On CLOUD NiNE: Celebrating Major John Warner’s Air Force service
Major John Warner, who served for 20 years in the United States Air Force as a pilot instructor, was excited to learn that CNS staff wanted to recognize his military service at the Western Sky Aviation Warbird Museum in St. George, Utah.
“We wandered around the museum and saw the planes, and Dad lit up like a Christmas tree,” his son Randall recalls. “He has flown a lot of the planes at the Warbird Museum and was pointing them out and telling us about them.”
Though Major Warner told Randall he’d “as soon hold back the tide” than remember how many pilots he trained in the Air Force, he did remember his service in Thailand, Germany, Canada and Great Britain.
“Dad has always told us stories about his military service and flights he’s been on, and he was thrilled to have four out of his 10 kids at this service, plus seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren,” Randall says. “He asked what we were doing there, and I told him, ‘This is all for you, Dad. We are honoring your service in the Air Force and letting you know how much you are appreciated.’ It made his whole day.”
Randall noted that his father had received great care from CNS and that everyone who has cared for him “deserves a medal of honor.”
The CNS Honor Salute program recognizes hospice patients who are veterans with a formal tribute of appreciation for their service to our country. Military personnel arrive in dress uniform, along with CNS volunteers and staff, to present the veteran with a personalized appreciation plaque, military service lapel pin, and an American flag. They then give the salute command and salute the patient, who often salutes back.
To help us perform more Honor Salute Ceremonies, consider making a gift to the CNS Honor Salute Program at cns-cares.org/donate