| Date: Sat., July 02, 2011 Contact: Manny P. Hernandez Manager, Public Information Tel: (407)304-2609 cell: (863)660-0812
Retired Chief Master Sergeant Cole Panning congratulates Bill Locey (age 89), while Megan Coke (standing), Activities Director at Spring Hills,
ORLANDO – Dressed in his full U.S. Air Force uniform, retired Chief Master Sergeant Cole Panning was glad to lend a helping hand pinning “Honor” pins to lapels and awarding Certificates of Appreciation to the twenty-one WWII veterans who attended the Cornerstone SALUTES! military recognition at Spring Hills at Hunters Creek Assisted Living Retirement Community in south Orlando, sponsored by nonprofit Cornerstone Hospice. Assisting him was Clinical Liaison for Hospice, David Alex Newsome, a U.S. Army veteran. Twenty-nine fallen veterans were also recognized with a Posthumous Award and a red carnation and certificate were presented to the widows of the fallen. Chief Panning was in the Pararescue unit of the Air Force, served two tours of duty in Vietnam, and in many nations around the world, was deployed to Desert Storm and retired from Patrick Air Force Base as E9 after a thirty-year career. Cornerstone SALUTES! was established more than a year ago by nonprofit Cornerstone Hospice under VA guidelines and was recognized by the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization’s “We Honor Veterans” program as a vehicle to honor veterans throughout the nation who may be experiencing life-limiting health conditions or simply living in the winter of their years. The proceedings of the day were enhanced by the pomp and circumstance of the colors by Orlando American Legion Post 286 whose members presented the flags of the United States as well as of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard. Bugler Clayton Johnsen, retired U.S. Air Force, played “Taps” at the conclusion of the services. Cindi Harris-Panning, RN and Executive Director for the Orange and Osceola region with Cornerstone Hospice, remarked: “We are privileged to render this tribute to all of you and we appreciate the cooperation between Hospice and Spring Hills at Hunters Creek which has made possible this recognition on such an important weekend as the Fourth of July.” Nonprofit Cornerstone Hospice has been providing care and services to central Florida patients and families of veterans experiencing life-limiting illnesses and may be reached in Orange and Osceola counties and throughout central Florida (407)206-2273 or call toll-free (888)728-6234. Also visit www.cornerstonehospice.org
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| Living and Fallen Veterans Recognized by Cornerstone Hospice at Spring Hills |
