In 2016, Center for Hospice Care (CHC) dedicated a beautiful Veterans Memorial on the grounds of our Mishawaka Campus. As a “We Honor Veterans” Level 4 Partner, CHC takes great pride in meeting the unique needs of veterans facing life-limiting illnesses.
As CHC President/CEO Mark Murray notes, “Today, one out of every four Americans dying is a veteran. Our goal is to address their end-of-life needs, to serve them as they have served us.” Due to an incredible gift from the Robert J. Hiler Family Foundation, and John and Catherine Hiler, CHC was able to rededicate the memorial as the Captain Robert J. Hiler Jr. Veterans Memorial.
“The ceaseless generosity of the Hiler family has made a huge difference in our community,” said Murray. “Their support of our work and of veterans specifically means that we will be able to continue our veterans programs into the future.”
The renaming of the memorial took place on October 16, 2018 during our annual Veterans Tribute Ceremony. The event, which was attended by more than 150 people, was a wonderful opportunity to remember and honor loved ones who have served this country. “Although it was only the second year we have held the veterans tribute ceremony, it is becoming one of my favorite events,” said Mike Wargo, chief operating officer of the Hospice Foundation. “As a veteran, seeing so many people in our community come together to honor other veterans is very meaningful. The rededication and renaming of the memorial after Robert J. Hiler, Jr. made the 2018 event even more special.”
The Captain Robert J. Hiler Jr. Veterans Memorial will continue to offer opportunities for people to honor and remember their loved ones, including memorial bricks and wall plaques available for placement. There are additional naming opportunities available for other elements of the memorial, including limestone benches, flagpoles, trees, entry arbors and “Poppies,” the
centerpiece statue. To learn more about our Veterans programs or to purchase an item for placement at the 2019 event, go to foundationforhospice.org/veterans or contact Heidi Payton at PaytonH@foundationforhospice.org.
