Qwynn Galloway-Salazar, PhD is the Founder and CEO of In Their Honor. As an Army Veteran, Spouse to a Combat Veteran, End-of-Life Doula, Storyteller, and Educator, she has devoted over two decades to supporting military and Veteran communities. In 2023, she launched her groundbreaking work alongside PsychArmor Institute on the “Caring for Veterans Through the End-of-Life Collection.”
“The heartbeat of this work is how we can bridge the military-civilian divide through end-of-life care built on a foundation of trust, connection, and commitment.”
EW: Death is often considered taboo. Was there a defining moment in your life that ignited your passion to discuss and address end-of-life experiences openly?
Qwynn: Yes, my passion for addressing end-of-life experiences ignited while working in the military and Veteran suicide prevention space. During this time and while socially isolating due to the pandemic, I found myself grappling with more profound questions about how we, as a nation, approach death and dying—not just in the context of suicide but as a broader experience. With the urgency of both public health crises’, I realized it was crucial to do something.
Furthermore, my passion ignited following the loss and grief of a mentor, a fellow veteran. This profound loss allowed me to reflect and deepen my commitment to understanding how a Veteran’s military experience shaped their end-of-life experiences—whether through the lens of suicide, aging, or severe and terminal illnesses. I realized I wanted to raise awareness, start a movement, and spark action to walk alongside our nation’s people and creatively develop strategies to say “thank you for your service” in actionable ways!
This realization sparked my commitment to honoring the lives of Veterans who came before me and those who will follow. The passion ignited in me has allowed me to envision a nation that not only acknowledges service but intentionally builds compassionate communities that support Veterans and their loved ones through the end of life.
EW: Given your unique background, how does your work intersect with the end-of-life and grief conversation — and please give us a preview of what you’re talking about on the End Well stage.
Qwynn: Several years ago, my mentor wisely said, “Qwynn, not all who wander are lost.” I realized that over two decades of caring for Service Members, Veterans, and their Families, as well as my own experiences, built up to this pivotal moment. Indeed, my background is unique as a Veteran, spouse to a combat Veteran, End-of-Life Doula, Educator, Storyteller, and so much more—but it creates such richness in this journey!
My background culminates in what “In Their Honor” means, bringing together stories of service, compassion, and a deep commitment to honoring those who have served. My work is set upon the backdrop of creating spaces where crucial conversations can happen openly and honestly about service and its long-term impacts.
On the stage of EndWell 2024, I will be sharing a talk that speaks to this work. The heartbeat of this work is how we can bridge the military-civilian divide through end-of-life care built on a foundation of trust, connection, and commitment. I will explore the deep connections between storytelling, service, and end-of-life experiences and how we can all play a role in building compassionate communities that honor the lives and the legacies of those who have served.
EW: Cultures around the world have different practices and beliefs surrounding death. How has your cultural background influenced your perspective on the end of life and grief?
Qwynn: As an African American woman, culture has profoundly influenced my perspective on end-of-life and grief. Growing up in a culture that values resilience, strength, and community, I’ve learned the importance of honoring our ancestors and the legacies they leave behind. My strong heritage has also taught me the importance of communal grieving, of coming together to support one another through grief and loss, and of finding strength in shared experiences. What a gift that cannot be overshadowed!
EW: In your experience, what is the most significant societal norm or belief about death and dying that needs to be challenged or redefined?
Qwynn: We are dying in isolation! Death and dying is a social experience, and there is so much we can do to ensure no one dies alone. We know death is a natural part of life, and even though it is hard to accept, we can be proactive in “showing up” for one another. There is a need to redefine our approach to death and dying by encouraging more conversations intentionally designed to spark open, compassionate dialogues on what matters most at the end. We CAN foster these environments, we CAN empower everyone to express their wishes, and when we do, we motivate and inspire communities to show up and provide social support when it matters most!
EW: How do you hope various professions and disciplines can come together to create a more human-centered approach to end-of-life care and experiences?
Qwynn: Screaming from the rooftop, creating a more human-centered approach to end-of-life care requires interdisciplinary collaboration. We have to come together with a shared commitment to serve! Together, we must diligently envision a holistic approach that addresses physical needs and emotional, social, psychological, and spiritual well-being. It is also about putting down one’s metaphorical “clipboard,” where we all focus on the holistic needs of those we are serving and caring for, not just checking boxes on plans. By doing so, we are building a culture where end-of-life experiences are profound human experiences!
EW: Is there a book, movie, piece of art, or another form of media that profoundly impacted your views on mortality?
Qwynn: Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom, is a fascinating book that I revisit at least once a year! Each time I read it, I discover something new, maybe because its lessons on life, death, and the pursuit of a meaningful existence resonate differently with each phase of my life…my own mortality.
This book guides my belief in the importance of open, honest conversations about end-of-life experiences. It is a constant reminder that by acknowledging our mortality, we can find greater meaning in our lives and offer more compassionate support to others as they approach the end of their lives. More importantly, this book reinforces my daily question: ‘God, what do you want me to do with the 20,000 breaths you are so graciously giving me today?’
EW: Fast forward a decade. If the objectives of the End Well Project are realized, how do you envision society’s attitude and practices surrounding the end of life experience?
Qwynn: To sum it up into one word…COMPASSIONATE
Qwynn Galloway-Salazar will speak at End Well 2024 on November 22, 2024. Join live or virtually!
Dr. Qwynn Galloway-Salazar, affectionately known as Doc Q, is the Founder and CEO of In Their Honor. As an Army Veteran, Spouse to a Combat Veteran, End-of-Life Doula, Storyteller, and Educator, she has devoted over two decades to supporting military and Veteran communities. Through her visionary leadership, she has fostered national conversations and shaped programming addressing the unique needs of Veterans and their caregivers, promoting quality of life through the end of life.
She lends her expertise to the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization’s End-of-Life Doula Council and sits on the Veterans Studies Association advisory board. She is also a founding member of the Compassionate Communities Think Tank (U.S.). In her spare time, she mentors Master’s and Doctoral students, nurturing the next generation of leaders in her field.
Qwynn’s tireless efforts have garnered well-deserved recognition, with USA Today honoring her as one of their 2024 Women of the Year. This prestigious accolade, coupled with her previous distinction as the inaugural Woman Veteran of the Year (2022-2023) by the Georgia Department of Veterans Services, is a testament to her impact on her community and the nation at large.