FTAC brings Valentine’s cheer

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Anthony J. Hyatt
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
Some residents from Sim's Veterans Home received a visit from some special guest on Valentines Day.

Members from the First Term Airmen Center spent their holiday with the veterans.

"Every class is scheduled to take a trip to the Sim's Veterans home, so they can show their gratitude to the military members before them," said Staff Sgt. Samantha Whitfield, 325th Mission Support Squadron FTAC instructor." Since this class trip fell on Valentine's Day we wanted to do something special for them."

This year, children from Tyndall Youth Center made Valentine cards for the veterans and the FTAC students brought them to the vets.

"The kids put a lot of effort into making the cards, you can tell by the creativity and colorfulness on them," said Airman 1st Class Veronica McMahon, 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs staff writer and FTAC student. "One of the cards read 'we appreciate what you do,' while another read 'take a nap and feel better'."

As the Airmen walked through the hallways of the nursing home, they stopped at each resident they met and passed out cards and candy. In return, the vets shared military history and personal experiences with the Airmen.

"Since our (retirement home) opening in 2003, FTAC has been coming out and spending time with the people here," said Virginia O'Hare, Sims Veterans Nursing Home activity director. "The residents enjoy seeing new faces all the time, and love seeing the (military) uniform."

Those in uniform even hung out long enough to play bingo with some of the veterans-silently helping the vets with their hand-eye coordination.

The troops don't cover their numbers for them, instead they repeat the number to them and show them the numbers if they miss one, so the patients can cover them their selves, said Sergeant Whitfield.

After laughter and play, it was time for the Airmen to return to base.

"It's great to show them the military still cares about them and that they are not forgotten," said Airman Joshua Estevez, 325th Contracting Squadron and FTAC student.