Press release from Four Seasons
Flat Rock, NC- Four Seasons is honored to have held our 1,000th Veteran pinning ceremony on Friday, February 9 at the American Legion in Hendersonville in honor of US Army (Ret) Sgt. Bill Troutman.
About Pinning Ceremonies
In 2014, Four Seasons became a member of the We Honor Veterans program. Through a partnership with the Military Officer’s Association of America (MOAA), the We Honor Veterans program honors veterans receiving hospice care with special pinning ceremonies. During the ceremony attended by families and friends, a current military officer salutes the patient. The patient is also presented with a certificate, blanket and pin. The ceremonies are customized to the desires of the individual being honored. At any given time, over 25% of the patients being served by Four Seasons are veterans.
Representatives from the office of Congressman Chuck Edwards also attended to honor Bill for his service and presented him with several special memorial items in his honor, including a flag flown over the U.S. Capital Building.
“As a fellow Cold War Veteran, it was a great honor to provide a Veterans Pinning to Sargent William Troutman. His service in the U.S. Army during the Cold War was an invaluable benefit to our country. Bill spent many years away from his family, and his sweetheart and future wife Elaine, defending freedom from the onslaught of communism. Had war broken out, Bill would have been on the front lines. Bill’s dedication to duty, self-sacrifice, and courage set him apart as one of this nation’s heroes. Thank you, Bill, for your willingness to lay your life on the line so that we may enjoy freedom and liberty,” says Chaplain Michael Wermuth, Four Seasons Spiritual Care Team Leader, and U.S. Navy Submarine Service Veteran.
Bill’s Story
In February 1964, Bill received a draft notice at just 20 years old to fight in the Vietnam War. Bill was initially told he would likely return home after basic training, but with the war heating up, he received a permanent assignment in Germany. Arriving In Giessen, Germany, Bill’s job was to support the Vietnam effort by pairing both dynamite and nuclear warheads to fueled missiles. Because he possessed a license to drive a 10-ton truck, Bill was tasked with transporting these rockets, called “Honest Johns,” cradled on launchers, to Grafenwöhr, Germany, for firing. After a glowing record in this role, Bill was ordered to attend warhead school in Oberammergau to train in arming these nuclear warheads, thus earning him the title of “Senior Assembly Rocket Specialist.” Based on his performance there, he received his E5 stripes, an unusual accomplishment after only 18 months of service. Although he was offered the opportunity to serve the military for life, Bill was ready to return home to the love of his life, Elaine, to begin their life together.
Four Seasons Commitment to Veterans
“Four Seasons is honored each time one of our veteran patients is pinned. To have the opportunity to pin our 1000th veteran is such an incredibly touching moment. We are truly thankful to be part of caring for Mr. Troutman and to share in his journey with his family and friends. This particular pinning ceremony included so many special moments and we appreciate the support from our community,” says Paige Wheeler, Four Seasons Chief Development Officer and Foundation Executive Director.
We Honor Veterans is a special program that honors United States Armed Forces veterans who are nearing the end of life. This national program was originally founded by the Veteran’s Administration in conjunction with the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization. The program is entirely supported by our Four Seasons Foundation. Four Seasons is currently a level 3 member of We Honor Veterans.
“We are incredibly honored to provide care for veterans and their family and are so thankful for their service to our country. Since launching our We Honor Veterans Program in 2014, we have prioritized partnerships with veterans within our internal and external communities to support the recognition of veterans within our care. Respect, Dignity, and Compassion are commitments that we extend to all we serve, and we are very grateful for the opportunity to continue to expand our commitment to veterans and their families for many more years,” says Four Seasons President & CEO, Dr. Millicent Burke-Sinclair, Ed.D, MBA, MLAS, SPHR®, SHRM SCP.
Before you comment
The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.