On October 8, Center for Hospice Care (CHC) held its annual Veterans Tribute Ceremony at the Captain Robert J. Hiler Jr. Veterans Memorial, located on CHC’s Mishawaka Campus. The ceremony brought together veterans, their families, and friends to honor those who have served while recognizing those who donated memorial plaques and bricks in their honor or memory.
Chris Taelman, chief development officer for CHC and the Hospice Foundation, began the ceremony with a heartfelt expression of gratitude.
“We want to first and foremost thank all the veterans here with us today for their service to our nation,” Taelman said. “We also extend our gratitude to those who sponsored the memorial items we’re dedicating today, and to the friends and family members who are here offering their support.”
Following the Posting of the Colors and the Pledge of Allegiance, CHC President and CEO John Mastrojohn III offered welcoming remarks before introducing the evening’s guest speaker, Lieutenant General Robert A. Tiebout, US Marine Corps, Retired. Tiebout, the highest-ranking speaker in the event’s history, brought both humor and admiration to the podium, addressing the veterans with deep respect.
“You veterans know what your mission was — to fight, support, and preserve our freedom,” Tiebout said. “You accomplished that without question. We all share one goal in life, and tonight, we’re joined by people from all branches of service.”
Tiebout went on to emphasize the collaborative efforts of the different military branches, acknowledging their collective role in safeguarding the nation’s freedom.
“Every one of you has played a part in this, and you’ve helped make this country safe so that we can stand here today, enjoying our lives and our freedoms,” Tiebout said.
The ceremony continued with a prayer led by CHC Chaplain and Spiritual Counselor Steve Nani, who offered blessings for all veterans. The dedication of the memorial plaques and bricks followed, before the event concluded with the Retiring of the Colors.
Attendees were encouraged to stay for the reception in the CHC conference room, where they had the opportunity to mingle over refreshments.
Mike Wargo, vice president and chief operating officer of the Hospice Foundation, expressed the significance of the evening’s event and his hopes for the community’s takeaway.
“We want to honor and recognize the memory of those whose names are on the wall,” Wargo said. “Many plaques and bricks have been donated in their memory, and we want everyone here to acknowledge and appreciate their service. Hopefully, everyone who leaves this event will feel uplifted—not only the veterans themselves, but also their family members who are here with them.”
The annual Veterans Tribute Ceremony continues to provide a meaningful space for the community to reflect on the service and sacrifice of its veterans.
“I think today’s program was truly magnificent,” Tiebout said. “It was special because we took the time to honor veterans—not just those whose names are on the wall or bricks, but all those present here today. It was marvelous to witness that recognition.”
To learn more about Center for Hospice Care, visit cfhcare.org.
