552nd Airmen visit VA hospital Published Aug. 21, 2009 By Senior Airman Faye Schreffler 964th Airborne Air Control Squadron TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- With the majority of the squadron on the road flying its two Air Expeditionary Force taskings, the Phoenix Warriors of the 964th Airborne Air Control Squadron paid a visit to the Oklahoma City Veterans Affairs Medical Center Aug. 10 to help brighten the days for and cheer up patients from the local area. Twenty-seven squadron members spent just under two hours visiting with veterans from all services and their families, reminiscing and sharing stories about time spent serving our country. Senior Airman Elizabeth Lees, air surveillance technician, 964th AACS, commented that her visit "was a real good experience." The group of mostly young Airmen agreed. Senior Airman Nicholas Kingery, another Phoenix air surveillance technician, said if he was given the opportunity for a return visit to the hospital, "I would absolutely do it again." Also, Master Sgt. Joe Stroud, operations superintendent for the squadron, said of the visit, "It was a great way to show our appreciation to our veterans and to proudly represent the 964th Airborne Air Control Squadron and Team Tinker." The Veterans Affairs Medical Center is a large facility with ten floors and various departments. Some of the patients commented on the VA facilities. "They always take good care of you in the end and I really like their facilities," said one Army veteran. Another patient shared that sentiment. "They have great doctors that are real nice and treat you like royalty," said a veteran of the Korean Conflict. At the end of a wonderful visit, the place looked brighter with many lifted spirits and smiles left behind by the members of the 964th AACS. "Our patients and staff will be asking for weeks when our nice men and women in uniform will be returning," said Mr. Richard Maxey, the volunteer director for the VA Medical Center. The Phoenix Warriors of the 964th AACS plan on a return visit in the fall once the remainder of the squadron returns from deployment.