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Mighty 97th volunteers deliver Valentines for Vets

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Kenneth W. Norman
  • 97th Air Mobility Wing
ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  An assortment of 53 servicemembers, civilian adults and children sweetened up Valentine's Day for veterans at five assisted living centers by delivering handmade valentines from the students of Rivers Elementary, Washington Elementary, Altus AFB Child Development Center and First Assembly of God Sunday school Feb. 14.

The valentines were made to support Valentines for Vets, an annual program the base organizes to show veterans they are loved and not forgotten.

"This is something for us to look forward to," said Army veteran Carl Farrow. "It brings back days that we had that we don't have anymore."

Valentines were delivered to veterans at the Clinton Veterans Center, Clinton, Okla., Tamarack Assisted Living Center, English Village Manor nursing home, Plantation Village Assisted Living Center and Plantation Village Care Centers in the City of Altus.

"I think this is a great opportunity for the people serving today to say thank you to the people who served before us," said Chief Master Sgt. Bruce E. Zahn, 97th Operations group command chief. "It is a privilege and an honor to visit and give these valentines to these vets."

This is the fifth year that Chief Zahn has participated in Valentines for Vets.

During their visit, the volunteers talked with veterans from different branches of the military and expressed their thanks and respect for the sacrifices made by the vets.

"We are letting them know that they are not forgotten and their service is greatly appreciated," Chief Zahn said.

The Altus AFB Valentines for Vets program has been sweetening up Valentine's Days for veterans since 1998.