RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas –
Today will be a red-letter day for many hospitalized veterans thanks to heartfelt expressions of gratitude from hundreds of Randolph Elementary School students.
A contingent of Team Randolph members will hand-deliver the students' hand-made Valentine's Day cards to veterans at Audie L. Murphy Memorial Veterans Hospital as part of the annual National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans Program.
"We'll talk to the veterans and give them the cards," said Susan Gandy, 12th Flying Training Wing Civic Outreach chief. "We'll do a lot of hand-shaking. We'll listen to their stories - and they are amazing. It's an honor to visit them."
Ms. Gandy will accompany Col. Jacqueline Van Ovost, 12th FTW commander; Chief Master Sgt. Max Grindstaff, 12th FTW command chief master sergeant; and Staff Sgt. Courtney Linde and Capt. Carlos Ferrer, Team Randolph's ambassadors.
Valentines for Veterans, Randolph Elementary's annual contribution to the National Salute program, gives students an opportunity to learn about the contributions of veterans and to show these heroes how much they appreciate them.
"It's a chance for our military kids to acknowledge the sacrifices our veterans have made," said Karen Bessette, Randolph Elementary principal. "The cards are all so bright and cheerful. They help brighten the veterans' day. The kids really put their hearts into it."
Third-grade teacher Heather Jost said she is also struck by the "sincerity that the kids put into their cards."
"They enjoy doing things for the Soldiers," she said. "They know they make big sacrifices for their country."
Every student at the school - more than 600 from pre-kindergarten to fifth grade - crafts a card for a veteran at Audie Murphy. Simple, unexpected turns of phrase mark the sentiments of the younger students. One first-grader wrote, "Roses are red, you guys are sweet, and I hope you guys are very neat!"
Older students' expressions are more polished. "I really hope you're doing okay. Thank you for serving. You helped many people. I hope you have a wonderful Valentine's Day," a fifth-grader wrote on her butterfly-themed card with heart-shaped wings.
"They just have the most fun decorating them," Ms. Jost said.
The Team Randolph delegation will join ambassadors from throughout the city, including representatives of nearby military installations, in participating in the salute, which began in 1978 as a way to thank hospitalized veterans of all wars and peacetime periods.
The program also gives visitors a chance to view the Audie L. Murphy Memorial Veterans Hospital, learn about the programs offered to veterans and mingle with other guests.
The highlight, though, is seeing the reactions of veterans to the students' sincere sentiments.
"It really puts a smile on their faces," Ms. Gandy said. "The kids write the most amazing things on the cards."