WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- Airmen from the 445th Airlift Wing participated in the annual Veteran Affairs Christmas party December 2, 2017, at the Dayton VA Medical Center in Dayton, Ohio.
The annual party, sponsored by the Air Force Sergeant’s Association and the staff of the Dayton VA Hospital, aims to bring service members and veterans closer together while providing an extraordinary opportunity to fellowship.
During the festivities, food and beverages were provided; live holiday music from the Air Band of Flight was played throughout the afternoon; and holiday gifts were distributed. Even Santa Claus found time to attend, despite his busy holiday schedule.
“We are thankful for everyone coming out and showing their support,” said David I. McCoy, the president of the Air Force Sergeants Association Kittyhawk Chapter 751 and volunteer coordinator at the Christmas party. “We like to do whatever we can to help our service members, and this event is a great way to do something special for the veteran community. Our organization brings us into contact with so many amazing people, and events like this allow us to give back.”
During the gathering, members of the 445th conversed with AFSA members and the veterans at the hospital while participating in the holiday cheer. Some Airmen collected gifts prior to the event to deliver to the veterans.
With all of the hustle and bustle surrounding the holiday season, the event at the Dayton VA hospital brought into perspective the fact that our nation’s veterans deserve a chance to experience the best parts of the holidays and that nothing makes an impact more than being able to give for the sake of others.