Virtual Reality Trip of a Lifetime Captures Highlights of Actual Space Coast Honor Flight Experience

technology provides patients with an opportunity to experience nature, tourism and special events

SPACE COAST DAILY TV: Looking through three-dimensional goggles, Veterans in Hospice of St. Francis’ care can take the virtual trip of a lifetime, viewing the experience of a Space Coast Honor Flight, all thanks to the innovation and collaboration of the Brevard County Hospice, Space Coast Honor Flight and their production partner Design Interactive, Inc. (Hospice of St. Francis video)

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Looking through three dimensional goggles, Veterans in Hospice of St. Francis’ care can take the virtual trip of a lifetime, viewing the experience of a Space Coast Honor Flight, all thanks to the innovation and collaboration of the Brevard County Hospice, Space Coast Honor Flight and their production partner Design Interactive, Inc.

In early 2019, Hospice of St. Francis introduced Virtual Reality Experiences to their patients through the use of special three-dimensional goggles and Web-based three-dimensional films.

The technology provides patients with an opportunity to experience nature, tourism and special events on a three-dimensional video that they can no longer experience in person.

Now, as Veteran’s Day approaches, Hospice of St. Francis and Space Coast Honor Flight along with their production partner Design Interactive, Inc. are proudly debuting a customized three-dimensional film for use within the VRE program that captures all the highlights of an actual Space Coast Honor Flight experience.

“As partners in the national We Honor Veterans program, Hospice of St. Francis is dedicated to focusing on providing specialized care for Veterans that is both meaningful and beneficial,” said Joe Killian, President and CEO of Hospice of St. Francis.

According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, just under one million U.S. World War II Veterans were alive in 2015. The men and women who fought in the war are now in their late 80’s and 90’s with an average of 362 dying every day.

“It is extremely important that we acknowledge and honor the service and sacrifices of our Veterans in the most personal ways possible,” said Killian.

“We wanted to be able to offer our Veteran patients and their caregivers the opportunity to view an actual Space Coast Honor Flight from the perspective of a local resident Veteran who attended.”

Thanks to the support and cooperation of the Space Coast Honor Flight leadership and volunteers and the talents of the team at Design Interactive, Inc., Hospice of St. Francis was able to make it happen.

“I can’t say enough good things about how helpful and innovative both of our partners have been,” said Killian.

Killian said the funding for the Space Coast Honor Flight Virtual Reality Experience program at Hospice of St. Francis and the Space Coast Honor Flight production was provided by Hospice of St. Francis and its Foundation.

“Our staff strives to give all of our patients very personalized, high quality, compassionate care,” said Killian.

“When it comes to our Veteran patients, we are especially focused on making sure they feel the respect and appreciation they deserve and have earned through their service. When we got the idea to produce this VRE video we felt it would be one more way that our care could uplift the lives and service of our Veterans and demonstrate our gratitude for that service.

“Our next steps will be to make this VRE Space Coast Honor Flight experience available to the patients of other hospices. We are currently working on a plan for making this happen,” said Killian.

The program, now in its 10th year of existence is a non-profit, all-volunteer organization with no paid employees.

“Our mission is to take Veterans, especially World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam Veterans to visit their War Memorials in Washington D.C.,” said Killian.

Space Coast Honor Flight is funded solely from grants and generous donations from individuals, organizations, and corporations.

“Our volunteer staff members are an amazing group of individuals, mostly made up of Veterans and family members of Veterans,” said Killian.

“It takes a great deal of planning and dedication on their part to organize and stage the multiple flights we host each year.

The volunteers are very dedicated to giving each Veteran on the flight the trip of a lifetime and Veterans who participate in a Space Coast Honor Flight often say it is one of the most meaningful experiences of their lifetime.

“The Hospice of St. Francis Space Coast Honor Flight VRE makes it possible to share this trip, which is a display of honor and gratitude, with those who are unable to experience it in person,” said Space Coast Honor Flight President Jim Hart.

Similar Stories