Altus Air Force Base News

 

Valentine's for Vets

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Franklin R. Ramos
  • 97 AMW/PA
ALTUS, Okla. --  A total of 53 members from Altus AFB distributed Valentine's Day cards made by children from Rivers Elementary, Washington Elementary, Sunset Elementary, Will Rogers Elementary, the First Assembly of God, Altus AFB Child Development Center and Youth Center to veterans at several retirement communities in the surrounding area showing support and thanking the vets for their service as part of the "Valentine's for Vets" program.

"Valentines for Vets" is a program that Altus AFB base hosts annually to honor veterans by letting them know how much they are loved and are not forgotten.

"The visitors took the residents back to their stories of their service, and they really seemed to cherish it," said Nellie Briones, Plantation Village Nursing Center director of activities. "Their stories are very touching, they loved what they did."

Veterans from English Village Manor, Plantation Village Assisted Living Center, Plantation Village Nursing Center, and Tamarack Assisted Living Center are all in Altus and Clinton Veteran's Center in Clinton all received Valentine's Day cards to cherish.

"It helps them acknowledge that they are not forgotten and that their dedication and service to this wonderful country will always be recognized and appreciated," said Airman 1st Class Ajalon Kimbrough, 97th Logistics Readiness Squadron receiving representative.

A total of 178 veterans received at least three hand-made Valentine's Day cards.

"Listening to the stories and just seeing the glow on the veteran's faces opened my eyes to the more beautiful things in the world," said Kimbrough.

The "Valentine's for Vets" program has been bringing smiles to vets in the community on Valentine's Day since 1998.