Inspired by her dad, ER nurse helps veterans’ families find military services after their deaths

PARKER, Colo. — When a loved one passes away, the last thing you want to deal with is paperwork. An emergency department nurse at AdventHealth Parker is helping simplify the process for loved ones of veterans seeking military services after they’re gone. 

“I know it’s very hard to lose a loved one. Even if you’re expecting it,” registered nurse Heather Foucault said.

Loss was something Foucault felt even deeper when her dad, Roger Foucault, passed away. 

“When he passed, I did have hospice in line so they were able to assist me, which was very helpful,” Foucault said. “But, even just being here in the emergency room, if I did not have hospice I would be kind of lost.”

Her dad served in Vietnam as an airman, so proud of his service.

“He’s my hero and he always will be,” Foucault said. 

After he died, she said trying to figure out how to honor that service wasn’t simple.

“But it was definitely a lot to have to figure out the VA and you have to find all their forms from their retirement in order to get buried at Fort Logan. So I just am thankful that I had that, and that’s what I want to provide to my patients now,” Foucault said. 

After figuring out the process for her dad, Foucault jumped into action to make sure it’s not as tough for the families of veterans who pass away after coming through her ER.

“I made this veteran packet. And you open it, on the right-hand side is information on Fort Logan Cemetery and also the Honor Bell, which I don’t think a lot of people are familiar with,” Foucault said. 

Inside each packet is information about military services and honors, and even a medal to recognize their sacrifice to this country. Foucault said it’s help most people don’t know how to ask for. 

“And I don’t think a lot of patients realize the resources that are out there,” Foucault said. “So I wanted to do something that would help them in their time of need with losing a loved one.”

It’s help she’s happy to give to those who need it, even in the often hectic environment of the emergency department. 

“I just feel when you lose a loved one you need that support, and it’s hard when you’re in a busy atmosphere and people are coming and going and we’re trying to get to the next patient that you don’t just hand them a piece of paper and say ‘hi, sorry,’ and move on,” Foucault said. “You can at least give them this and let them know their service was appreciated.”