(Austin, TX, March 10, 2026) – Texas New Mexico Hospice & Palliative Care Organization (TNMHPO) is proud to announce that John Robert Rawls has been selected as a recipient of the prestigious Charley Wasson Hospice Advocate Award, recognizing his outstanding dedication and service to hospice care.
John Robert Rawls, a retired United States Air Force sergeant and former firefighter, has devoted more than eight years as a volunteer with the We Honor Veterans program. Throughout his service, John has consistently demonstrated the core values of hospice—compassion, integrity, and commitment—through his tireless support of veterans and their families during end-of-life care.
From participating in pinning ceremonies and playing the bagpipes at Celebration of Life events, to visiting veterans in their homes and connecting them with essential resources, John’s impact has been profound. He is known for his empathetic approach, lifting the spirits of veterans, caregivers, and colleagues alike, often going above and beyond to ensure no one feels alone during life’s most challenging moments.
John’s decades of service extend beyond hospice. He served in the Air Force from 1986 to 1990, continued in the reserves until 1998, and dedicated more than 30 years as a firefighter and EMT. He continues his commitment to the community as Commander of the American Legion and through volunteer work with smaller communities.
“His selflessness is impeccable as there has never been a time that we called him that he did not support our request,” said Demetress Harrell, CEO/Administrator of Hospice in the Pines. “John loves veterans and his life is dedicated to pouring his heart out to uplifting their spirits. We are honored to support his unsung hero mentality. John walks in the room and the entire room lights up.”
The Charley Wasson Hospice Advocate Award recognizes individuals who have served as hospice professionals or volunteers for at least three years and have demonstrated excellence, innovation, and personal and professional growth in their service. Each year, no more than four awards are presented.
John Robert Rawls and his wife, Caryn, plan to spend their retirement traveling the country and supporting their family, including their son’s musical pursuits at Texas Tech University. His legacy of service and compassion will continue to inspire those in hospice care and the broader community.
The TNMHPO Education Subscription is for agencies who wish to provide on-demand education for the entire staff. This subscription is an add-on to a TNMHPO membership and can’t be purchased separately.
A TNMHPO Membership Plus Education Subscription gives members of the Texas New Mexico Hospice & Palliative Care Organization unlimited access to all archived online education for the entire year. You can provide training to your current staff and utilize these educational opportunities for new employee orientation. There are courses for every discipline on your hospice team and continuing education units and proof of attendance for Administrators, Nurses, Social Workers, and LPCs.
The optional education subscription may only be used by staff of the joining hospice agency, not to train partners, affiliates or sister organization staff. If your hospice is part of a home health, then the home health division will need to pay its own dues and education.
TNMHPO reserves the right to limit users if we feel the system is being misused.
The TNMHPO Education Subscription is 10% of your annual membership dues plus $650.
When purchasing your membership, select the “Education Subscription” option in the drop down on the membership product page.
Already a member? Contact our team directly to upgrade your membership.
For questions regarding our education subscription or its offerings, contact our Director of Operations, Keith Parker, at 512-956-0875 (voice and text) or email at [email protected].
