MIAMI –A few weeks ago, First Lady Michelle Obama honored the Tuskegee Airmen and their role in American history. Last week, VITAS Healthcare recognized their patient, Lt. Col. Eldridge F. Williams. He is a Tuskegee Airman and is 97 years old. VITAS Healthcare is the leading provider of end-of-life care. They held a military bedside salute at the VITAS hospice unit at University of Miami Hospital. Attendees included members of the Tuskegee Airmen Miami Chapter. TAI Treasurer Albert E. Dotson, Sr., PhD, was present. Rosa L. White, PhD, also attended. Additionally, VITAS Community Liaison Deborah Mizell, RN, was there.
During the heartfelt military bedside salute, a VITAS chaplain sang patriotic songs like “God Bless America” and “I Shall Not Be Moved.” A pinning ceremony took place and Williams was presented with a certificate of appreciation and gifted a festive, red, white and blue blanket, hand knitted with love by a VITAS volunteer. The salute was well-received by all, including Williams, whose appreciation was evident as he mustered the energy to say: “Thank you so much. It’s a grand way to go out.”
“Veterans account for 25 percent of deaths every year,” said VITAS Veteran Liaison Nancy Auster, RN. “With more than 1,000 veterans dying in the U.S. every day, it is critical for hospice providers to offer specialized care to veterans and show appreciation for the sacrifices they made for our country. That’s why at VITAS, we believe every day is Veterans Day.”
Williams was a documented original Tuskegee Airman and a veteran of the Korean War. He served the U.S. Army Air Corps for over 20 years. A longtime resident of Miami, Williams was born in 1917. He grew up picking cotton on plantations in Texas and Kansas. Besides fighting for his country, he also fought for racial equality. This cause has been important to him since childhood. After retiring from the military, Williams worked for Miami-Dade County Public Schools. This is the fourth largest school district in the U.S. He held several roles there, including Director of Desegregation.
The Tuskegee Airmen, also known as the Red Tails, fought in World War II and were the first African-American combat pilots in U.S. history. According to Tuskegee Airmen, Inc., there are approximately 200 documented members in their local chapters who are still living.
Click image below to watch the video tribute:
As the nation’s leading hospice provider since 1978, VITAS understands that prior military service can have a profound impact on veterans as they approach the end of life, and the company has developed award-winning programs to provide them with the care and support they need. VITAS’ specially trained staff members and volunteers work daily to honor veterans’ preferences for care at the end of life and ensure they receive the respect, comfort and compassion and tributes they deserve.
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