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Golden Age meets new age

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Alex Echols
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  More than 150 local senior citizens attended Tyndall's 28th Annual Golden Age Holiday Party at the Horizons community center Dec. 16.

The Chief's Group hosts the party each year as a way to give back to the community and bring some holiday cheer to residents from the Sims Veterans Home and members of the Bay County Council of Aging.

"It's important for us to give back to the community and those who served before us," said Chief Master Sgt. Billie Statom, 1st Air Force A3 chief enlisted manager.  "We are very fortunate to live here in Panama City. The community is so supportive and what better way to give back."

Attendees enjoyed plenty of food, dancing and merriment. Santa even stopped by to deliver presents to lucky raffle winners.

"Even though the Chief's Group puts it on, this is truly a Team Tyndall event," said Statom. "We are very appreciative for all the help from all the squadrons across Team Tyndall. We have 113 volunteers, which is more than we've ever had."

Members of Team Tyndall donated 60 gifts as well as 153 fruit baskets to ensure that every visitor received something.

"I love the way they came around and served us; it made me feel so special," said Ruth Wilson, a Lynn Haven senior citizen. "I would like to thank Tyndall and the Airmen for inviting us. It was wonderful. This is my first time here, and I like it a lot. I look forward to next year."

The Airmen that volunteered had the opportunity to talk and hear the retirees and veterans' experiences and learn from their stories.

"We are here to thank the people that led the way," said Airman 1st Class George Enrique Mercardo, 325th Security Forces Squadron patrolman. "We have to know where we came from to know where we are going. We have to honor our heroes because one day we might be in their boots."