Coudersport, Pa., July 17, 2026 – Through Cole Foundation’s Operation Appreciation campaign, community members have a simple way to thank local veterans for the sacrifices they have made while supporting patient care at UPMC Cole.

“Operation Appreciation gives our community a meaningful way to say thank you to local veterans and their families,” said Andrea Streich, director, Cole Foundation. “Every flag displayed on our campus tells a story, and every donation helps support care for local patients, including veterans. We are grateful to every donor, veteran, family member, staff member, and community partner who helps make these tributes possible.”

The campaign invites individuals, families, and organizations to help decorate the UPMC Cole campus with American flags as a show of love, honor, and respect for local veterans. Each flag represents a gift made in honor or memory of someone special and serves as a visible tribute to the men and women who have served our country.

All donations from Operation Appreciation benefit local patients, including veterans. Each gift is acknowledged with a specially designed card sent to the person being honored or to the family of the memorialized loved one. The names of those honored or remembered are also listed on the Foundation’s website, shared on social media, and displayed in the hospital lobby.

In addition to the flags displayed across campus, support for Operation Appreciation helps make other meaningful moments possible, including complimentary Veterans Day meals for local veterans and Veteran Tribute Ceremonies through UPMC Home Health Care and Hospice. When a veteran is nearing the end of life, the hospice team holds a special ceremony to recognize the patient’s military service and provide comfort, gratitude, and recognition for the veteran and their loved ones.

UPMC Cole staff and patients also recently welcomed veteran guests during the 17th annual Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing parade as participants traveled through campus on their way to Moore’s Run Fish and Game Preserve. While Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing is a separate program, the parade offered another opportunity for the UPMC Cole community to show support and appreciation for veterans.

To make a donation or learn more about Operation Appreciation, visit yourcolefoundation.org or call Cole Foundation at 814-274-5520.

CAPTION: With heartfelt gratitude, UPMC Cole’s hospice team honors a veteran for his service.