TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- More than 100 Team Tyndall and U.S. Navy members helped veterans in need during the 10th annual Operation Veteran Stand Down hosted by CareerSource Gulf Coast at the First Baptist Church Family Life Center in Panama City, Florida Sept. 21, 2017.
As part of the local community, Tyndall Airmen gave back to those that have served, but have unfortunately fallen on hard times. The event focused on uplifting the local community by providing homeless veterans resource support to build and reinforce positive relationships.
“It is important for service members to realize the need of helping veterans is out there,” said Master Sgt. Jason Ramirez, 325th Communication Squadron first sergeant. “This was a great opportunity for Team Tyndall members to help the local veteran community and show them we care.”
As the day began, volunteers were paired up with veterans. After rapport was built between volunteers and their new “buddy,” the volunteers helped escort them through different donation lines. This was followed by a shared meal, allowing more time for talking and sharing life experiences with one another.
“This event may be the only interaction the vets have, and this could end up being a life changing experience for the veterans and volunteers,” said Master Sgt. Jeffery Hunter, 325th Fighter Wing Staff Agency first sergeant.
More than 40 organizations contributed services and goods such as clothing, hot meals, sleeping bags, tents, haircuts, social services, information about employment services, and more to help them get back on their feet.
“What I love about this event is that you can see the whole community come together to deliver to the veterans,” said Nina Sears, First Baptist Church social media coordinator. “It was really amazing watching military members help those who served before them and I am glad to be a part of this.”
“It is a great event. We got the chance to talk to younger service members and receive helpful services and tips for our future,” said Marlon Olsen, a U.S. Air Force veteran. “Veterans like us need all the help we can get, and this event show that people still care about their vets and community.”
Different military branches came together with other organizations to make this event possible. Helping the men and women in service were the Disabled American Veterans (AmVets), Chapter 17, AmVets Department of Florida Service Foundation Inc., AmVets Post 2298 and 231, AmVets Riders Chapter 2298, American Legion Auxiliary Unit 356, Disability Resource Center, Emerald Coast Veterans Golf Group Inc., the Tom Glaze VFW Post 8205 and many others.
“Service is the core of what we do in the military, so we have to remember to take care of ourselves, our families and others,” Ramirez said. “This was an opportunity to realize what we have and to not take things for granted. We are not going to be in the Air Force forever; there is going to be a time when we are going to take off our uniforms. We have to think of our future and not forget those who have already taken the uniform off.”