Pope Airmen visit VA center

Tech. Sgts. Rhan Williams and Michael Nearing, 43rd Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, speak to one of the patients at the Fayetteville’s Department of Veterans’ Affairs Medical Center July 3. Pope Airmen visited the center to celebrate the 4th of July holiday. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Airman 1st Class Mindy Bloem)

Pope Airmen visit local VA center

Published July 9, 2008
By Senior Airman Susan Parent
440th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

POPE AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- A sign at the entrance to Fayetteville's Department of Veterans' Affairs Medical Center reads, "The price of freedom is visible here."

Several Pope members visited veterans at the center July 1 to wish those who paid that price a Happy Independence Day.

Upon arrival, servicemembers presented cards hand-crafted by children from the Child Development Center to their military predecessors.

For Senior Airman Kelly Wolford, 2nd Airlift Squadron, the visit was a way to pay respect for their dedication and sacrifice to our nation.

"A lot of them don't seem to get visitors," Airman Wolford said. "They were where we are now. It's good for us to show we appreciate what they've done for us. If not for them, we wouldn't be in the position we are now."

First time visitors, Staff Sgt. Amber Lawrence and Staff Sgt. Elijah Gantt, both 2nd AS, agreed.

"I think it shows them we appreciate them," Sergeant Lawrence said.

Sergeant Gantt added that the visit showed the veterans were not forgotten.

The visit was not only fulfilling for volunteers but for the residents of the medical center as well.

"You wouldn't be where you are now if not for some of us going before you," said Elvin E. Ward, VA Medical Center resident. "Reminds me of when I was in. I enjoy all the smiling faces because it shows their sincerity."

Another resident, John Pearce, said the visit made him feel good and he enjoyed all the nice people.

Near the end of the visit, volunteers took one final chance to express appreciation to these trailblazers who continued the fight for the independence our forefathers gave us.

"My dad was a vet," Airman Wolford said. "He passed away in a VA hospital. For a lot of them, it makes their day. It makes them proud to see we're out here and brings good memories back for some of them. It was good to be out here."