A Story of Honor: The Final Mile at James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital

The Final Mile Ceremony, born from a simple act of compassion, stood as a testament to dignity, remembrance, and unwavering gratitude.

The ceremony began with a single observation. In 2019, while working at the hospital, David Allen of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association (CVMA) Chapter 20-10 noticed how unclaimed Veterans were being taken to their interments. “They were not getting the honors that they deserved,” he recalled. He brought the idea to his chapter to honor them by adopting the unclaimed Veterans and escorting them to the cemetery.  “Since then, we’re right at 100 Veterans that we have escorted. The Final Mile to me is our commitment that no Veteran will go to their final resting place alone.”

What started as a simple escort grew into a full ceremony, shaped by the hands and hearts of a community. The VA Police Honor Guard, VA staff, Tampa Police and Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Motor Units, Veterans Funeral Care, and the CVMA stood side by side to honor these heroes.

David Allen of the CVMA explains, “We continue to improve and do our best to make sure these guys get the dignity they deserve. There are brothers and sisters and for us it’s an honor to be able to do it.”

The most recent ceremony was held on March 5, 2026. The Veterans Funeral Care hearse arrived at Fisher House II, carrying the remains of two unclaimed Veterans: Ronald Keith Kocher of the United States Marine Corps and Richard A. Loomis of the United States Navy. They were met by those who would speak their names, honor their service, and ensure their legacy continued.

Members of the CVMA, the Chaplain’s Office, the Medical Media Team, and the VA Police Honor Guard took their places. The CVMA began with a ride safety briefing. Moments later, the air was stilled and everyone stood ready.

The VA Police Honor Guard stepped forward to render honors, crisp salutes held with reverence. The CVMA delivered the Final Mile creed, followed by the names and branches of service of the fallen. The Chaplain offered a solemn prayer, a blessing for two Veterans who would not be forgotten.

Shawn P. Hogan, Acting Veteran Experience Officer, shared what this ceremony meant to all who took part: “It is our highest honor to ensure that every Veteran entrusted to our care receives a dignified farewell.  No Veteran is forgotten or alone on their final journey.”

Lieutenant Brian Haase of the VA Police Honor Guard echoed that purpose. “For the unclaimed Veterans, their sacrifices and accomplishments must never be forgotten. It is our solemn duty to ensure that every Veteran is remembered, celebrated, and honored.”

The CVMA riders and the law enforcement motor units mounted up with quiet discipline. With lights flashing and escorts in formation, the procession began its journey to the Bushnell National Cemetery. The roar of the engines became a final tribute, a symbolic carrying of these Veterans toward peace.

For Funeral Director Daniel Miller of Veterans Funeral Care, this duty was deeply personal. “These are men and women who have nobody. We were their keepers. We take care of their bodies until they arrive at their final resting place.”

The ceremony also became a point of steadfast commitment for the Tampa Police Department. Corporal Keith Brown reflected on their role: “We were given the opportunity to assist. We love the Veterans and what they’ve done for our country. Many in our unit are Veterans. It’s a great honor for us.”

The Final Mile Ceremony bound together a community of caretakers. VA staff, police officers, CVMA volunteers all stepping forward to ensure that service was never forgotten and sacrifice was always honored.

What began with one person noticing a gap in dignity had grown into a powerful promise:
To care for those who bore the battle, even when no family remained to carry their memory.
To walk with them, ride with them, honor them.
To make sure the final mile was never traveled alone.

View the photos and video here:  https://www.flickr.com/photos/jahvh/albums/72177720332374105/