|
ATLANTA, Ga. (February 15, 2008) - Soldiers assigned to U.S.
Army Central had the opportunity to honor our nation's veterans by
volunteering at the Atlanta VA Medical Center Feb. 15, 2008 as part
of the 30th annual National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans week
celebrations, which spanned one full week beginning Feb. 10,
2008.
It was a capacity crowd in the facility's Pete Wheeler
Auditorium, where Lt. Gen. Jim Lovelace, USARCENT commanding
general, provided opening remarks at the ceremony, addressing the
veterans in attendance, many of whom served in past and present
conflicts and also honorably during peacetime.
"This is the best Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, Navy and Coast
Guard in the world, and it's that way because of all of you in the
audience who served in uniform," said Lovelace.
"I want to say thanks," said Lovelace as he scanned the audience
with proud eyes. Many of the seats in the auditorium were occupied
by volunteers and patriotic supporters of America's veterans, but
most were filled by veterans from nearly every American conflict
since World War II. Despite a wide range of experiences, all in
attendance shared one common denominator-the love for their country
and respect for those who defend it.
"Over 48 million have worn the uniform--it's a privilege to wear
the uniform of this great country," said Lovelace. "I've seen the
[servicemembers] faces in Iraq. I've seen the [servicemembers]
faces in Afghanistan. They are the force they are today because
they stand on the shoulders of you heroes in the audience. You all
have made us great."
Before breaking down into manageable groups to tour the facility
and visit the hospitalized veterans, the audience was appropriately
readied by singing God Bless America, led by Caitlin Andrew, Miss
Atlanta.
Nearly 20 Soldiers from USARCENT volunteered to pass out donated
phone cards and special Valentine's Day cards and letters which
were crafted by local school children.
Sgt. 1st Class Yolanda Reese, a human resources NCO for U.S.
Army Central, explained that she has a special fondness for
veterans. "I really appreciate their sacrifices and I love to put a
smile on their face-it warms my heart." Reese, a repeat volunteer
at the facility plans to visit the veterans on a regular basis as
part of the command's community outreach program.
USARCENT officially adopted the facility Oct. 17, 2007 and
provides opportunities for Soldiers to volunteer and honor
hospitalized veterans at the facility at least quarterly.
As Soldiers milled through the facility meeting veterans and
passing out freebies, one common theme was quite evident-a sense of
gratitude and appreciation that the current generation of
servicemembers have the opportunity to follow a trail blazed by
generations of great heroes before them.
"I want to say thank you for your service and sacrifice," said
Sgt. 1st Class Kevin King, USARCENT's G9 operations sergeant, as he
conversed with Winford Stroud, a disabled Army Vietnam veteran.
"Hopefully in 30 or 40 years, if I'm in a VA facility, someone
will come to honor me."
|
