At Waldorf Ford, our commitment to the community delves deep beyond our ability to help local drivers. Further, we’re also highly committed to the Waldorf, MD, community, and the surrounding areas, including Huntingtown, Accokeek, Clinton, and Upper Marlboro, Maryland. Part of our commitment to these areas involves our veterans’ initiatives and involvement with local businesses.

To give back to those who have bravely fought for our country, we’re proud to partner with Hospice of the Chesapeake and their We Honor Veterans Program.

Learn more about the program and get involved today!

About Hospice of the Chesapeake

Hospice of the Chesapeake operates as one of the key care facilities in the area, offering care and support to those in need and their loved ones. For more than 36 years, the organization has been able to help more than 30,000 patients and 100,000 family members between hospice care, providing support, and other important services.

One out of every four patients who seek care at Hospice of the Chesapeake happens to be a veteran. As these individuals have shown great courage and dedication by risking their lives for our country, the We Honor Veterans Program has become incredibly important by giving back to those who have valiantly served.

We Honor Veterans Program

The program itself honors veterans from all branches of the military, providing recognition for their service and support for key challenges they face. Here are some of the highlights of the program.

• Level 5 Partner of the National Hospice Palliative Care Organization: Having been named a Level 5 Partner of the National Hospice Palliative Care Organization, Hospice of the Chesapeake has earned recognition for its ability to provide key care for veterans who have engaged in combat and fought during the Vietnam War.
• Honor Salutes: The Hospice of the Chesapeake also offers a ceremony to every veteran patient. If accepted, this ceremony includes the presentation of gifts of gratitude by an active-duty military member or a veteran volunteer, a certificate of appreciation, a handmade card from a student, and a patriotic quilt. This ceremony may also include the service song of the veteran’s military branch and a slow salute.
• Operation Gratitude: To educate younger generations about the role veterans have played and their importance to our country, the program partners with local schools. Students are invited to create thank you cards to show their appreciation to veterans.
• Vet-to-Vet Volunteer Program: Sometimes there is no one better to talk to than another veteran. This program is in place to provide that type of experience, pairing trained veteran patient care volunteers with veteran patients.

Serving Veterans Every Day

While Veterans Day only comes once a year—every November 11^th—the impact these individuals have had on our community and our nation deserves recognition year-round. Through our work with the We Honor Veterans program, we hope to make that impact, letting these individuals know they are appreciated every day.

Importance of Serving Our Veterans

When returning from service, veterans face many challenges, both physical and mental. As such, it has become more important than ever to give back to these individuals. Some more information on the areas where veterans may need help:

• Housing—As of 2018, there were nearly 38,000 homeless veterans within the United States. This made up about 9% of the adult homeless population.
• Mental Health Care—Serving can often leave a lasting impact, nearly 20% of those who have served in Afghanistan or Iraq alone have battled with mental health challenges.
• Physical Health Care—Similarly, around 29% of veterans who served after 2001 have experienced a service-related disability.
• Employment—Many veterans struggle to acclimate back to everyday life, particularly finding employment. Offering jobs to veterans can be a great help, here.

Getting involved with different organizations can help provide a veteran with the support they need!

Other Veteran Organizations

If you are looking to get involved in honoring our veterans, in addition to working with Hospice of the Chesapeake, there are several great organizations you can explore helping. Learn more about each today!

• Disabled American Veterans - DAV is a nonprofit that looks to provide transportation for veterans between medical appointments in addition to aiding with navigating benefit claims. Volunteering with DAV, you could help provide the critical transportation needed for a vet near you.
• Veterans Moving Forward - The physical and emotional toll brought on by serving can be heavy. Veterans Moving Forward looks to alleviate some of this, operating as a nonprofit that helps veterans obtain service animals for physical ailments and mental health challenges alike.
• Habitat for Humanity - You’ve likely heard of Habitat for Humanity before. In volunteering with this organization, you can help carry out special building projects. As such, volunteers with construction backgrounds are always appreciated.

The list does not end there! Countless organizations and nonprofits are working towards the goal of helping our veterans. Learn how you can get involved today!

Some Other Organizations We Work With

At our dealership, we’re extremely proud to have been part of the Southern Maryland community for over two decades now. As such, you will find we are involved with several local organizations in addition to Hospice of the Chesapeake, hoping to make a lasting impact!

Some of these organizations include:

• Waldorf Little League
• Alzheimer’s Association
• Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
• Baden Volunteer Fire Department
• Humane Society of Charles County
• Southern Maryland Food Bank
• Wounded Warrior Project’s High Five Tour
• Toys for Tots
• Law Enforcement Torch Run
• Down Syndrome Association of Southern Maryland

We’re Proud to Honor Veterans at Waldorf Ford

At Waldorf Ford, we’re proud to honor veterans, supporting both the Hospice of the Chesapeake and their We Honor Veterans Program. Learn more about our involvement with the program and commitment to the Waldorf, Huntingtown, Accokeek, Clinton, and Upper Marlboro, MD, communities today.

In the meantime, check out the Hospice of the Chesapeake’s Facebook page to stay up to date with the organization and learn more about the program.