A Father, Son, and a Final Wish
The Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center is often associated with being a place of medical care and an institution for future healthcare professionals to learn. But today, we were able to grant a final wish and help a Veteran celebrate his son’s graduation.
Today, staff and volunteers had the opportunity to perform a pinning ceremony for Mr. Mark Rogers. This ceremony is held in recognition of a Veteran’s service to their country while they are under the trust of our Palliative Care team. During Mark’s time with us, his number one goal has been to see his son graduate high school. With many obstacles on that path, it didn’t seem like he was going to be able to accomplish this. However, with the help of the Palliative Care team and members of the Crawfordsville School Corporation, we were able to make his final wish come true with a special high school graduation ceremony for Mr. Rogers and his wife Susie.
Mark’s son, Marcus, is graduating with an honors diploma from Crawfordsville High School this spring with the intent of going to Indiana University this coming fall.
While Mark's final chapter is coming to an end, his son's story is just beginning. Although brief, these last moments between father and son are sure to be cherished. We thank Mark Rogers for his service and congratulate Marcus on a remarkable job with his academics, and wish him the all the best from everyone here at R.L. Roudebush VAMC.