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National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans honors local heroes

  • Published
  • By Brandice J. Armstrong
  • Tinker Public Affairs
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  Approximately 100 people attended the National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans Feb. 12 at the Oklahoma City Veterans Affairs Medical Center. The annual event drew in an ex prisoner-of-war, Blue Star Mothers, a member of the Military Order of the Cootie, plus speeches from Oklahoma Lt. Gov. Jari Askins and Col. James Ice, 72nd Aerospace Medicine Squadron commander. Following the ceremony, Airmen visited VA patients, giving Valentine's Day cards made by local school children.

Addressing heroism and sacrifice, both Ms. Askins and Colonel Ice thanked veterans and the staff at the VA center for their service and constant support.

"Those of us who are civilians are extremely grateful for the men and women who serve. You're serving because of the example set forth by the veterans we're honoring today," Ms. Askins said. "Being here today is an opportunity to say 'thank you,' not just to the veterans, but to the men and women who work in this facility and the men and women who volunteer in so many different capacities."

Colonel Ice, who spoke about his late father, who was a World War II veteran, his personal decision to enter the Air Force and the military members he's treated during his career as a physician, agreed.

"Anyone who cannot tell that the price of freedom is truly visible inside these walls is indeed blind," Colonel Ice said. "I certainly can never repay my own debt that I owe the VA -- its physicians, nurses, staff and most importantly, the other veterans. However, I can say 'thank you,' and this salute is for you."

Colonel Ice said throughout his 25-year Air Force career, he's felt indebted to the heroes who served before him.

"I joined in the first place because of a scholarship and 'free' medical school is a lot better than a $100,000 debt, but the reason I stayed is because of my heroes," the colonel said. "I've had the honor of treating many veterans over the years. I've treated veterans of every single U.S. conflict since the Spanish-American War. That's an honor I really can't describe."

Following the ceremony, Staff Sgt. Danielle Lucero and Staff Sgt. Paul Levasseur, of the 72nd Security Forces Squadron, visited with Ronald "Ron" McDowell. As Mr. McDowell and his wife, Mary, waited for medication, the former Army sergeant chatted with the Airmen about the weather, snow in Washington, D.C., and prior assignments.

In another room, Senior Master Sgt. Timothy O'Linn, Master Sgt. Christopher White and Tech. Sgt. Daniel Strothers, of the 72nd SFS, spoke with Donna Boldes. Wearing a surgical mask, Ms. Boldes sat and held the hand of her husband, Melvin, a former staff sergeant who served 12 years in the Marines. Though he was unable to speak for himself and at the facility because of lung problems, Ms. Boldes said her husband of 47 years really appreciated the Airmen stopping by and handing out Valentine's Day cards.

In return, Sergeant O'Linn said, "Thank you for fighting over there so our country is safe today."