RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas –
Many veterans were elated to see people from all over the country come to visit and bring Valentine cards, cheer and affection during Valentines for Vets, a part of the National Salute program which annually honors veterans and their sacrifices.
Col. Alan Lake, 902nd Air Base Wing Mission Support Group commander, Chief Master Sgt. James Erwin, 902nd Security Forces manager, and 2010 Randolph ambassador Jaclyn Rodriguez, hand delivered Valentine's Day cards made by students of Randolph Elementary School to veterans at Audie L. Murphy Memorial Veterans Hospital Feb. 12.
"We're here to pay tribute to American heroes. We salute the many people who paid and continue to pay for freedom," said Toby Matthew, the hospital's assistant director, before he released the crowd to visit the esteemed veterans.
For many, this place is more than a hospital. It is a home, Jim Rhodes, retired caretaker now volunteer, and the escort for Team Randolph, said.
"I get really emotional when I talk about the veterans because they are the reason why this is a very special place," he explained. Valentine's for Veterans gives the community an opportunity to show the veterans how much they are appreciated.
The National Salute to Veterans Patients was established as an official VA program in 1978, and is celebrated each year during the week of Feb. 14. The purpose of the program is to: pay tribute and express appreciation to veterans, increase community awareness of the role of the medical center and encourage citizens to visit hospitalized veterans and to become involved as volunteers.
Randolph Elementary School uses the annual observance to raise students' awareness about military service. It gives students an opportunity to learn about the contributions of veterans, as well as acknowledge the sacrifices our veterans have made.
"At our school, we celebrate service to others," said Karen Bessette, Randolph Elementary School principal. "Through the Valentines for Vets program, our students have a way to reach outside themselves and create something that will touch the lives of others. What a great opportunity for our military kids to connect with veteran and heroes who have done so much for our country."
"Receiving valentines from the children makes me feel good," said veteran Pete Cardenes. "And seeing all the people helps me realize that there are others like me and I'm not alone."
Colonel Lake took a minute to reflect on his time with the Veterans.
"We spent time with them and reminisced about the challenges and uncertainties we all faced when we went to war... something we all had in common," he said. "I shook their hands again before we left and said, 'Thank you for going ahead of us.' Yet they gave so much more than a mere couple of thank-you's could ever credit them, and we wanted them to know their service and sacrifice to keep America free is not forgotten."
The thoughts of one child's valentine card sums up the spirit of the observance.
"I hope you feel better soon and thank you for serving. You have a lot of faith. The country is safe thanks to you. You rock our world!"