As Veterans Day approaches, we reflect on those who have served our nation with honor and courage. At Cherry Blossom Hospice, one chaplain stands out for his extraordinary dedication to veterans in their final days – Chaplain Roger Rustad. With a heart full of compassion and a special affinity for those who have worn the uniform, Chaplain Rustad goes above and beyond to provide comfort, connection, and a sense of pride to the veterans under his care.

A Bridge to the Past: The Desmond Doss Connection

Chaplain Rustad’s story intertwines with that of a legendary figure – Desmond Doss, the first conscientious objector to receive the Medal of Honor. His connection began when Chaplain Rustad was just a third-grader. Desmond Doss visited his school, and it was there that the U.S. Army medic taught him how to tie the very knot he used to lower wounded soldiers to safety down Hacksaw Ridge during the Battle of Okinawa. This childhood encounter sparked a lifelong admiration for the medic’s courage and conviction.

Soon after, Chaplain Rustad’s parents gifted him “The Unlikeliest Hero,” a biography on Desmond Doss’ life and heroics. Inspired by the book, he felt deeply connected to this man who had embodied selfless service and unwavering faith amidst the horrors of war. Even as a young boy, Chaplain Rustad recognized Desmond Doss as a true hero.

Years later, through his work with the Desmond Doss Foundation and the film “Hacksaw Ridge,” Chaplain Rustad brings the hero’s inspiring story to life for the veterans he serves. With meticulous care, he has created a precise replica of Desmond Doss’ uniform, now displayed across Southern California in hospitals, VA facilities, schools, and veterans’ organizations. This poignant exhibit sparks powerful memories and conversations wherever it goes.

A Token of Honor: The Dog Tag Mission

Chaplain Rustad’s ministry extends beyond words of comfort. Armed with dog tag machines, he creates exact replicas of veterans’ lost identification tags. These simple pieces of metal carry immense emotional weight. By gifting these tokens, Chaplain Rustad helps veterans reconnect with their past and eases the potential conflict among family members over original dog tags.

This unique offering has proven so meaningful that even hesitant veterans, initially declining chaplain visits, find themselves opening up over the shared experience of creating a dog tag. The act of honoring their service breaks down barriers, allowing deeper spiritual care to take root.

A Life-Changing Moment

One Marine veteran’s story illustrates the profound impact of Chaplain Rustad’s ministry. Severely injured in combat, the veteran had witnessed unimaginable horrors, yet found himself deeply moved to tears by Desmond Doss’ story when he happened to catch it being displayed at the Jerry L. Pettis Memorial Veterans Hospital in Loma Linda, California.When Chaplain Rustad presented him with a replica of Desmond’s dog tags several days later, the veteran broke down. He shared with Chaplain Rustad, that holding Desmond’s Bible, he felt an overwhelming longing for a faith like the medic’s. In that moment, he resolved to recommit to his spiritual journey.

Several months later, Chaplain Rustad met the Marine’s wife. With tears in her eyes, she shared that her husband was a changed man. She was forever thankful that he had encountered Chaplain Rustad at the VA hospital that day, holding Desmond’s Bible and experiencing a life-altering moment of faith. This encounter serves as a powerful reminder that we never know how profoundly we might touch another’s life in a given moment.

The legacy of Desmond Doss lives on through Chaplain Rustad’s work, inspiring veterans to seek solace in faith as they reflect on their lives.

Experience the Desmond Doss Exhibit

On Veterans Day, November 11, 2024, Emerald Court in Anaheim, CA, will host its largest celebration yet, beginning at 10 AM. Chaplain Rustad will be on site, creating a special movie honoring the resident veterans. The film will feature then-and-now photos of these heroes, and each will receive a framed Certificate of Appreciation from their branch of service. Chaplain Rustad will share the story of Desmond Doss, ensuring his legacy of courage and faith continues to inspire future generations.

Come bear witness to the power of shared history and the healing that occurs when compassion meets service. At Cherry Blossom Hospice, we are grateful for Chaplain Rustad’s unwavering dedication to our nation’s heroes. Through his extraordinary ministry, he embodies the essence of hospice care: honoring the whole person – body, mind, and spirit – especially for those who have given so much in service to our country.

This is a story you will want to share with others to inspire them about the special care Chaplain Rustad provides to his veteran patients.