Five Local Veterans Honored on the Suncoast in a Deeply Personal Way

SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) – Five local veterans who served abroad are being recognized on the Suncoast, not with a parade or a marching band, but with something far more personal.

In hospice rooms across the region, Sgt. Mike Murphy steps in with a pin, a few carefully chosen words, and the understanding that comes from having worn the uniform himself.

Murphy, a Vietnam-era U.S. Army veteran, has volunteered with Tidewell Hospice since 2017. He says he doesn’t plan to stop.

“It’s a wonderful experience — it’s a way of me giving back,” Murphy said.

Murphy leads pinning ceremonies for veterans in hospice care. Each one, an intentional reminder that their time in uniform mattered, and that their sacrifice is not forgotten.

Sometimes the ceremony is for the veteran. Sometimes it’s just as much for the family gathered nearby.

Pins are placed on the lapels of the veterans with intention of a warm “thank you for your service.”

Stacy Groff, Empath Health’s vice president of care and connection, says the ceremonies can spark reactions families never expected to see.

“We see everything from someone who hasn’t responded in weeks returning a salute,” Groff said.

“People were alert and oriented, hearing and sharing stories that their family has never heard — because there’s something indescribable about the connection between veterans that a civilian and a vet don’t connect at the same way.”

Groff says Empath Health and Tidewell Hospice are always looking for volunteers willing to show up consistently. People like Murphy, who understands how much a familiar ritual can matter near the end of life.

Murphy says the work brings him back to memories he carries from Vietnam, especially the people who didn’t make it home.

“Being reminded of Vietnam and people that didn’t make it … and it’s wonderful to be able to just thank people for their service,” he said.

He believes the ceremonies can offer something many veterans don’t often ask for out loud: a chance to look back, to be recognized, and to find a measure of closure.

How to help

Tidewell Hospice and Empath Health say community members interested in volunteering can ask about opportunities supporting patients and families.