USARC Soldiers share camaraderie, friendship with local veterans

Photo By David San Miguel | Soldiers from the U.S. Army Reserve Command took time from their day to spend a few hours with veterans from the VA Medical Center in downtown Fayetteville, N.C. March 19, 2014. The visit was part of the command's initiative to connect with the local community.  

FORT BRAGG, NC, UNITED STATES

03.19.2014

Story by David San Miguel 

U.S. Army Reserve Command

FORT BRAGG, N.C. – Hoping to connect with their military predecessors, Soldiers with the U.S. Army Reserve Command visited with veterans at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in downtown Fayetteville, N.C., March 19.

According to Lt. Col. Monica Womack, chief of community engagement, USARC public affairs, the “Visit with Veterans” was initiated as a way to help Soldiers connect with the local community and share a moment of camaraderie and friendship with veterans.
“I learned about the opportunity to visit with our vets during our Leadership Fayetteville class,” she said. “During a tour of the VA Medical Center, the volunteer coordinator indicated that the veterans at the center get excited and motivated when they’re visited by Soldiers.”

Voluntary Services and Recreation Activities Coordinator Daniel P. Kelly said the veterans not only enjoy the visits but like to share their military experiences with the “younger troops.”

“They enjoy the camaraderie – the brotherhood – of military service,” he said. “They’re experiences others may not fully understand if they had never served in our armed forces. They enjoy sharing their military experiences and know that at least the Soldiers can understand their sacrifice and service.”

Kelly added that other units host bingo games, barbecues or other activities just to make the veterans feel a part of the military community.

“But, the most important thing they enjoy are the visits, just spending time with them,” he said.

Womack added that the initial response for the visit has been great and she hopes this initiative will take root and flourish.
“It really was about going there with the intent to brighten their day,” she said, “but I think it had an opposite effect.”

Sgt. 1st Class Lisa Cochran, USARC Aviation Directorate, said that the visit helped her appreciate where she is right now and to better understand the things that they’ve gone through.

“I have so much admiration for them,” she said. “They still have so much pride in what they’ve done and how they’ve served. It solidifies what I’m doing in the Army. They’ve made it better for us.”

Cochran encourages all Soldiers to come out to visit the veterans.

“They’re still a part of our family,” she added. “We’re all Soldiers and we’re all fighting the same fight, maybe different paths, but still the same fight. Everyone would appreciate to learn what others have done.”

• Date Taken: 03.19.2014
• Date Posted: 03.19.2014 18:54
• Story ID: 122260
• Location: FORT BRAGG, NC, US