ANN ARBOR, Mich. – America will honor its military heroes on Veterans Day, November 11. Hospice of Michigan and Arbor Hospice hope this occasion inspires veterans to support fellow vets facing life-limiting illnesses.
The not-for-profits are currently seeking veteran volunteers to provide support and camaraderie to hospice patients and their families throughout Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Lenawee, Livingston, Jackson and Washtenaw counties.
Recommended Videos
The organizations say veterans who volunteer bring a unique and powerful bond to their interactions with fellow service members. Regardless of their era of service -- in peace or wartime -- shared military experience fosters trust, understanding and meaningful connection.
These volunteers offer comfort not only through conversation but also through shared understanding of physical wounds, survivor’s guilt, post-traumatic stress and other invisible scars of service.
“Veteran volunteers are the heart of how we honor those who’ve served,” said Ruth Moore-Lilly, volunteer program manager at Hospice of Michigan. “They carry with them a deep understanding of the challenges, courage, and sacrifice that define military service. When they visit a fellow veteran, they offer far more than companionship – they bring a sense of belonging, shared pride and peace that only another veteran can provide. Their service ensures that every veteran we care for is seen and remembered with the dignity they deserve.”
What you need to know
All volunteers must complete orientation, background checks and fingerprinting before serving. Volunteers must be 18 or older. Those who have experienced a recent personal loss are asked to wait one year before volunteering. No prior experience or specialized training is required.
Hospice of Michigan and Arbor Hospice offer flexible, on-demand orientation sessions, making it easy for veterans to get involved when it fits their schedule.
Veterans interested in volunteering can contact Ruth Moore-Lilly at 248-794-0523 or rmoore-lilly@hom.org.
To learn more about Hospice of Michigan and Arbor Hospice or submit an online volunteer application, visit these links: