Imagine all he has seen in his 105 years.

Colonel Donald Paul, a decorated World War II veteran and retired Army officer, led pivotal combat missions and dedicated 30 years of his life to military service. In 2024, just months before his passing, Colonel Paul was celebrated by Hospice of Health First with a special birthday gathering and a Forever a Hero pinning ceremony — a heartfelt tribute made possible by the generosity of donors like you.

The Forever a Hero program honors veterans receiving Hospice care through meaningful, personalized recognition. Each ceremony includes a folded American flag, a patriotic pin, a certificate of appreciation, and a handmade red, white, and blue blanket crafted by the Love Stitches volunteers. These simple yet powerful gestures offer comfort, dignity, and a lasting sense of gratitude for a lifetime of service.

For many veterans, the ceremony is a chance to reflect and share their story—often for the first time—with loved ones at their side.

Thanks to the support of donations made during Associate Month of Giving, Hospice of Health First can celebrate veterans like Colonel Paul with compassion and honor. This generosity ensures these heroes are never forgotten, and their legacies live on in the hearts of those they’ve touched.

“These men and women are the cream of the crop, whether they served for two years or thirty like Colonel Paul, they deserve to be recognized and remembered.”