WWII veteran gets care, special memories at UNC Hospice

He drank his coffee in the morning followed by medication. But on Wednesday he broke routine to be honored.

The 93-year-old veteran was surrounded by caregivers, friends and family at UNC Hospice in Pittsboro to be recognized for his service. Col. William Causey, a veteran volunteer, told the room that Cadle served in the Army Air Corps during the war along with his wife, Virginia, who was a nurse.

The two men share a love for country and were brought together by UNC Hospice's new program to attract more veterans and volunteers.

"We need folks that can come along (and support) veterans that are facing serious illness so that those veterans can have someone that they can relate to," said Apollo Stevens, director of services at UNC Hospice.

Cadle is the first patient and veteran with UNC Hospice to be honored during a pinning ceremony. Wednesday's event was a time for memories, a life story and a daughter's pride.

"He was an engineer, so he ended up making a lot of the training devices for the Army," said Patricia Cadle, Hubert's daughter. "Missiles and submarines — you designed them."

For Hubert Cadle, the event was a special time to bring together his loved ones.

"In recognition of your tireless efforts for out U.S. Armed Forces, UNC Hospice honors your service, your courage and most of all, your sacrifice," Causey said at the ceremony.

"You're welcome!" Hubert Cadle said with a laugh.

For the Cadle family, the ceremony took place just in time.

Cadle died Wednesday night, just hours after he stood at attention to sing the National Anthem.

WRAL Health Team's Dr. Allen Mask said many of the surviving veterans of WWII, as well as veterans of other wars since, have required special medical care since leaving the wars in which they fought. Many, like Cadle, are in hospice care, Mask said.