VA hospital, Airmen give back

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Anne Gathua
  • 17th Training Wing Public Affairs
GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Remembering our troops and showing them we care by sending a little cheer is what the 'Operation Soldier Holiday' program is all about.

Started at the West Texas VA Medical Center, Big Spring, Texas, by Dr. Brian Phemester, Chief of Ambulatory Care, the program sends care packages to deployed troops.

"This program is our way of letting servicemembers know we are thinking about them and praying for their safe return," said Aimee Cannon, secretary for the chief of ambulatory care.

Since its inception in 2009, the program has sent more than 400 packages and will be kicking off another drive in February 2011. Their goal is to send packages once every quarter.

"After hearing some of the veterans express how great it was to receive a care package during their deployment, I wanted to make sure that servicemembers who are deployed now could enjoy a care package any day, not just during a holiday," said Dr. Phemester.

Donations are made by hospital staff, veterans, Big Spring and surrounding communities.

"We all worked together to pack more than 120 packages," Ms. Cannon said. "This time we packed up the packages over Thanksgiving. I'm grateful to everyone that gave their time to do this for the troops."

An Air Force veteran, Ms. Cannon said it was important to let our troops know that what they do is more than just a job.

"People are having a hard time in this economy and for those who have family members overseas, it may be hard to send out care packages as much as they wish they could," she added. "I'm sure there are some troops that don't have anyone sending them packages. I don't know about you, but when I receive a letter or a package I feel special and loved, that is why we give."

Adding that they would not be able to do what they do without the help of Goodfellow and Dyess, Ms. Cannon said they were grateful to team up with them to help make the program a success.

"It's great that we can work together to cheer our deployed troops," she added. "Our veterans also love to see servicemembers, chat them up and reminiscence about the good old days. One thing that I was so glad the Goodfellow volunteers were able to do this time, was going to see the kids at Coahoma Elementary School, Coahoma, Texas, who helped donate more than 3,000 items. They loved seeing everyone."

A two-time volunteer, Airman 1st Class Will Campbell, 17th Communications Squadron, who was one of six Team Goodfellow volunteers, said the program is great because it shows our troops that we care and are thinking about them especially around the holidays.

2nd Lt. Michelle Denise, 17th Force Support Squadron concurred saying she was glad to help out because the packages will help give the troops a little comfort.

Adding that the programs support for troops was awesome, Master Sgt. Kacy Ellsworth, 17th Training Wing Commander's Action Group, said it was a blessing to be able to volunteer and give back.