445th Airlift Wing brings holiday cheer to veterans

  • Published
  • By Capt. Caroline Wellman
  • 445th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB, Ohio --  The 445th Airlift Wing continued its annual tradition of bringing holiday cheer to the residents and outpatients at the Dayton Veterans Medical Center Dec. 5.

Airmen from the wing have been attending the Air Force Sergeants Association Kittyhawk Chapter-sponsored luncheon for more than a decade, providing basic necessities, small gifts, and a few hours of companionship.

Prior to the holiday lunch, wing Airmen tend to speculate about who gets more out of the event - the veterans or the wing's members.

"I think it's important to expose our young people to this history," said Chief Master Sergeant J.J. Smith, 445th Maintenance Squadron, who has driven the bus to the event for the last nine years. "When we come down here, we're touching a part of society that has been neglected...(but) these are our brothers and sisters who have fought to preserve a way of life and we can't neglect them."

For some of the veterans, the sentiment was a little more light-hearted.

"I enjoy it when people come here (to visit). It's enjoyable to talk to you. Plus, there's free food," John Shuey joked. Mr. Shuey served as U.S. Marine Corps reconnaissance from 1948 to 1957. The Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion also put on events at the medical center, which he's attended, he said, but it was the first time he'd attended an Air Force event there.

But for one Airmen, it was the best of both sentiments.

"It's about the veterans, about giving back to them," said Staff Sgt. Natalie Storms, 87th Aerial Port Squadron. "Plus, I'm a people person, so I get to meet interesting people and talk to people for a couple hours."

More than 100 Airmen attended the gathering, and the wing donated enough items to fill a 15-passenger van. Dayton's Gem City Band and members of the Air Force Association provided music.

The 445th Airlift Wing Chief's Group is planning to return to the medical center in February and a larger contingent from the wing is planning to return for the medical center's summer picnic.