Skip to content We Honor Those
Who Served
As a veteran-owned organization, we built the Duane V. Blackwell Hospice Program to ensure veterans receive end-of-life care that truly honors their sacrifice — with the dignity, respect, and understanding they have earned.
The Duane V. Blackwell
Hospice Program
Born December 25, 1931 · Enlisted December 1950
Duane Victor Blackwell was born on Christmas Day and spent 35 years of his life in service to his country. He enlisted in December 1950 and went on to serve across five branches of the United States Armed Forces — the Air Force, Army, National Guard, Navy, and Army Reserves.
Duane was a gunner, jet technician, battalion leader, recruiter, and expert rifleman who also instructed soldiers in NBC (nuclear, biological, and chemical) warfare programs. He achieved the rank of E-9, retiring as a Sergeant Major in the Army Reserves.
Refined Hospice & Home Health is honored to name its Hospice program after Duane, and hopes his legacy — and the legacy of all veterans — will live on through the services we provide.
"Refined Hospice & Home Health is honored to name its Hospice program after Duane and hopes his legacy, and the legacy of all veterans, will live on through the services we provide."
— Refined Hospice & Home HealthWe Honor Veterans:
A National Partnership
We Honor Veterans is a pioneering collaboration between the National Hospice & Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The program invites hospices, state organizations, hospice-veteran partnerships, and VA facilities to deliver care grounded in compassionate listening, respectful inquiry, and grateful acknowledgment of military service.
At Refined Hospice & Home Health, we don't just participate in this program — we lead it. Our team includes veterans from the CEO to our volunteers, and we actively recruit veteran volunteers who can connect deeply with patients through shared experience.
We Honor Veterans
Level 4 Partner
Highest Designation
NHPCO Hospice Partner
Four Ways We Honor Your Service
Our veteran-specific care goes far beyond standard hospice. Every veteran we serve receives care designed around their unique experiences.
Pillar 01
No Veteran Dies Alone
This program ensures that veterans — who for whatever reason find themselves without family or close companions — are never alone as they near the end of life. We provide a compassionate presence, honoring the person they are and the sacrifices they made.
Pillar 02
Vet-to-Vet Volunteer Program
Veterans often connect most deeply with one another. We actively recruit veteran volunteers who can sit with patients, share experiences, and learn their life stories — using that knowledge to promote a peaceful, meaningful passage.
Pillar 03
Veteran Recognition Ceremony
Every veteran we serve receives a recognition ceremony — a certificate of appreciation and a service-specific flag, presented with dignity and respect. We also extend this recognition to their families, acknowledging the sacrifices made by those who stood beside them.
Pillar 04
VA Partnership & Resources
We work closely with local VA offices to provide expanded resources — contracted personal care, increased volunteer support, social services, and chaplains. We also offer veteran-specific home health and personal care to ensure every need is met.
Veterans Can Access
Both Benefits at Once
One of the most significant — and least known — benefits available to veteran patients is the ability to access VA benefits AND Medicare or Medicaid hospice benefits simultaneously. You don't have to choose.
Benefit One
VA Benefits
Personal care, home health aides, transportation, expanded volunteer support, and additional VA-coordinated services.
Benefit Two
Medicare / Medicaid Hospice
Expert nursing care, physician services, medications related to the terminal diagnosis, chaplain care, counseling, and bereavement support.
