At Residential, honoring our nation’s veterans is a commitment woven into the care we provide every day. In August 2025, that commitment took on a deeply personal meaning when Kim Katz, Sales Consultant for Residential Hospice, was invited to serve as an Honor Flight guardian.
Honor Flight is a unique program that takes veterans to Washington, D.C., to visit the memorials honoring their service. Guardians accompany them throughout the journey, ensuring not only their safety but also sharing in the powerful emotions and reflections that come with these visits.
Being invited to serve as a guardian is considered a rare privilege, and for Kim, it was also deeply personal. Both her husband and daughter serve in the military, and supporting veterans has long been close to her heart.
“This opportunity is about walking beside those who sacrificed so much for our freedom,” shared Kim before the trip. “I feel incredibly honored to experience this journey with them.”
A Journey of a Lifetime
Over three unforgettable days, Kim accompanied veterans as they visited historic landmarks, museums, and memorials in Washington, D.C. From the moment they arrived, the impact was overwhelming as the airport erupted in a standing ovation. Crowds filled the terminal, clapping, cheering, and shaking hands—, giving these heroes the long overdue welcome home many had never received decades earlier.
Every stop on the Honor Flight was deeply moving, but none more so than the Marine Corps Museum. Walking through the exhibits, Kim felt the full weight of history and sacrifice. No one left without being touched by the experience. On the final evening, a 99-year-old World War II veteran and Iwo Jima survivor delivered a heartfelt speech, calling this Honor Flight one of his most cherished memories. “It was a moment I’ll never forget,” Kim reflected.
As the heroes returned home to Wisconsin, multiple motorcycle groups and first responders escorted the buses from Milwaukee International Airport to McHenry High School. Inside the gym, families, friends, and community members filled the stands, waving flags and cheering.
Guardians often describe the Honor Flight as life-changing, and Kim’s experience was no exception. Witnessing veterans receive the recognition and honor they had long deserved left an indelible mark. “This trip was not just a journey to view the memorials, but a journey of gratitude, remembrance, and connection,” Kim shared. “It reminded me that freedom has a price, and honoring those who paid it is one of the most important things we can do. I was incredibly honored to be there and represent Residential Hospice.”
Extending Our Mission Beyond Care
At Residential Hospice, we are proud to be a partner in the We Honor Veterans program. This programs equips us to better meet the unique needs of veterans in hospice care while paying tribute to their service in meaningful ways. Kim’s Honor Flight experience exemplifies that mission, showing that honoring veterans is not just about the care we provide, but also about the personal commitments our team members make to walk beside them in life and in remembrance.
A Lasting Commitment
Kim’s journey is a reminder that while the Honor Flight lasts just a few days, the gratitude and healing it inspires are lifelong. For our team at Residential, it reinforces why we are dedicated to serving veterans and their families every day with compassion, respect, and honor. We are proud of Kim for representing Residential on this remarkable journey and grateful for the example she sets in her commitment to those who have served.