A Salute Filled with Song, Smiles and Gratitude
- njHealth Team
- Jul 2
- 3 min read
On a bright day outside his Margate home, few days before July 4th, 87-year-old Navy and National Guard veteran Tom Meisner was surrounded by red, white and blue, flags and the people who know him best: his NJHealth Hospice care team, friends, neighbors and even his mailman. They gathered for a heartfelt pinning ceremony honoring his military service, but the afternoon quickly became something more—a celebration of kindness, connection and the joy Tom brings to everyone around him.
Tom is soft-spoken with a quick wit, the kind of person who can bring a smile with just a few well-timed words. He loves to joke with those who visit him, including the hospice team members who have become such an important part of his days. But when he talks about the care he receives from NJHealth Hospice, his gratitude is sincere. "I may have served in the military, but you people do one hell of a job serving others," said Meisner.
Tom entered the service at just 17 years old, beginning a chapter that would shape a lifetime of stories. Along the way, he collected four tattoos, with his favorite being “Skunky.” With his trademark humor, he offered a bit of advice about how that tattoo came to be: “Don’t get drunk and tell your friends you want a tattoo,” he warned.
“I love everyone from there,” Tom said about his NJHealth Care Team. “They really are special people and I enjoy seeing them. They make my day.”
That affection goes both ways. Case Manager Amy Lotz, RN, said the team feels just as fortunate to know him. “We all adore him,” she said. “He’s a wonderful man.”
“Tom has a way of bringing people together,” added Social Worker Lauree Lapidus. “This ceremony was not only a chance to honor his service, but also to celebrate the warmth, humor and heart he shares with everyone around him.”
Music is another way Tom connects with his team. Music Therapist Karen Melita said he enjoys singing along during visits, often choosing patriotic songs that reflect his pride in serving his country. And while those songs hold a special place, Tom has an eclectic love of music including Donna Summer, Whitney Huston, Andrea Boccelli and songs from musicals and movie soundtracks.
The pinning ceremony was part of NJHealth Hospice’s Five-Star Veteran Care program, which recognizes veterans for their service and helps ensure their care is tailored to their needs. For veterans who may face end-of-life concerns connected to their military experiences, the program offers thoughtful, customized support delivered with respect and compassion.
For Tom, the ceremony was a tribute to a life of service. For those gathered around him, it was also a reminder of the powerful bond that can form when care is personal, joyful and full Wof heart. With neighbors, friends and caregivers standing together outside his home, Tom’s Day became a shared moment of appreciation—one filled with laughter, music and the simple but lasting gift of being seen and celebrated.
And in true Tom fashion, he made sure the day ended with a laugh. Noting that if guests needed to use the bathroom, it was free that day—though normally, he charges.
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