Courtesy Photo | Lt. Gen. James Lovelace, U.S. Army Central commanding general, and his wife, Gail,...... read more read more
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By Sgt. 1st Class Eric Brown
U.S. Army Central Public Affairs
ATLANTA—Soldiers assigned to U.S. Army Central had the opportunity to honor our nation's veterans by volunteering at the Atlanta VA Medical Center, Feb. 15, 2008, as part of the 30th annual National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans week celebrations, which spanned one full week beginning Feb. 10, 2008.
It was a capacity crowd in the facility's Pete Wheeler Auditorium, where Lt. Gen. Jim Lovelace, USARCENT commanding general, provided opening remarks at the ceremony, addressing the veterans in attendance, many of whom served in past and present conflicts and also honorably during peacetime.
"This is the best Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, Navy and Coast Guard in the world, and it's that way because of all of you in the audience who served in uniform," said Lovelace.
"I want to say thanks," said Lovelace as he scanned the audience with proud eyes. Many of the seats in the auditorium were occupied by volunteers and patriotic supporters of America's veterans, but most were filled by veterans from nearly every American conflict since World War II. Despite a wide range of experiences, all in attendance shared one common denominator—the love for their country and respect for those who defend it.
"Over 48 million have worn the uniform--it's a privilege to wear the uniform of this great country," said Lovelace. "I've seen the (service members) faces in Iraq. I've seen the (servicemembers') faces in Afghanistan. They are the force they are today because they stand on the shoulders of you heroes in the audience. You all have made us great."
Before breaking down into manageable groups to tour the facility and visit the hospitalized veterans, the audience was appropriately readied by singing God Bless America, led by Caitlin Andrew, Miss Atlanta.
Nearly 20 Soldiers from USARCENT volunteered to pass out donated phone cards and special Valentine's Day cards and letters which were crafted by local school children.
Sgt. 1st Class Yolanda Reese, a human resources NCO for U.S. Army Central, explained that she has a special fondness for veterans. "I really appreciate their sacrifices and I love to put a smile on their face—it warms my heart." Reese, a repeat volunteer at the facility plans to visit the veterans on a regular basis as part of the command's community outreach program.
USARCENT officially adopted the facility Oct. 17, 2007 and provides opportunities for Soldiers to volunteer and honor hospitalized veterans at the facility at least quarterly.
As Soldiers milled through the facility meeting veterans and passing out freebies, one common theme was quite evident—a sense of gratitude and appreciation that the current generation of servicemembers have the opportunity to follow a trail blazed by generations of great heroes before them.
"I want to say thank you for your service and sacrifice," said Sgt. 1st Class Kevin King, USARCENT's G9 operations sergeant, as he conversed with Winford Stroud, a disabled Army Vietnam veteran.
"Hopefully in 30 or 40 years, if I'm in a VA facility, someone will come to honor me."
| Date Taken: | 02.20.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 02.20.2008 18:08 |
| Story ID: | 16532 |
| Location: | US |
| Web Views: | 85 |
| Downloads: | 59 |
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