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    Airmen visit veterans

    Airmen bring holiday cheer to veterans

    Photo By Mark Olsen | Airmen from the 177th Fighter Wing, New Jersey Air National Guard, and fourth graders...... read more read more

    VINELAND, NJ, UNITED STATES

    12.17.2015

    Story by Master Sgt. Mark Olsen  

    New Jersey National Guard   

    VINELAND, N.J. - The harmony of holiday cheer resonated throughout the New Jersey Veterans Memorial Home at Vineland Dec. 16, 2015.

    Sixteen Airmen from the 177th Fighter Wing joined forces with more than 80 fourth graders from the Seaview School in Linwood, N.J., and brought their singing talents to the Home’s residents during their Annual Holiday Songfest.

    The Home’s veteran population includes residents that have served from World War II to Operation Iraqi Freedom.

    This was the fifteenth year the New Jersey Air National Guard members have visited the Home. The visit’s purpose was two-fold: First to bring donated items from the Home’s wish list to the residents and second, to perform holiday songs for the residents.

    In years past, Chief Master Sgt. Timothy Donovan and Senior Master Sgt. Mike Monteith coordinated the 177th’s effort, working with the Chiefs’ Council and the Junior Enlisted Council, as well as other individuals to fulfill the Home’s wish list.

    But both sergeants felt it was time for a change in leadership.

    “It was time for us to step back and let someone new take over,” said Monteith.

    “The 177th Junior Enlisted Council has taken over the operation,” said Staff Sgt. Stacey Pareene, 177th Logistics Readiness Squadron. “I’m really excited to see the kids visit the residents and be involved.”

    The Council also raised more than $500 for needed items.

    “We were able to buy wish list items that help in the veteran’s daily living,” said Pareene.

    As in years past, Airmen and fourth graders were divided into groups and sent out to spread cheer to the residents.

    The carolers sang in the hallways and dayrooms, as well as serenaded bedridden residents. They also passed out holiday greeting cards and chatted with the veterans.

    And while some of the Airmen had probably not ever sung in public, their efforts were matched by the looks of happiness and joy in the residents eyes as they performed for them.

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 12.17.2015
    Date Posted: 12.17.2015 16:27
    Story ID: 184824
    Location: VINELAND, NJ, US

    Web Views: 61
    Downloads: 0

    PUBLIC DOMAIN