Team Seymour to bring Valentine's Day greetings to hospitalized veterans

  • Published
  • By Juanita Joseph
  • 4th Fighter Wing volunteer program manager
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  For the seventh consecutive year, the 4th Fighter Wing has been invited to participate in the National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans observance on Feb. 16 at the Durham Veteran's Administration Medical Center.

The national salute invites individuals, veterans groups, businesses, military personnel, civic organizations and school children to participate in a variety of activities at VA medical centers.

In support of the National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans, and in typical Team Seymour spirit, the Valentines for Veterans initiative was created here in 2001.

This special endeavor affords our 4th Fighter Wing men and women the honor of visiting our hospitalized veterans and presenting them with American flags and Valentine's Day cards made by Wayne County elementary school children.

Seymour Johnson participants will assemble at the theater parking lot at 7:30 a.m. Feb. 16. The National Salute reception begins at 10 a.m. The group should return to base at approximately 2:30 p.m. Dress will be uniform of the day.

This will be a day for all of us to give thank you to those brave men and women of our nation who have given so very much.

A few thoughts shared from a previous year's participant:

As I wandered the hallway I noticed an old gentleman with his head down, sitting in a chair on the other side of his bed. When I asked if I could come in, he looked up, said "yes" and then again dropped his head. After standing in front of him for several awkward, silent moments I finally said, "Sir, I guess I'm a lucky man to be here today." He slowly turned his gaze from my shoes and said, "You are lucky Major, you've got feet to put your shoes on." Only then did I notice that his pant legs hung empty. As I left I thanked him for his service to his country and promised to think of him when I put my shoes on the next morning-the next morning Mr. Logan was on my mind before my feet were on the floor... Major Nick Carter, USAF.

For those interested in supporting this worthy event, please respond via email to juanita.joseph @seymourjohnson.af.mil no later than Feb. 12 with the following information: rank, name, unit and phone number. Space is limited, so don't delay.