Generations united: Gunfighters visit nation's heroes

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Samantha S. Crane
  • 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office
MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho (ACCNS) --  Generations were brought together Dec. 16 when Airmen from Mountain Home Air Force Base traveled to the Idaho State Veteran's Home in Boise for a holiday visit.

Led by Senior Master Sgt. Jennifer Jones, 366th Comptroller Squadron superintendent, and Senior Master Sgt. Dean Abbott, 366th Logistics Readiness Squadron fuels management flight superintendent and acting senior enlisted manager, the group, Airmen for American Veterans, began the day inviting veterans to bingo, after which they helped serve lunch. During the lunch hour, Airmen talked with the veterans and handed out Christmas cards.

"Anytime you come, especially in uniform, you form a kinship with the veterans," said Cindy Tatro, volunteer coordinator. "We had guys who normally don't play bingo come down because an Airman invited them."

Many had the opportunity to meet and talk to veterans like Josephine Stone. Mrs. Stone had six brothers, all who were in the service. To honor them, she joined the Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service, WAVES, at the age of 20 and became the chief storekeeper in charge of payroll and accounting.

"My mother knew her sons would have to go to war and it was such a sad time," she said. "She was concerned about her sons going into battle. It wasn't fair, and that's why I joined the WAVES. I was happy for my time in the service, I was happy I did it."

There was also Henry Hook who flew 102 missions in a P-38 and Cornell Lehman who was on the beaches of Normandy.

"Mr. Lehman was on the beaches of Normandy in WWII, and when Sergeant Abbott started asking him about his experiences, tears of joy ran down his face," said Sergeant Jones. "You don't get a chance to shake the hands of these heroes everyday; we were so humbled."

From young Airman to senior noncommissioned officers, everyone took something away from the visit.

"Seeing the smiles on their faces was awesome," said Senior Airman Kevin Ingerick, 366th Logistics Readiness Squadron vehicle operator. "It's a good experience for anyone, no matter their age. Everyone should do it at least once because once you go there and spend time with the veterans, you will want to do it again."

"It's important for our young Airmen and NCO's to see the great heroes who fought so hard for the freedoms we enjoy today as Americans," said Sergeant Jones. "The joy and happiness expressed on the faces of the veterans was priceless and was the greatest gift I could receive this holiday season."

Staff from the home agree that visits like these are essential for everyone involved.

"We need to have you guys here," said Army Command Sgt. Maj. (retired) Phil Hawkins, volunteer coordinator. "You get an opportunity to see the guys who saved our nation. When they see folks in uniform, they sit up a little straighter and get excited. There's a sense of connection and camaraderie."

With a goal of holding an event once a quarter, information will flow down from the Top 3 to each tier group, including Focus 56 and Airmen Committed to Excellence.

"We are intent on re-energizing this program, it's so important. It doesn't take too much time or effort and the payback is colossal," said Sergeant Jones.