Over 300 Veterans & Their Loved Ones Attend Agent Orange Town

Jacksonville, FL - (August 9, 2019) – On Wednesday, August 7, 2019 - The Community Hospice Veterans Partnership (CHVP) of Community Hospice & Palliative Care and the University of North Florida’s Military and Veterans Resource Center (UNF MVRC) sponsored their second veteran series of the year, the Agent Orange Town Hall at the Adam W. Herbert University Center at UNF (12000 Alumni Drive, Jacksonville, FL, 32224).

The Community Hospice Veterans Partnership is comprised of prominent area veteran leaders and advocates who serve as brand ambassadors for Community Hospice & Palliative Care to ensure veterans and their caregivers are aware of and have access to resources and end-of-life care. Community Hospice & Palliative Care has served veterans since its founding in 1979, and roughly 20% of the non-profit’s patients self-identify as veterans. CHVP conducts regular meetings, outreach, recognition ceremonies and conferences to serve the veteran community-at-large. The Chairman, Bob Buehn, is also the Director of the UNF MVRC. Together, CHVP and the UNF MVRC co-sponsor educational events for veterans and their loved ones.

"As time goes by we are realizing that the harmful effects of Agent Orange have touched more people and more generations than ever imagined,” says retired U.S. Navy Captain Bob Buehn (Ret.). “It is important to get the information out, the correct information, and to connect those who may be suffering from Agent Orange exposure with the services and benefits they are due. That is our goal with this Town Hall event."

The Korean War Agent Orange Town Hall featured Keynote Speaker, Anthony “Tony” G. D’Aleo, U.S. Marine Corps (Ret.) and President of Vietnam Veterans of America’s (VVA) Local Chapter 1046. Tony is a Vietnam veteran and works directly with area veterans to assist with their needs, often partnering with local organizations as well as the corporate office of VVA. Tony put together a nationally-recognized subject matter expert panel, each of whom discussed their area of expertise and how they could best support veterans and caregivers living with complications from Agent Orange and associated toxins. The panel included:

  • Shaneka Hall, Advanced Medical Support Assistant, Department of Veterans Affairs (Local)
  • Marc McCabe, Bureau Chief/Chief Service Officer Vietnam Veterans of America (Regional)
  • W. Patrick Monaghan, Leading Authority, Agent Orange (Regional)
  • Mokie Porter, Director of Communications, Vietnam Veterans of America (National)
  • Nancy Switzer, National President, Association of Vietnam Veterans of America (National)

 

Breakfast was served, and veterans had the chance to speak one-on-one to veteran service officers from the City and VVA, who were on hand to help with Agent Orange claims. VA’s Mobile Vet Center was parked in front of the Herbert Center to assist veterans and their loved ones. Captain Bob Buehn, U.S. Navy (Ret.) and the United States Marine Corps’ Blount Island Command Color Guard opened the ceremony, and an emotional photo-worthy veteran recognition ceremony was held at 12 p.m. The Exhibitors were: Community Hospice & Palliative Care, Office of Senator Marco Rubio, Hardage-Giddens, Tricare, VA, and VVA. Each registered attendee received a patriotic gift bag with materials from the national headquarters of Vietnam Veterans of America, as well as other resources from members of the Community Hospice Veterans Partnership.

The Community Hospice Veterans Partnership (CHVP) of Community Hospice & Palliative Care (CHPC) was founded to create awareness of and provide access to veterans and caregivers in need of compassionate end-of-life care. CHVP’s is comprised of veterans and veteran advocates whose voluntary outreach efforts include networking, marketing, and educational events.

Community Hospice & Palliative Care is the only hospice provider in its 16-county service area to receive Hospice Honors, a national distinction for “Best in Quality” care according to patient’s caregivers. During its 40-year history, Community Hospice & Palliative Care has served nearly 200,000 adults and children, and expanded from five to 16 counties. Thanks to the support of more than 900 employees and 1,000 volunteers, the organization helps m 1,600 patients live better with advanced illness every day.

UNF’s Military and Veterans Resource Center’s mission is to provide a broad range of student services and resources focused on the unique needs of today’s military veterans, service members and their families  to enhance their smooth transition from the military environment to campus life, leading to academic success and post-graduation employment opportunities. UNF, a nationally ranked university located on an environmentally beautiful campus, offers students who are dedicated to enriching the lives of others the opportunity to build their own futures through a well-rounded education.

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