Reservists spend Christmas Eve with Veterans

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Denise Hauser
  • 927th Air Refueling Wing
MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Reservists from the 927th Air Refueling Wing at Macdill Air Force Base in Tampa, FL took time way from their families and loved ones to spend Christmas Eve with veterans at the Baldomero Lopez State Veterans' Nursing Home in Land O Lakes, Fla. 

Senior Master Sgt. Tom Lehman, Tech. Sgt. Denise Hauser and her mother Terry Hauser, Staff Sgt .Gary Taiclet, and Senor Airman Doug Evans and his wife Teresa attended the holiday party at the nursing home.

For Veteran's Day in November, Colonel Kenneth D. Lewis, Jr., 927th Air Refueling Wing Commander, and Colonel Theodore S. Mathews Jr., Vice Wing Commander, led a group of thirteen Air Force reservists to visit the Baldomero Lopez State Veterans' Nursing Home Tuesday. The group was comprised of members representing the operations, maintenance, medical, and mission support groups of the 927th. The intention of the visit was to meet local veterans and thank them in person for their years of service in defending our country.  The home was so grateful to have the servicemembers visit, they invited them back for their holiday party.

Approximately 50 residents from the home attended the party where Santa Clause handed out gifts to the veterans and their visiting families.  The chorus from Riverview High-school entertained the party-goers with some Christmas carols.

"They really appreciate the servicemembers coming out to visit, it brightens their day and makes them feel not forgotten."" said Sharon Richmond, a volunteer for "Operation Patriot, Inc.", a non-profit organization whose focus is to provide a better quality of life for retired veterans in local nursing homes. it brightens their day and makes them feel not forgotten."