MONTGOMERY, N.Y., Sept. 30, 2026 – Hospice of Orange & Sullivan Counties brought veterans, families and community members together on September 23 for a Veterans Brunch: A Salute to Service at The American Grill at Stony Ford Golf Course in Thomas Bull Memorial Park.
The gathering honored local veterans and provided an opportunity to share experiences, form connections and learn about available support.With the surrounding mountains in view on a bright fall morning, attendees exchanged stories across generations and branches of service. Before the panel discussion, the program featured a medley of military service songs, with veterans standing for their branches.
Eric Gatsik, President and CEO of Hospice of Orange & Sullivan Counties, described veteran care and outreach as a central part of the organization’s work.
“Our veterans program is an incredibly important part of Hospice of Orange & Sullivan Counties. It’s not something that we think of as just another program that we offer. It really is a part of who we are,” Gatsik said. “We want Hospice of Orange & Sullivan to be a resource for veterans throughout Orange and Sullivan counties.
We want the veterans community to know that we are here for you.”Gatsik reported that Hospice cared for 132 veteran patients last year and reached another 190 through veterans cafés at 17 facilities in Orange and Sullivan Counties. Hospice also held several events this spring, including making keychains for Vietnam veterans at the Newburgh Armory Center and hosting a Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans commemoration at the Cornwall Yacht Club. He also acknowledged the staff and volunteers who support the program.
Taylor Sterling, station manager at WTBQ Radio, the event’s media partner, moderated a panel on service beyond the military.
Marine Corps veteran Jose Morales Jr., who served during Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm and now serves as Veterans of Foreign Wars District 2 commander, addressed barriers to veterans’ benefits, health care and housing.
“Our responsibility is to listen without judgment, serve without hesitation and make sure no veteran is forced to navigate these challenges alone,” said Morales.
Retired Army Col. Jeanette McMahon, a 1983 graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, described the support her family received after her husband, Lt. Col. Michael McMahon, was killed in a 2004 military aircraft crash in Afghanistan. She spoke from the perspective of a Gold Star family member, someone who has lost a loved one in military service. After retiring from the Army, McMahon served as Development Officer for a Gold Star family nonprofit to ensure debt-free college education for children who lost a parent in the line of duty.
“We all learn how to take care of each other,” said McMahon. “All of us serve our country and serve our local communities. It’s just what we do.”
Navy veteran Kevin Clardy, who served during the Persian Gulf War, described how joining the Nam Knights of America, Orange County Chapter, gave him a way to support fellow veterans. “I had family out there that I never knew I had,” said Clardy.
Following the panel, attendees shared their experiences and discussed the value of connecting with other veterans. Veteran James Van Duzer spoke about the people he met at his table.
“The best part of the brunch was the informal opportunity to meet other veterans,” said Van Duzer. “I met a 96-year-old Korean War Army veteran sitting on my right, and a nurse who served in the Vietnam War was at our table. I marveled at what their experiences must have been like, and that the diversity in the room still felt like a family.”
Christian Farrell, director of the Orange County Veterans Service Agency, an event partner, outlined the agency’s assistance with veterans’ benefits and emphasized the value of sharing resources with one another.
“I think as veterans, we all need each other,” said Farrell. “We can help one another just as far as camaraderie goes, just letting people know what resources are available to each other.”
Air Force veteran Ralph Colon, a Hospice Vet-to-Vet volunteer, drew on his family’s experience with hospice care as he encouraged fellow veterans to volunteer.
“My uncle was a U.S. Air Force veteran who received hospice care last year,” said Colon. “If you want to help fellow veterans, I encourage you to join our Vet-to-Vet volunteer team.”
Lynn Crevling, Hospice’s Director of Advancement, thanked the panelists for sharing their experiences and led a moment of silence in remembrance of those who had died. She also recognized the work of Hospice caregivers.
“Their stories remind us that service does not end when a military career ends,” said Crevling. “It continues in the ways veterans lead, volunteer, advocate and strengthen their communities. Our hospice caregivers are heroes, too. They support others through their final, most sacred transition of life.”
Hospice’s Vet-to-Vet Volunteer Program connects veteran volunteers with veteran patients for companionship and support. Its Honor Salutes recognize patients’ military service, while the Veterans Committee helps organize outreach and events. For information about becoming a veteran volunteer, call (845) 561-6111 or email volunteerdept@hospiceoforange.com.
About Hospice of Orange & Sullivan Inc.
Since 1988, Hospice of Orange & Sullivan Counties has provided compassionate end-of-life care to patients and families across the Hudson Valley. Guided by our mission of honoring life with dignity, comfort and compassion, we support individuals wherever they call home and help families navigate life’s most meaningful moments. Learn more at www.hospiceoforange.com.
