06/12/2026
Meet Jean, an Army veteran who volunteers with HopeWest as an advisory board member and patient companion. Jean finds her purpose through serving.
“Serving your country and serving others, you learn the dedication to show up whether you want to or not,” said Jean. “I can’t think of a more fulfilling thing than serving other people.”
Jean had a loved one pass while on hospice, she said it was difficult, but it made her want to be involved in the experience for others. She was first introduced to HopeWest at a fundraising event in Delta, and after that, she knew she needed to be involved. She began volunteering as a patient companion, providing support to patients in hospice care.
“When difficult things happen, some people lean in, and others run. I guess it's just in my nature to lean in,” said Jean.
Growing up in a family with eight siblings, Jean decided to join the military, looking for more structure and a new challenge. Jean served in the Army Reserves for 13 years. She says her time serving helped her gain self-confidence and the discipline to show up through hard moments. Being a patient companion takes a special kind of heart. Showing up for someone at the end of life is not a choice; it's a commitment.
Thank you to people like Jean who are called to serve in more ways than one. Today, we honor Women Veterans who have served our country. Women Veterans Day is not a day separate from Veterans' Day, but rather a day to commemorate the Women's Armed Services Integration Act of 1948, which allowed women to serve as regular members of the U.S. Armed Forces.
Thank you to all our Women Veterans!