WHMC leaders participate in Valentines for Vets program

  • Published
  • By Linda Frost
  • 59th Medical Wing Public Affairs
LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFNS) --  Every year around Valentine's Day, military and civic leaders in South Texas set aside a special time to honor the service and sacrifice of hospitalized veterans by participating in the annual "Valentines for Vets" program at Audie L. Murphy Memorial Veterans Hospital in San Antonio. Participants visit with patients and deliver Valentine's Day cards made by local students. 

This year, a group of five senior leaders from Wilford Hall Medical Center at Lackland spent the morning on Feb. 13 visiting with veterans and thanking them for their service.

"Valentines for Vets" is held in conjunction with National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans Week, which is an annual, nationwide program that promotes activities designed to pay tribute and express appreciation to America's hospitalized veterans.

"These Valentines are a great way to say thank you to the brave men and women who have made--and are still making--tremendous sacrifices to protect our freedom. We need to let them know that we appreciate all that they have done for our country," said Col. Stephen Niles, 59th Medical Wing vice commander, who visited with several patients.

"I know each veteran who receives one of these cards will be happy to see how much the local students care about them and care about America," said Colonel Niles.
The heartwarming visits and valentine messages not only brought smiles to the faces of veterans but also to the participants. Many stories and memories of the past were shared. 

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