3 minute read
Retiring well in D.C. and Spokane
By Ruth Wagley
VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR, HORIZON HOSPICE
United States Air Force veteran Joseph Frogge and his family were recognized at a “We Honor Veterans” pinning ceremony in October of 2020. Hospice organizations participate in this national program as a part of their desire to serve and impart honor to veterans entrusted to their care. This program’s primary purpose is to ensure that the unique needs of our vets at the end of life are understood and served. In addition, it also provides an opportunity for each local agency to commemorate a veteran’s service with a small gift.
Frogge served in the Air Force for over 20 years, traveling extensively before finally returning to Spokane. Although happy with family in Spokane, Joe became curious about this opportunity and decided to add another great adventure to his life by relocating to Washington, D.C. to the Armed Forces Retirement Home (AFRH), formerly The Old Soldier’s Home, in 2006. He enjoyed 13 years of dynamic living at this premier facility bringing his zest for life and service through his faith and technology expertise. As a resident he supported chaplaincy outreach and faithfully helped his fellow veterans with needed tech support.
The nation’s capital offers premier life community for certain retired and former members of America’s armed forces and their spouses. The Armed Services Retirement Home offers a vibrant lifestyle at two distinctly different campuses surrounded by rich history, the arts and cultural venues, educational opportunities, natural beauty and recreational amenities. On campus, they provide modern facilities, wellness and life enrichment programs, advanced medical care, and so much more.
In 2017, Frogge’s family – Joe Frogge Jr., wife Alicia and grandchildren Sidney and CJ –were able to enjoy a once in a lifetime trip to visit their dad and granddad at the retirement center, which also houses Abraham Lincoln’s private cottage used during his presidency. Historians believe the Emancipation Proclamation was written here and that President Lincoln stayed here the night before his assassination.
In August 2019, Frogge returned to Spokane in August 2019 and entered care at Horizon Hospice.
Joe Jr. expressed his family’s appreciation for the network of Hospice services: “We wanted Dad close to home and Horizon Hospice was huge when he returned to Spokane. Of course, he was housebound due to COVID and we experienced great relief knowing that Hospice staff were caring for him on so many levels. Dad loved and looked forward to visits from his nursing assistants, nurses, social worker, the chaplain and calls from his volunteer! The impact was huge for our family and gave us great peace of mind.”
Registered nurse Allison Towey-McCarren provided insight into the connection Hospice staff enjoy with their patients.
“My dear patient Mr. Frogge was so excited to share this beautiful blanket presented during his Pinning Ceremony. He shared that he used it as a lap blanket when he watched TV with his son. He lit up when he shared, ‘It is so cozy!’ He was so thankful for all of the members of Horizon Hospice and his weekly visits by Certified Nursing Assistants, Nursing, Social Work and Chaplain staff, and looked forward to emailing his fellow tech savvy volunteer!”
Towey-McCarren continued, “Joe was an absolute delight to care for. I routinely looked forward to our weekly visits. He always fascinated me with how up to date on technology he was, constantly showing me the new gadgets he had found. His love for his family was a priority. Joe enjoyed sharing stories of his loved ones. He was a very humble man, with years of experience to share. I can confidently say he touched many, many lives during his time on earth. What a blessing it was to know him, and his loving family.”
Spokane hospice providers faced the challenges of COVID-19 with a motto that
COURTESY PHOTOS
Retired United States Air Force veteran Joseph Frogge received a commemorative blanket at a “We Honor Veterans” pinning ceremony at Horizon Hospice in October 2020. Joe Jr., his wife Alicia and their children Sidney and CJ toured Washington, D.C., during a 2017 visit to see Joe Frogge.
