Airmen visit, share stories with veterans

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. April Lapetoda
  • 316th Wing Public Affairs
CHARLOTTE HALL, Md. (AFPN) --  More than 30 Airmen from Andrews Air Force Base and Fort George G. Meade, Md., visited Charlotte Hall Veterans Home here Sept. 18.

The group, who ranged in rank from airman to lieutenant colonel, spent time visiting and sharing stories with the veterans. 

"The visit was nice and relaxed," said Staff Sgt. Lee Settle of the 70th Intelligence Wing. "I enjoyed speaking with the veterans and discussing what they did in the past. It's nice to hear how things have changed."

The individual conversations also were meaningful to the veterans. 

"(The visit) recalled my 20 years of Air Force service and the men and women I served with," said retired Chaplain (Col.) Frank McMullen, who retired in 1983 and continues to serve as the chaplain at the veterans home.

"I'm glad the Airmen went around, visited and individually spoke with the veterans. The visit let our residents see what good hands our country is in," the chaplain said.

Other residents expressed similar feelings.
 
"I was glad to see the Airmen and to know that we're not forgotten," said LeRoy Beach, a three-year Air Force veteran.

After visiting individually, the Airmen and veterans gathered in the dining room for the playing of the national anthem and presentation of colors by the Andrews honor guard.

"Today we're grateful for people like you who went before us, because we could not have done it without you," said Chief Master Sgt. Betsy Gips, 316th Mission Support Group superintendent and project officer for the event.

"(We're) grateful for your commitment to a higher calling and to your country. From World War II, Korea, Vietnam and the Persian Gulf, we've seen the seeds of democracy and we've seen the end of the Cold War," Chief Gips said.

"I'm also grateful for the young men and women joining us here today, for they are the future of the Air Force," said the chief. "And, despite the uncertainty of that future, I know they are prepared to meet the challenges because we are the greatest air and space force in the world."
 
The oldest Air Force veteran, retired Tech. Sgt. Cloid Sowell, 79, and the youngest visitor, Airman Melissa Drake of the 89th Communications Squadron, were asked to cut an Air Force birthday cake.

"I thought it was great for the Airmen and veterans to see how much we have in common, despite the diversity in our ages," Chief Gips said.

The visit was meaningful to both the Airmen and veterans, as each walked away from the event with a new memory.

"It was an honor and a privilege to meet with the people who served in the military, regardless of which branch they served in," said Airman Drake. "It was a true honor to talk with the veterans and their enthusiasm welcomed us."