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24th annual Golden Age party honors veterans

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Kirsten Wicker
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The Tyndall Chief's Association sponsored the 24th Annual Golden Age Holiday Party Dec. 1 at Horizons Community Center.

More than 280 senior citizens from the Bay County Council on Aging, Sims Veterans Home and some from across the Panama City and Mexico Beach senior communities, attended the party. Guests were treated to cookies, pizza, finger sandwiches and drinks. They also got to do some singing and dancing, showing off their skills.

"Our goal is for them to come here and have fun and this year is just fantastic," said Airey NCO Academy Commandant, Chief Master Sgt. Malcolm McVicar. "For a lot of them, this is the highlight of their year and they really look forward to it and enjoy it."

Approximately 57 Airmen from Tyndall Air Force Base volunteered at the event, serving attendees their snacks and drinks, and even sharing a dance or two.

"This is an event we really look forward to doing every year," said Chief McVicar. "We put a lot of work into making this special and it's a great way for Airmen at Tyndall to give back."

Many of the senior citizens here today are veterans who were part of the Greatest Generation and had a part in helping to build what we have today, he added.

"The party is beautiful and there are a lot of congenial people here," said Ms. Mary Lanza, a guest at the party. "I'm glad to be here because Christmas is my birthday and so this is like an early birthday celebration for me."

In addition to the disc jockey skills of Senior Master Sgt. Travis Fritts, 325th Contracting Squadron superintendent, who kept the music and entertainment going, no guest left the party empty-handed. Everyone was given a fruit basket, donated by Team Tyndall members.

"The chiefs go out to all the units with donation cards and if someone is able to donate they fill out a card with their name and address and it goes into the fruit basket," said Chief McVicar. "That way when the guests return to their homes and open the basket they know who the basket is from and they can write to them. Sometimes they even bring the card back with them the next year."

Several poinsettias and table decorations were also given away, helping to make the event an overall success.

"When the national anthem was sung you could just see the pride and love they have for their country and the Air Force," said Airman 1st Class Amber Davis, 325th Comptroller Squadron. "It was very moving and I just love being part of the event and getting a chance to talk to the ones who went before me."

For photos from the event, click here.