CMSAF visits veterans at armed forces home

  • Published
  • By Senior Master Sgt. Sean E. Cobb
  • Office of the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force
WASHINGTON (AFNS) --  The Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force and his entire staff visited veterans at the Armed Forces Retirement Home in Washington, D.C., Nov. 10.

The group arrived in time to have lunch with the residents, and then spent the majority of their time greeting veterans.

"I enjoy seeing people who will take their time to visit us," said James McOwen, a retired Air Force veteran. "I believe it was General Winfield Scott who said 'the noblest gesture a country can make is to take care of its servicemembers', very close to that." 

"Our veterans are national treasures," said Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley. "It's an honor for us to have them share their service and life experiences with us. We all can learn a lot from these men and women who preceded us in service."

Sometimes Veterans Day is a sad day for residents, so it's very nice for the Airmen to visit right beforehand, said Allen Kevari, a retired Airman. "This day brings lots of tears.  I often think about the buddies I lost. Course back then it was Armistice Day, but I still reflect on them every Veterans Day."

Visiting veterans is time well spent, said Master Sgt. Michelle R. Evans, executive assistant to the CMSAF. "I thoroughly enjoy visiting with the veterans and listening to the stories of their days in uniform -- it's a humbling experience."

Frank McCabe, an Army veteran, said visiting veterans is about much more than honoring people who served, it's also about encouraging others to serve. "I think it's a duty to come and see us," he said. "When the young ones see us being honored, they will want to join."

Mr. McCabe also wanted everyone to know that the home is a good place to be. "Hey, it's three hots and a cot!" he said.

"I am simply amazed at the energy and vitality of these incredible veterans," Chief McKinley said. "There was a 93-year-old veteran bowling strikes at the bowling alley, several talking about their ballroom dancing escapades, and veterans moving about. I'm thrilled to be around our great veterans. They still have so much to give and being around them makes us all even prouder to be in uniform."

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