Honoring Service, Purpose, and Connection: A Veterans Day Reflection

At Guardian, we believe every resident has a story shaped by purpose, service, and a lifetime of contributions. This Veterans Day, we proudly honor those who served our country by reflecting on the moments that remind us of the dignity and connection that define true person-centered care.

Over the years, I’ve witnessed those values come to life in the everyday work we do through countless quiet, meaningful interactions. Before joining Guardian’s corporate team, I worked for many years as a clinical consultant pharmacist in long-term care and senior living communities. I spent much of my time at the nurses’ station, reviewing medication regimens, collaborating with providers and care staff, and engaging with residents. Over time, I came to know many of the individuals living in the communities I served.

One resident, a retired Air Force officer, stands out vividly in my memory. His dementia was advanced, but his command presence remained unmistakable. Each time I visited the memory care unit, I noticed he would stride back and forth in front of the nurses’ desk, issuing orders: “How’s the weather in Houston? Flights going in and out?”

For many years, the standard approach in dementia care was to gently reorient residents to time and place. Around that time, new best practices encouraged something different: to meet people where they are and step into their reality. One afternoon, when he gave his familiar command, I replied, “Checking, sir,” and picked up the phone beside me to ask a dial tone about the weather. “Weather’s clear in Houston today, sir. All flights on schedule. Is there anything else I can do for you?”

We looked each other in the eye and smiled. He nodded at me, satisfied. “Good,” he replied, before continuing down the hall with his head held high. In that moment, he wasn’t a confused resident. He was an officer again, both respected and seen. It reminded me of my own grandfathers, one Army and one Air Force, and my father, also Air Force. The respect they earned through service should never fade with time or circumstance.

Encounters like this happen in the communities we serve every day. Through the essential on-site work of Guardian’s consultant pharmacists, account managers, and couriers, these simple moments of connection can have a lasting impact for residents and staff. I’m reminded of one such moment from our Michigan team, when Account Management Supervisor Brian Stehlik met Jerry, a veteran living in a memory care unit.

During a visit to repair a medication cart, Brian noticed Jerry watching him closely. Though Jerry’s speech was limited, he repeated one phrase several times: “I was in the military.” At first, Brian wasn’t sure what he meant, but then realized Jerry was offering to help. Sharing his service seemed to be his way of saying he still had purpose.

Brian invited him to join the task, handing him screws to hold and pass back one by one. It was a simple act with profound meaning. Jerry wasn’t just a resident that day. He was a teammate again… capable, valued, and proud. When the work was done, he clasped Brian’s hand and said once more, “I was in the military.”

While medication management and clinical support are critical to the work we do for residents, so too is preserving dignity and respect by honoring each person’s history, keeping their stories alive, and creating meaningful moments. It’s a privilege to care for those who once cared for — and fought for — us.

Honoring Veterans Today and Every Day 

This Veterans Day, we proudly recognize all who served, including the residents we support, our pharmacy team members, and their families. Their courage and commitment allow us the freedoms we enjoy today.

To every veteran, we say thank you.

By Bethany Bramwell, RPh, BCGP
Senior Director, Marketing