Goodfellow members visit veterans at local VA hospital

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Tong Duong
  • 17th Training Wing Public Affairs
GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  More than 35 members from the base spent Saturday visiting veterans at a local VA hospital, April 17.

Once a quarter, the base Top 3 enlists the help of Goodfellow servicemembers and drives 90 minutes to the West Texas VA Health Care System, a veteran's hospital in Big Spring, Texas, to 'serve those who have served.'

"Visiting veterans allow our younger Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors, and Marines to talk with members who have served before them, that is a great honor," said Master Sgt. Susan Mace, 315th Training Squadron Distributed Common Ground System, Formal Training Unit flight chief and VA visit point of contact.

Not only does the VA facility see to the needs of approximately 16,000 veterans it is one of VA's largest primary service areas spanning more than 74,000 square miles.

Base volunteers enjoy working at the Big Spring facility because of the good working rapport with the recreation staff, Sergeant Mace added.

While at the hospital, volunteers spent about two hours talking with the veterans and listening to their stories.

"Speaking to them, gave me a sense of what things were like back then and the contrast of past and current conflicts," said Airman Aaron Walker, 312th Training Squadron. "I enjoyed talking to the older generation, who have fought in previous wars."

Ruth Hook, a recreation musical therapist at the medical facility notes that patients generally seem to be in a merrier mood when servicemembers visit them.

"They were pleased and happy that members from Goodfellow spent their Saturday with them," she said.

Currently, the West Texas VA Health Care System Volunteer Program consists of approximately 300 adult volunteers and 85 youth volunteers. All new volunteers are required to complete an application and orientation prior to job assignment. Contact the Office of Community Relations for volunteering opportunity (800) 472-1365, Ext. 4824 or (432) 264-4824.