For the past four years, Montage Health Foundation volunteer Randele Kanouse has honored veterans at Hospice of the Central Coast with ceremonies that recognize patients’ service, sacrifices, and bravery. The ceremonies memorialize their legacy through storytelling about their military service, often including interesting and unique details and timelines that their family and friends never knew.
Kanouse, who is an Air Force veteran, shared why he provides this service, some of his most memorable moments, and more.
What made you want to start this program?
I want to give these men and women the very special recognition and appreciation they deserve. In 2012 I started this program at UC Davis Medical Center’s hospice program and when I moved to Pacific Grove a few years ago, I was grateful to be able to bring this service to Hospice of the Central Coast. I’ve performed more than 180 of these ceremonies for hospice patients who are veterans, and each one is as unique and meaningful as the patient.
It is a warm feeling to bring such joy and pleasure to veterans and their families during what might be some of their last days. When a patient is receiving hospice care, sometimes they're in a lot of pain, on medication, and struggling with end-of-life issues. If I can give them one day where they don’t have to think about the end of life, where they can relive some of their life’s most important memories — that makes me prouder than anything else.
What is it like getting to know these veterans?
There’s rarely a shortage of stories they want to tell. They are excited to talk about their service and they want someone to hear their story before they pass. I feel so grateful to have the honor and privilege of reciting their story to their family and friends. Some ceremonies can see as many as 50 or 60 people, which is a testament to how special these events are.
During our interview, I’ll spend a few hours learning their story, then I’ll do some research on my own to fill in the gaps and find details — sometimes obscure — to make the story a comprehensive picture of the veteran’s service experience. If they served on a certain ship or plane, or in a specific unit or location, I’ll find out more about those details so their family and friends learn something they might not have already known. The ceremonies are held wherever the patient is, whether that’s their house or a care facility, and we also allow loved ones to join virtually. I always come to them, because this is for them.
What do you love most about doing this work?
Randele Kanouse honoring Janet Parks, a WWII Navy veteran
The look in their eyes after I honor the veteran proves how important this work is. Hugs and tears are commonplace, and I’m often told by the patient and their family how meaningful the moment was.
It really makes the moment special to see joy on the faces of the patient’s children and grandchildren. One veteran had 12 grandchildren all between 4 and 12 years old. I got on my knees, set aside my script, and told the story to the kids in words they could understand. I wanted to ensure that they knew all about their incredible grandpa before he passed on. To give these young children this special memory was very important to me. They remember when grandpa gave them piggyback rides or bought them ice cream, but I wanted them to know the man who served in the military, did brave and heroic things, and truly served his country. It is important for children and grandchildren to understand that dimension of their parents and grandparents.
I worked in the state capital for 40 years. When I was working on a bill, I didn’t know whose lives it would affect. But when I can touch the life of one man or woman who may not have much time left, and give them and their family a special, meaningful, and memorable day, that is simply amazing. It feels like a miracle.
What are some moments that stand out?
One veteran and his son hadn't spoken in four years. Right after the ceremony, the father and son hugged, and they reconciled. To play some small part in facilitating that was truly a privilege.
Another veteran who served in the Navy was suffering from Alzheimer's disease. He didn’t remember his service, but his children remembered some bits and pieces. I pieced together his story from what his family told me. He had seven children and they all had grandchildren, so we did his ceremony in his front yard. A picture of him and his wife was placed next to his children, and his daughter was holding his hands and cheek. That moment was captured in a photograph, and even though the ceremony was seven years ago, I still tear up every time I see it.
I’ve learned that the ceremonies don’t need to be perfect to be special and meaningful. Once I received a last-minute request from a nurse to honor a Vietnam war veteran who was not doing well. I knew nothing about him, hadn’t interviewed him, and couldn’t speak to him, but I realized none of that mattered. I knew I could say a few words and that moment would be just as special for that family as any other ceremony. During the ceremony, after just a few sentences, the patient — who was intubated and not awake — opened his eyes. I don't know how much he understood, but I do know that this simple yet meaningful gesture was extremely special for his wife, nurse, social worker, and everyone else involved. It made me understand that I don’t need to know everything about a veteran, and it doesn’t need to be a 20-minute presentation. If saying just a few words still makes someone feel good, and feel honored, there is no question that it’s worth it.
Volunteer with Montage Health Foundation
Montage Health Foundation offers a variety of volunteer programs to make a meaningful difference for patients, visitors, and our healthcare team. You can join more than 500 community members already giving back as Montage Health Foundation volunteers. Volunteer opportunities include our Auxiliary, Hospice of the Central Coast, Ohana, Spiritual Care Services, our Therapy dog program, and much more. Visit our website to learn more and get involved.
