Seymour Johnson Airmen visit veterans

DURHAM, N.C. -- Airmen from Seymour Johnson Air Force Base deliver gifts to retired Master Sgt. Fred Harrell during a visit to the Durham Veteran Affairs Medical Center, May 21, 2010. The visiting Airmen gave veterans at the center cards made by Greenwood Middle School 5th graders, flags and comfort kits donated by the American Red Cross. Mr. Harrell, former United States Marine Corp supply technician, hails from Goldsboro. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Courtney Richardson)

Seymour Johnson Airmen visit veterans

DURHAM, N.C. -- Retired Brig. Gen. Larry Dilda Jr. salutes Airmen from Seymour Johnson Air Force Base during a visit to the Durham Veteran Affairs Medical Center, May 21, 2010. Members of the Seymour Johnson community visit the center annually in celebration of National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans. General Dilda, former deputy chief of staff for communications and computer systems, Headquarters Strategic Command, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., hails from Fountain. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Courtney Richardson)

Seymour Johnson Airmen visit veterans

DURHAM, N.C. -- Airmen from Seymour Johnson Air Force Base visit with veterans at the Durham Veteran Affairs Medical Center, May 21, 2010. Each year members from Seymour Johnson visit the hospital to show their appreciation and say "thank you" to the men and women who served before them. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Courtney Richardson)

Seymour Johnson Airmen visit veterans

Published May 27, 2010
By Staff Sgt. Courtney Richardson
4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

DURHAM, N.C. -- In celebration of the National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans, Airmen from Air Force Sergeant's Association Chapter 371, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base honor guard and various 4th Fighter Wing squadrons visited veterans at Durham Veteran Affairs Medical Center to show their appreciation, May 21.

The celebration pays tribute to, and expresses appreciation for, hospitalized veterans. It also encourages citizens to visit hospitalized veterans, to become volunteers at the center and increase community awareness of the role of the VA medical center.

The event normally takes place during the second week of February, but was postponed until May this year.

"It was a rewarding experience and event for the veterans. They were really happy to see us," said Regina Hinojosa, 4th Force Support Squadron relocation assistance and volunteer program manager. "We have received a lot of compliments from commanders and the volunteers saying how great it was to have an opportunity to go."

During the visit, Airmen handed out cards made by Greenwood Middle School fifth graders, comfort kits and American flags. The kits, donated by the American Red Cross consisted of toothpaste, a toothbrush, pocket tissue, body wash, shampoo, conditioner and lotion.

"This was very nice of you guys," said retired Marine Corps. Master Sgt. Fred Harrell, after receiving the gifts from the Airmen. Harrell expressed his appreciation to the Airmen and shared his service experience with them.

The event took approximately one month to coordinate. The base commissary and Krispy Kreme® donated refreshments for the visiting servicemembers and retirees.