Hospitalized vets receive handmade valentines

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Paul Duquette
  • 163 RW Public Affairs
MARCH AIR RESERVE BASE, CALIF. --  Members of the 163d Reconnaissance Wing gave Veterans at the Loma Linda Veterans Affairs Medical Center an early Valentines Day present by handing out cards at the hospital as part of the National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans Week.

The National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans Program was established in March 1978 and is celebrated each year. It's an official Department of Veterans Affairs program and its purpose is to pay tribute and express appreciation to hospitalized vets; to increase community awareness of the role of the medical center and to encourage individuals to visit hospitalized vets and to become involved as volunteers.

"This is the first year the hospital has had uniformed service members come out as part of this special event," said Diana Gellentien, Chief of Voluntary Services at the Loma Linda VA Medical Center.

"During this week long event, we set aside one day for our service members to come visit the veterans."

The 163 RW members that participated were allowed to volunteer for one hour during their normal duty day.

Gellentien, a seven-year Air Force veteran, said the response was overwhelming and they expected more than 100 service members from all branches to participate in their military day.

The cards that the volunteers were handing out were donated to the hospital by local schools. Some of the cards were even handmade by students.

"I met vets from all branches and I really enjoyed being able to bring smiles to the veterans' faces, and learning about their stories while they served their country," said 163d Force Support Squadron member Staff Sgt. Al Dupont. "If I have the opportunity next year to volunteer, I will definitely do it again."

As a courtesy, members of the Red Cross made gift bags and gave them to the veteran and service member volunteers as they finished their shift.

Not only does the medical center help to preserve the lives of over 67,000 veterans a year, it employs them in daily operations. Between the hospital and the cemetery, they have over 1,600 volunteers.

"It's truly been an incredible day. The veterans love to see and hear from members currently serving," said Gellentien.

"They also love hearing thank you for your service. I'm definitely going to do this again next year and possibly try do something more for the vets."