ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — In a somber ceremony Sunday at the Bay Pines VA, caregivers and staff took a moment to reflect on the veterans they had cared for who passed away this year.

What You Need To Know

  • Bay Pines VA remembered veterans who passed away between June and November on Sunday

  • The Elizabeth Dole Foundation provides resources for family members who are military and veteran caregivers

  • Ashley Lee attended a ceremony in memory of her father, former Air Force staff sergeant Darrell Lee

The event served as a solemn remembrance for those who had served, including retired Air Force staff sergeant and Vietnam veteran Darrell Lee.

Lee’s daughter, Ashley, spent extensive time at Bay Pines caring for her father and shared heartfelt sentiments on what would have been his 73rd birthday.

“I know that he loved to make people smile and laugh and had the determination and courage that was unparalleled,” she said.

Darrell died in October after a long battle with ALS.

Ashely was there by his side the entire time, never thinking of herself as a caregiver.

“My dad was sick,” she said. “Something was going on with him and I was gonna find out what was wrong with him. Then when I did, I was gonna help him.”

During that time, Ashely lost her husband in a motorcycle accident, but continued caring for her father during her grief, finding support through the Elizabeth Dole Foundation.

She says it’s the only foundation strictly established to provide resources for military and veteran caregivers.

Despite Ashley’s losses, she’s found an even greater purpose in helping other families of veterans coping and caring for their loved ones in their final days.

“I can expect to continue working with the VA system and ALS patients and families and make everything not only that he went through, but what I learned and experienced not be in vain,” she said.