Michele D Katz
February 2026
Michele D
Katz
,
ADN, RN
Department of Veteran's Affairs
West Haven
,
CT
United States
Rather than accept this outcome, Michele Katz, RN, and Jillian, LCSW, went above and beyond.
I wanted to share an example that truly reflects the heart of our mission and the extraordinary dedication of our team.
Yesterday, members of our Home-Based Primary Care (HBPC) team attended a burial at the Veterans Cemetery in Middletown for a veteran who had no immediate family or support system.
Our mission is more than providing care. It is about honoring those who served, even when the path isn't easy. Recently, our HBPC team demonstrated what that truly means.
A veteran under our care passed away. He had no immediate family and no one to claim his remains. For two weeks, he remained in a hospital morgue while legal and logistical barriers stalled arrangements. The conservator declined responsibility, and funeral homes were unwilling to assist.
Rather than accept this outcome, Michele Katz, RN, and Jillian, LCSW, went above and beyond. They searched tirelessly for relatives, contacted multiple funeral homes, and worked closely with the VA. After persistent efforts, they located a distant nephew and secured the veteran’s DD214.
Michele reached out to a funeral home that graciously agreed to cremate the veteran at no cost. Together with the VA, they arranged a burial with full military honors.
This was not part of their formal duties, but it was the right thing to do. It exemplifies the compassion, advocacy, and commitment that define the work done in HBPC and the mission of the VA.
Yesterday, this veteran was finally laid to rest in a beautiful ceremony with the respect he earned and deserved. His nephew and wife were present and, in a touching gesture, presented Michele Katz with the veteran’s flag given during the ceremony.
This story is a powerful reminder of the values we uphold: respect, advocacy, and unwavering commitment to those who served.
Please join us in recognizing Michele Katz and Jillian for their extraordinary efforts. Their actions reflect the very best of who we are and why our work matters.
Yesterday, members of our Home-Based Primary Care (HBPC) team attended a burial at the Veterans Cemetery in Middletown for a veteran who had no immediate family or support system.
Our mission is more than providing care. It is about honoring those who served, even when the path isn't easy. Recently, our HBPC team demonstrated what that truly means.
A veteran under our care passed away. He had no immediate family and no one to claim his remains. For two weeks, he remained in a hospital morgue while legal and logistical barriers stalled arrangements. The conservator declined responsibility, and funeral homes were unwilling to assist.
Rather than accept this outcome, Michele Katz, RN, and Jillian, LCSW, went above and beyond. They searched tirelessly for relatives, contacted multiple funeral homes, and worked closely with the VA. After persistent efforts, they located a distant nephew and secured the veteran’s DD214.
Michele reached out to a funeral home that graciously agreed to cremate the veteran at no cost. Together with the VA, they arranged a burial with full military honors.
This was not part of their formal duties, but it was the right thing to do. It exemplifies the compassion, advocacy, and commitment that define the work done in HBPC and the mission of the VA.
Yesterday, this veteran was finally laid to rest in a beautiful ceremony with the respect he earned and deserved. His nephew and wife were present and, in a touching gesture, presented Michele Katz with the veteran’s flag given during the ceremony.
This story is a powerful reminder of the values we uphold: respect, advocacy, and unwavering commitment to those who served.
Please join us in recognizing Michele Katz and Jillian for their extraordinary efforts. Their actions reflect the very best of who we are and why our work matters.