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NEWS | Nov. 17, 2006

Airmen visit Collington Life Care Center for Veterans Day

By Airman 1st Class Andrew Polvino Capital Flyer staff writer

A Veterans Day luncheon was held at the Collington Life Care Center Nov. 9, hosted by Air Force Maj. (ret.) IlaDeane Filer, former Walter Reed Army Institute of Nursing Administrative director.

More than 40 veterans were visited by 14 Active Duty servicemembers from the 316th Wing, 79th Medical Wing and 11th Wing at Bolling Air Force Base in honor of Veterans Day.

Servicemembers who visited the veterans varied in rank from Airman to master sergeant.

The luncheon began with words of advice and prayer by Army Col. (ret.) Daniel Larson, a frequent visitor to the life care center, followed by thanks by the community activities coordinator.

"I've never been in the service, but I value my freedom, and I want to thank all the veterans," said Ishmael Rivera, Collington Live Care Center activities coordinator.
All in attendance felt the same way about freedom.

The luncheon was filled with singing, eating and socializing between the servicemembers and veterans.

The all-star veterans choir, which consisted of the veterans in attendance and the servicemembers visiting, sang several selected songs including the "Marine Corps Hymn," "America the Beautiful," "This Land is My Land," etcetera.

Following lunch, the Active Duty Air Force servicemembers sang the Air Force Song proudly for the veterans in attendance.

"I just want to say thanks," said Army Sgt. (ret.) Jeffrey Cockfield, Chemical Warfare apprentice, veteran of 10 years and formerly assigned to West Point, N.Y. and Fort George G. Meade, Md. "It makes me feel great that the Active Duty servicemembers took the time to visit."

The servicemembers who attended en-joyed visiting the veterans and hearing the stories they had to share.

"I had a great time visiting the Collington care center," said Senior Airman Jessica D. Harrell, 316th Civil Engineer Squadron readiness journeyman. "My grandpa served in the Army for a couple of years starting in 1953, and I talk to him pretty often."

Being able to spend time and talk with veterans was an honor to the servicemembers who participated in the luncheon.

I enjoyed being in their presence and learning about the experiences they've had because it is not so different from what we are doing today," she said. "I enjoyed seeing how much pride the vets had the most."