ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Airmen from the Altus Air Force Base Airmen Leader Group visited several assisted living facilities in Altus and Clinton, Oklahoma, to hand-deliver Valentine’s Day cards made by students from Navajo Public Schools, Feb. 14, 2022.
“It brightens the residents’ day when outsiders come in to see them,” said Tamra Haskell, Clinton Veterans Center activities director. “Especially when it is service men and women that come in because it lets them know they’re not forgotten.”
The Airmen went through the halls and activity areas, then room-to-room, to hand a card to each veteran. During the week, 163 valentines cards were made and delivered between five assisted living facilities.
“This gives them a little bit of engagement and communication with people,” said Haskell. “I really appreciate the Air Force Base coming out and making their day.”
Airmen from the Mighty 97th volunteered to lend a helping hand and thank the veterans for their service.
“I saw an opportunity to help and thank the people for all the things that they did that led the Air Force to where it is now,” said Airman 1st Class Alquan Corbin, 97th Communications Squadron systems technician.
Valentine’s for Vets is a program that Altus AFB hosts annually to honor local veterans. The program has existed at Altus AFB since 1998.
“The Valentines for Vets program is an important annual opportunity to connect our base and local community with our veterans, especially as we get ready to celebrate the Air Force’s 75th birthday this year," said Mrs. Sydney Doorn, 97th Air Mobility Wing community engagement chief. "Our veterans have had such a significant role in shaping what our military looks like today, I am so grateful that Navajo Public Schools and our Altus AFB Airmen Leader Group could partner this year to remind our local veterans on Valentine’s Day that they are remembered, honored, and loved by the base and Altus community.”