Hope Hospice of New Braunfels, TX, a Level 4 WHV partner, had the honor of conducting a ceremony of recognition for Medal of Honor recipient, Master Sergeant Jose Rodela. MSG Rodela served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War.
On September 1, 1969, while serving as the company commander, Rodela’s battalion came under an intense barrage of enemy fire. Rodela quickly arranged his battalion into a defensive position that prevented the opposing fire from overtaking the entire battalion. During this attack, Rodela repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire as he moved from position to position, supporting his comrades, and assisting the wounded. Rodela himself suffered a wound to the head and back during his successful attempt to recover a wounded comrade. Despite this, Rodela singlehandedly eliminated an enemy rocket position. Rodela’s extraordinary selflessness and risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty precipitated his receipt of the Medal of Honor on March 18, 2014.
The ceremony of recognition for MSG Rodela was attended by friends and family, fellow Veterans, and members of Rodela’s care team. During the ceremony, Hope Hospice provided MSG Rodela with a pin from the Vietnam War Commemoration, a certificate, a patriotic blanket, and additional symbols of recognition. Attendees included four Vietnam Veterans who volunteer as part of Hope Hospice’s Hope Honor Guard to provide support and comradery to their Veteran peers during their final journey. To recognize the commitment and service of these Honor Guard members, MSG Rodela’s son also presented the Veterans in attendance with MSG Rodela’s Challenge Coin as an expression of his gratitude.
Although MSG Rodela is a reserved individual, his family was happy to share his story to promote We Honor Veteran’s mission to serve those who served us.
In addition to providing ceremonies of recognition, WHV hospice partners assist Veteran patients and their families to obtain their earned benefits, access needed support to mitigate symptoms of PTSD or moral injury that may re-emerge as they age, and find comfort and closure at end-of-life through connections to Veteran volunteers. Learn more about practices for honoring Veterans at end-of-life!
