Technical Sergeant Garry Bell Usaf (Ret) Impacted the Last Days Of More Than 700 Veteran CNS Hospice Patients

Community Nursing Services (CNS) will miss a valued friend and volunteer, Retired Technical Sergeant Garry Bell.  He died on July 9, 2024 after a courageous battle with cancer.

In 2016, Technical Sergeant Bell worked with Director of Volunteers, Sheri Harrell, to create and launch the CNS Honor Salute Program for Veteran hospice patients.  When Ms. Harrell retired in 2020, Garry continued coordination efforts with her replacement, Tracy Ruiz.  

The CNS Honor Salute Program provides formal tributes of appreciation to patients who are members of the military and gave a part of their lives to fight for our country’s freedom.   These tributes often bring pride, peace and closure for Veterans and their families.  Garry believed in the power of the ceremony and once said “This program provides a final tribute to our Veterans who are entering their end of life journey.”

As the CNS Honor Salute Coordinator, Garry recruited a team of devoted Veteran volunteers and worked tirelessly with them to provide or arrange an Honor Salute, including a flag folding ceremony.  Many times, the event included families and friends of the patients.  Garry and his team of volunteers traveled throughout Utah- from St. George to Logan to Moab -  delivering salutes to Veterans and their families.    

CNS Director of Volunteers, Tracy Ruiz, shared “this program impacts the lives of so many people and I honestly feel that it wouldn’t have been so successful without Garry.  His dedication – even during his illness – was inspiring to everyone around him and the team of military volunteers who participated.  He started something special and we will continue carrying the torch for him.”  

You can also watch Fox 13’s news story on Garry’s dedication to the CNS Honor Salute Program here.