Airmen visit Veterans Published Dec. 7, 2006 By Staff Sgt. Francis Lalic 43rd Civil Engineer Squadron Unit Public Affairs Representative POPE AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- One hundred and twenty six Airmen from around the base visited VA Medical Center in Fayetteville Nov. 7. "The VA Hospital residents were happy to see members of the 43rd Airlift Wing," said VA Voluntary Service Officer Norma C. Byrd. "The patients are always happy to have visitors, especially members of the armed forces. They are always happy to see people in uniform because the Airmen today are walking in the shoes that they once wore." During the visit, Airmen shared their experiences and talked to the residents about their jobs and their military lives. "You can see their eyes light up as they exchange stories," Ms. Byrd said. "Of course, those patients who were in the Air Force were excited to see fellow Airmen." The veterans spent their time telling the Pope volunteers about their military experiences. As part of the visit, Airmen distributed personalized Veteran's Day cards from Pope Elementary School children, gave away some gifts and commemorative hats to the veterans. "As you walk through the unit, you will see all of the residents proudly wearing the Air Force hats," said Ms. Byrd. First Lieutenant Timothy Scheffler, 43rd Civil Engineer Squadron, was one of the Airmen who paid tribute to the veterans and had mixed emotions. "It was somewhat sad to see the physical and mental state of some of the patients, but it was also enlightening and helpful in reminding me that my experiences could have been different." "It touched me in religious ways too," the lieutenant added. "I plan on doing more of these, it gives me the opportunity to share Christ's love to some who have may never received it and are in desperate need of someone to just talk to." "In summary, it was an experience that stirred a lot of emotions and thoughts about the future and the past." According to the VA Center staff, the residents of Nursing Home Care Units are already inquiring about the next visit. For more information about the next visit, call Capt. Stella Garcia at 394-2157.