Veterans Care: A Discussion With a Military Pilot

LifeChoice Hospice and Palliative Care services becomes a part of many life stories and families. We are proud to offer veterans care to people who have served our country with honor as well as a wide variety of others who have lived their best lives. On September 7 of this year, we had the opportunity to visit with one of our military families and speak with Mr. Patterson, who served for many years and in countries around the globe.

Mr. Patterson, who now receives care from his children and professionals at home, had just finished eating breakfast when we arrived for our chat. At over 90 years of age, he still took the time to spruce up for our visit and led the way into the living room. After the normal pleasantries, we asked about his experience as a veteran. His eagerness to share his life story brought a spark to his eyes and a smile to his face.

In 1944, Mr. Patterson turned 20 years old, and he was finally able to act on his long-term love of flying that lasted throughout high school and his younger years. At that time, he signed up for the Air Corps Cadets and entered flight school. He excelled throughout the long process of classroom instruction, hands-on training, and extensive testing and earned his position at the top of the class. The military chose him as a primary flyer for the C-47 Cargo Transport Planes.

Throughout his experience with the military, his responsibilities included flying between Georgetown, Guyana and Natal, Brazil with important officers on board. This would be the first leg of their journey to Ascension, an island off the African coast, Liberia, Mauritania, Morocco, and finally to Italy and Great Britain. His essential service helped protect the interests of freedom around the globe.

Throughout the discussion with Mr. Patterson and his care team, he remained humble and engaged as he shared memories of his time in the service. Several years ago, he was honored to take part in the Veterans Honor Flight experience.

Even when Mr. Patterson retired from the military, he filled his life with many interesting and important jobs. His experiences include time as a realtor, an IRS auditor, and insurance agent, owning a restaurant, and launching a successful accounting firm. One of his daughters now owns this firm and continues in the financial field since he retired.  Following retirement Mr. Patterson immersed himself in community projects. For example, he dedicated many hours to a local park cleanup project, which is now named after him in honor of his efforts. The 15-acre space can now be enjoyed by families from the area.

As with all LifeChoice Hospice and Palliative Care patients, we offer the best possible care and support for Mr. Patterson and his family as the end of his journey nears. He now enjoys peace, quiet, and his 4 loving children close around him. It is our honor to offer veterans care to men and women like him who have served all of us so well.