard about the Veteran Visitation Program at Cape Coral Hospital when it began five years ago, I wanted to get involved and act as a support for the veterans in need.
Veterans Day is observed each year on November 11th, but the Veteran Visitation Program is offered year-round. It helps ensure veterans always can connect with us, and I am proud to be a part of it.
The opportunity is part of the Lee Health Military Support Program in coordination with the American Red Cross and the United Way. Lee Health was the first civilian hospital in the area and the nation to launch such a program.
The volunteer-based program began in 2019 with volunteers ensuring veteran patients receive all the important information while hospitalized, a friend in another veteran to visit, and direction after discharge about what to do next.