Valentines for Vets inspires, gratifies

  • Published
  • By Minty Knighton
  • 96th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Emotions, surprise and admiration set the tone of this year's Valentine's for Veterans program.

More than 90 enlisted members visited several retirement homes throughout the community. Each presented a rose and homemade card made personally by children from the local community School Age Child Care program.

As the gifts were presented, veterans returned stories of military missions of yesterday, some bringing tears to both veteran and Airman alike.

"He told me about all his experiences and I saw him tearing up some," said Staff Sgt. Laquintez Cook, of the 96th Logistics Readiness Squadron. "He was trying to remember; he missed it so much."

Other Airmen were surprised and touched as they learned not only about history and heritage, but also about family. Family members who were visiting explained how every visit is important and a treasure.

"I was just making conversation and enjoying his stories about the Navy," said Tech. Sgt. Philip Chapman, 96th Comptroller office. "Later I was told he's just been diagnosed with terminal cancer and only has weeks to live. It made my heart ache."

Airmen who visited the Westwood retirement home in Fort Walton Beach, not only got to witness the crowning of the retirement home's king and queen, but also spoke to a special resident, Col. Joe Stanley.

Colonel Stanley was one of the first commanders of Eglin, when it was then called the Eglin Proving Ground. Colonel Stanley was more than eager to speak about all his travels that included several continents, including Asia, South America and Africa.

"I got to see him [Colonel Stanley] at a recent dining out," said Sergeant Chapman. "I enjoy hearing their stories. You know they didn't talk much about it years ago, but I guess now it's a lot easier. It's impressive to me; I'm sure not as much to them as it is to us."

Col. Gary Hurwitz, commander for the 96th Aerospace Medicine Squadron, who's been involved with several similar programs, said programs like these are important because the information shared is so unique and filled with detailed information from more than sixty years ago.

"You get a piece of living history," he said. "It's a pretty special event and very inspiring."

Eglin's Valentines for Veterans program was organized by Eglin's Top 3 Council.