Combat Medic to Caregiver: Tony's Mission to Serve Veterans Through Hospice

Tony, a Vietnam combat medic, shares his profound journey from the battlefields of Southeast Asia to founding a military support program that has changed countless veteran lives. In this episode of Hospice Uncovered, Tony opens up about volunteering at BAMC, his transformative relationship with Eden Pearl—the most critically injured soldier in military history—and how that experience shaped his approach to veteran care at Warm Springs Rehab. He discusses the power of simply listening to veterans, preventing suicide through human connection, and the ripple effects of showing genuine care. Tony reveals why he volunteered for Vietnam at just 18 years old, what he witnessed upon arrival, and how his combat medic training became the foundation for his life's calling in hospice and veteran services. His stories illustrate how one person's decision to serve can alter the trajectory of entire families and communities. Subscribe to Hospice Uncovered to hear more conversations about life, death, love, and the beauty of serving others well. 00:00 Opening Reflection: Combat Medic's Call to Service 03:45 Grounding Exercise: Breathwork and Presence 05:30 Introduction to Hospice Uncovered Philosophy 07:15 How Tony and the Host Met: Warm Springs Rehab 09:45 Meeting Eden Pearl: The Most Critically Injured Soldier 13:20 The Warrior Family Support Center Connection 15:30 Alyssa's Determination to Become a Nurse 17:45 First Visit to the Burn Unit 20:15 Building Friendship and Wooden Picnic Tables 22:30 Reconnection at Warm Springs Rehab 24:50 Eden Pearl Wing Dedication 26:45 Lessons in Caring and Compassion 28:30 Other Veterans: Troy Dreberstedt's Journey to Faith 31:00 Lieutenant Spears: Lightning Strike and Recovery 34:15 Why Tony Joined the Military in 1970 36:30 JFK's Call to Service and Family Values 38:45 Volunteering for Vietnam 40:20 The Reality of Arrival: First Night in Vietnam 42:15 Combat Medic Training and Field Experience 44:45 Coming Home at 21: The Toll of Combat