Serving Those Who Served: A Marine’s Commitment to Veterans

For Steven, serving others has always been more than a career—it’s a calling rooted in family, military service and a deep commitment to helping others.

A proud United States Marine, Steven served in the Marine Corps infantry from 2001 to 2009. Military service runs deep in the family, with members of nearly every generation having served in the United States Armed Forces. Growing up surrounded by service members, he developed an early appreciation for the commitment and sacrifice that come with serving one’s country.

Steven’s time in the Marines instilled lessons that continue to guide him today, particularly the belief that “mission first, people always.” In the military, accomplishing the mission depends on taking care of the people beside you. Today, that same philosophy shapes his work as an Elara Caring Hospice VA Specialist, where the mission is helping veterans receive the right care at the right time while ensuring they and their families are treated with dignity and compassion.

The Marine Corps also taught him the importance of service before self—a principle that naturally carried into his work in healthcare.

As a veteran himself, Steven understands the importance of caring for those who have served. The Marine Corps motto, Semper Fidelis, meaning “Always Faithful,” continues to resonate with him.

“Even though I am no longer actively serving in the military, it means the world to me to have the opportunity to serve fellow veterans and their families during a time of need,” he says.

That shared experience can be especially meaningful when working with veterans and their families. While every veteran has a unique story and experience, Steven believes that understanding military culture and speaking a familiar language can help establish trust and create meaningful connections.

In his role as a VA Specialist, he draws on the discipline, accountability, adaptability and teamwork he learned as a Marine. His goal is to help veterans access the hospice services they need while guiding their families through what can be an emotional and unfamiliar journey.

Steven said hospice care is about more than managing symptoms. It is about honoring a veteran’s service, respecting their wishes and helping them experience comfort, dignity and the highest possible quality of life in the place they call home. He believes veterans and their families can find that commitment with Elara Caring Hospice.

Families are also an important part of the care journey. Through education, emotional support, respite resources and guidance, the hospice team helps loved ones feel supported every step of the way. Clinical support is available 24/7, giving families access to assistance when questions or concerns arise.

For veterans who are eligible for VA benefits, Elara Caring works alongside the Department of Veterans Affairs and community providers to help coordinate hospice services and connect veterans with the benefits and care they have earned.

The uniform may have changed, but the mission remains familiar: take care of people, serve with purpose and remain faithful to those who served.