Carper visits WWII veteran Mac Impink in Frankford

Malcom “Mac” Impink, a local World War II veteran and hospice patient, received a visit Sept. 28 from Sen. Tom Carper, who took the opportunity to thank Impink for his service, learn more about the hospice care model and understand the unique challenges that face seniors and veterans at the end of life.

The event was coordinated by Impink’s family, Carper’s Sussex County office and the VITAS hospice team caring for Impink at his home in Frankford.

“Sen. Carper spent time speaking to Mac, but also introducing himself and integrating himself with Mac’s family,” said Melissa McNally, general manager of VITAS Healthcare in Delaware. “He always found something he could relate to with each family member.”

During the visit, both men discussed the care that Impink was receiving and their respective military experiences. During World War II, Impink was stationed for a time with the U.S. Army at Buchenwald, one of the first and largest concentration camps in Nazi Germany. Carper served in the Navy during the Vietnam War.

Impink thoroughly enjoyed meeting the senator, according to McNally. “Mac said it was just great to meet someone who really cared about hospice and the care that he is being given,” she said.

After spending time with Impink and his family, Carper met with staff at the VITAS office in Millsboro. He spoke to each staff member, asked about their duties and offered his thanks for their service to a vulnerable population.

One member of the team gave the senator a challenge coin, a small medallion indicating membership in a particular military unit. In a letter to the hospice team after the event, Carper wrote that he was very touched by the gesture, and he said, “The VITAS veterans program is much needed.”

“It was really an honor to have him at our office,” McNally said. “He is such a proponent of seniors and the care that they receive.”