On our nation’s 250th anniversary, we are surrounded by grand celebrations of history and service. Yet, I believe, the true spirit of this milestone lies in quiet, everyday moments that honor veterans’ contributions to the American story.
For many veterans and military families, our service is an essential part of who we are. The experiences, sacrifices, and values forged through military service continue to shape us long after we leave the uniform behind. Every veteran carries a story, and sometimes the most meaningful care comes from simply acknowledging and respecting that story.
Every Veteran Carries a Story
As a veteran of the United States Air Force, I experienced this firsthand during a routine procedure a few years ago. At the time, my 19-year-old son had recently left for basic military training. As both a veteran and a military parent, I was navigating a season filled with pride, uncertainty, and worry.
On the morning of my procedure, a nurse learned during our conversation that I was a veteran. She paused, looked me in the eye, and sincerely thanked me for my service. This genuine acknowledgment of my own service meant a great deal to me.
As we continued talking, she learned about my son and the challenges our family was experiencing while he was away in training. Communication with him was limited, and like many military families, we were learning to live with the distance and unknowns that service often requires.
She recognized the complex emotions of pride and anxiety that come with watching your child begin a military journey, especially when you’ve walked that path yourself.
What began as a routine clinical interaction became something more personal because she was curious enough to learn what mattered most to me in that moment.
The Power of Curiosity & Connection
As she prepared my IV, I noticed she was wearing a bracelet with segments representing each branch of military service. The sight of it surprised me! Given everything my family was experiencing at the time, I was moved by this unexpected symbol of support and respect for our nation’s military, and I became a bit tearful as I told her so.
When I commented on it, she casually slipped the bracelet off her wrist and placed it with my belongings.
“It belongs to you now,” she said.
That unforeseen gesture of kindness moved me more deeply than I can adequately express. Nothing about my procedure changed that day, but everything about the experience did. I felt seen. I felt valued. I felt that my story as a veteran mattered.
That is the power of honoring a veteran’s journey.
Seeing the Whole Person Behind the Patient
In healthcare, we often talk about treating the whole person. For veterans, this means recognizing how military service shapes their perspectives, relationships, stressors, and sources of resilience in ways that may not be immediately apparent.
The best caregivers become experts at uncovering the unique story each patient carries. The stories of veterans and military families often include sacrifices, pride, and challenges that continue long after active duty ends.
When we honor their stories, we honor the lives of those who serve and have served our country. My nurse demonstrated that honoring a veteran’s experience doesn’t require grand gestures. All it requires is curiosity, respect, and everyday acts of kindness.
From that foundation, caregivers can connect with their veteran patients, and that connection can transform a routine encounter into a genuinely meaningful experience.
I’ll never forget that simple bracelet and the compassion it represents to me. Wearing it brought me comfort for the remaining weeks of my son’s training and has continued to do so well beyond.
So, here’s my challenge to you:
What small action will you take to ensure a veteran patient feels truly seen, honored, and valued?
Katie Heskett is a Senior Client Success Manager at Practicing Excellence. She is a passionate advocate for improving patient and human experiences through meaningful connection, communication, and service.
