A thankful visit Published Dec. 12, 2008 By Senior Airman Luis Loza Gutierrez 17th Training Wing Public Affairs GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Nine servicemembers and one civilian from Goodfellow Air Force Base made the almost two-hour-long drive to spend a few hours visiting with patients at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Big Spring, Texas. "The visit was wonderful," said Ms. Patricia Menchaca from the 17th Comptroller Squadron, who said that interacting with the veterans reminded her of the time she worked as a registered nurse at the veterans' hospital in Kerrville, Texas. "I agree (with Ms. Menchaca). I, too, enjoyed the visit. You can easily see how just having us shake their hands and say, 'Thank you,' brings a smile to their faces," said Senior Airman Jamin Casselman from 17th Communications Squadron. "Hopefully next year we can get even more people to visit." The spirited group of visitors from Goodfellow listened to veterans tell their personal stories. Needless to say some of them were about the struggles experienced during times of war while others were whimsical and drew laughter from their stories. Goodfellow members also donated a small collection of sweat shirts and pants for the patients, and Tech. Sgt. Kelly Bales from the 316th Training Squadron and Ms. Menchaca provided holiday cheer with piano music and singing. "It is truly an honor to meet and spend some time with you (the Hospital veterans). It's thanks to the service and sacrifices of generations like yours that we (the current generations of servicemen and women) have the opportunity to serve and defend our country and freedoms," responded Master Sgt. Anthony Fleming, 17th Security Forces, to one of the veterans. The trip to the veterans' hospital was spearheaded by the Top 3, Goodfellow's professional military organization for servicemembers in the three highest enlisted ranks. The Top 3 uses events like the trip to the veteran's hospital not just as an opportunity to show patients at the veterans' hospital that they are truly thought of and appreciated, but also as an opportunity to instill service pride, raise interest in military heritage and provide mentorship opportunities of a special kind for all servicemen and women.
