Valentines for Vets

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Alesia D. Goosic
  • 355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  More than 100 D-M Airmen from 13 squadrons participated in the 33rd Annual National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans at the Tucson VA Medical Center Feb. 13 and 14. Airmen spent their time at the hospital handing out valentines and visiting with the veterans.

The purpose of the visit was to pay tribute and express appreciation to hospitalized veterans, increase community awareness of the role of the VA medical center and to encourage citizens to visit hospitalized veterans and to become involved as volunteers.

"It was an honor for me to meet with people who've served in the military before me," said Senior Airman Christina Kinsey, 355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs. "It was a great way to spend Valentine's Day and I enjoyed being able to give back to the community and to be able to show how much we all appreciate the sacrifices the veterans made for us."

The veterans expressed their appreciation for the Airmen donating their time to visit with them.

"I think it's a great thing that the Airmen are doing this," said Maurice Nelson, Army veteran. "I like to see young people in uniform being active in the community. I really appreciate it."

D-M has participated in this event for several years by not only volunteering at the hospital but also by making Valentines cards.

"Borman Elementary School made a ton of cards along with other schools in Tucson United School District," said Vickie Jo Ryder, base volunteer coordinator.

To view the video clip, click here.