The most wonderful time of the year with veterans

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Charlie Miller
  • 445th Airlift Wing
DAYTON, Ohio - --  Singer Andy Williams recorded "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" back in the 60's and it remains one of the most popular Christmas songs today.

That famous song and many others were heard at the 13th annual holiday party for the residents and patients of the Veterans Administration Nursing Home on Gettysburg Drive in Dayton on December 8th.

The 445th was well represented with about 25 wing members spending their lunch hour helping veterans with their food trays and then visiting and swapping war stories.

"This is a great way to celebrate Christmas, being with these men and women," said Staff Sergeant Frank Oliver, 445th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron. The sergeant brought with him the collected donations for the vets from his squadron. "I'm the only guy in a pickle suit," the sergeant said about the attention he was garnering from his being the lone flight suit. "This is a very worthy cause and we should remember these veterans the other 11 months of the year."

Hats are off, including Santa Claus hats and elf caps, to the Air Force Sergeants Association Kitty Hawk Chapter for sponsoring the event again this year. The AFSA has been hosting parties such as this one at the VA center for almost 20 years now.

"I've come to every one of them," said Air Force veteran and VA center resident Robert "Shorty" Brannan, 73. "I enlisted in 1953 and was stationed at a Strategic Air Command Base in Kansas." Brannan said he looks forward to the party and enjoys it every year.

The Air Force Association brought volunteers, donations and 15 members of the Bellbrook High School Air Force Junior ROTC program, who distributed handmade cards from Husted Elementary, Springfield, Ohio. New to the party was a seven piece brass ensemble from Greenon High School, Springfield, Ohio. The students provided live Christmas and holiday music for the veterans.

Master Sergeant Debbie Holmes, 445th Maintenance Operations Flight, said she really enjoyed the atmosphere and helping the veterans. "I have a parent in a nursing facility and I'm here to visit, mingle and help out."

"This is my first time at the Christmas party," said Army veteran Richard Helton. "It's a change of pace, a little crowded, but nice." Helton, 45, served in Bamberg, Germany after completing Basic Training at Ft. Sill, Oklahoma.

The large dining facility was brightly decorated with a large live cut Christmas tree, green wreaths, shining holiday lights and fresh poinsettias. It also held dozens and dozens of colorfully wrapped door prizes for the veterans.

"I heard a few stories," said 87th Aerial Port member Senior Airman Ross Blackburn. "One guy said he had a background in physics and said he could teach me physics in two minutes. I talked with three or four different veterans and it was very enlightening. They were happy that we were there."

The veterans were served a light lunch by AFSA members that featured a large variety of home baked holiday cookies while the high school band's music filled the room. This was the 11th year the 445th has helped the AFSA with the party.

"It's good to be here and spread some joy to these folks," Major Bruce Winhold, commander, 445th Military Personnel Flight said. "Just being here and having this party is wonderful."

As in past years, wing members helped residents in the dining facility with their lunch and also delivered food to veterans in their rooms who were not physically able to come to the party. 445th Command Chief Master Sergeant Aaron Mouser and a number of officers spent time shaking hands with the veterans and wishing them happy holidays.