Sheppard and Altus team up to visit veterans

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Candy Miller
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Sheppard's Top-3 teamed up with their colleagues from Altus Air Force Base, Okla. Aug. 20 to show veterans their service has not been forgotten when they visited the Veteran's Center, a long-term nursing center in Lawton, Okla. 

"We have 22 Air Force veterans at the center that don't get to see Air Force people," said Master Sgt. Rich Coleman, chairman of the Veteran's Center Committee in the Top-3. "Sheppard is the closest Air Force installation and we want them to know we care about them." 

He said he enjoyed visiting the veterans because veterans like former Air Force member Jimmy Davis, who served in the 1960's, responded positively to the visit. 

Mr. Davis said he was happy the Top-3 visited because he had an appointment the last time Airmen visited. 

"It's nice that you come over," he said. "It's always nice to have Airmen come spend time with us." 

Mr. Davis said it's common for Army members to visit from Fort Sill, Okla., but before Altus and Sheppard decided to make quarterly visits, he rarely saw Airmen. He said he enjoys the company of servicemembers, he said. 

Airman 1st Class Carl Franklin, 97th Comptroller Squadron at Altus AFB, said it was "an awesome experience" to come together with Sheppard to show how grateful today's Airmen are to all their predecessors. 

"It's important to honor the veterans for all they've done. They risked their lives during their service and the least we can do is show them we care," he said. "There is so much history gathered right here. I learned a lot just listening to them tell their stories." 

Airman Franklin said the event made him more appreciative of the veterans and the road they paved for today's military. 

Coincidentally, Sheppard's Navy chiefs were also at the center to play bingo with the veterans when Top-3 personnel arrived. The Navy chiefs were showing their chief-selects that it is important to remember the history and honor those who served before them, said Navy Chief Petty Officer Paul Ramirez, 366th Training Squadron. 

"It's imperative to let them know we care because if they didn't set the tone, we wouldn't be here," he said. "If we don't recognize our vets, history will be lost." 

To participate in quarterly visits to the Veteran's Center, contact Sergeant Coleman at 676-2783.