Edwards AFB News

Base Airmen visit, thank hospitalized veterans for service

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jet Fabara
  • 95th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Eighteen Edwards Airmen boarded a bus here Tuesday to do something outside the call of their normal duty.

It wasn't loading a bomb or maintaining an aircraft; it was the simple act of saying "thank you" to more than 60 hospitalized veterans.

The Airmen here visited the West Los Angeles Veterans Affairs Healthcare Center to pay tribute to hospitalized veterans in support of a nationwide campaign -- the 2006 National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans week -- which began Sunday and runs through Saturday.

Chief Master Sgt. Steve Hicks, 412th Test Wing command chief, said the day served as an opportunity to meet some very interesting people with some fascinating stories and to tell them thank you for their service.

"We get some really good folks who are able to come out and continue to do this every year," Chief Hicks said. "We can never forget that it's a fantastic opportunity to hear some of the stories that these veterans have gone through in their lifetime and get an account of an incredible service they've provided."

Besides the Edwards Airmen, Airmen from Los Angeles Air Force Base, as well as cheerleaders from the Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, the University of California, Los Angeles, and Los Angeles Avengers squads, joined Hollywood actresses Connie Stevens and Joanna Cassidy and other organizations to show their appreciation for the dedication these Armed Forces members have shown.

"We probably have about 15 to 20 different groups in the community that come in and get involved every year," said Charles Dorman, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System director. "I think it's great that Edwards' servicemembers, along with [Los Angeles] Air Force Base, are able to come out and show their support. I know that our veterans really appreciate it."

During the visit, participants gave out everything from Valentines bears and cards to chocolates to the veterans at the healthcare center.

"I did this two years ago at the Sepulveda [Ambulatory Care] Center and I highly recommend that people try visiting one of these VA hospitals at least once during their service commitment," said Senior Master Sgt. Donald Ward, 412th Equipment Maintenance Squadron.

"Personally, it felt really good to be able to thank all the veterans face-to-face for the sacrifices they've made," he said. "Plus, there's nothing stopping anybody from visiting any one of the VA hospitals in the area on their own time."