Sixty years after Air Force pilot Major Sammie Don Hoff was first reported Missing in Action during the Vietnam War, his family has transformed their grief into a legacy of hope for local veterans. Hoff was later declared Killed in Action and laid to rest in Pawnee near his family’s land, but the loss of his life and future has remained deeply felt by those who loved him.

In 2025, his sisters, Pam Hoff Colvin and Janice Hoff Windham, together with their families, established an endowment through the Guadalupe Regional Medical Foundation (GRMF) to honor his sacrifice and provide lasting support for veterans in need of medical and mental health services. Their vision was strengthened by a generous $100,000 contribution from Pam’s husband, Dr. Jim Colvin, bringing the total endowment to $1 million.

The Major Sammie Don Hoff Veterans Endowment was formally launched on Veterans Day, November 11, 2025, during a special dedication event held in the Selig Room at Guadalupe Regional Medical Center (GRMC). Family members, friends, and community supporters gathered to celebrate this milestone and reflect on Hoff’s life, service, and enduring impact. Attendees heard stories of his early years and his devotion to service, as well as a moving tribute from Dr. Chris Colvin, who shared reflections on his uncle’s legacy and his own experiences witnessing the significant unmet medical needs among veterans as an Emergency Care physician.

Committed to supporting their community, the Hoff, Windham, and Colvin families agreed that establishing this endowment would serve as a meaningful and lasting tribute to Major Sammie Don Hoff. The fund will help expand access to mental health care, assist with medical expenses at Guadalupe Regional Medical Center (GRMC), and strengthen programs and services designed specifically for veterans. These efforts aim to ensure that local veterans receive the compassionate, comprehensive care they deserve today and for generations to come.

The Guadalupe Regional Medical Foundation is honored to partner with families like the Hoffs, Windhams, and Colvins. Their generosity strengthens our mission and ensures that a legacy of service continues through the care we provide to our community’s veterans.

The Major Sammie Don Hoff Veterans Endowment will serve as a perpetual tribute to a fallen hero and a powerful reminder of the community’s commitment to honoring and supporting those who have served.