Arnold Air Force Base, Tenn. -- Arnold Air Force Base welcomed area veterans for a day of food and activities at the Arnold Engineering Development Complex Veterans Appreciation Picnic Sept. 6, 2024, at the Arnold Lakeside Complex.
AEDC Commander Col. Grant Mizell kicked off the event with a welcome to the veterans in attendance. He stated it was an honor to welcome the veterans for a day of appreciation.
“We talk about sitting on the shoulders of giants, and all of you who have come here today to be our honorees are those giants and we stand on your shoulders,” Mizell said. “As we go through today’s activities, please share your stories. Please tell us all the cool stuff you’ve seen. Please tell us the things here that you see that we can improve on. There is a lot of wisdom that you can bring to our team.”
Arnold AFB personnel were on hand to volunteer by serving veterans a meal along with handing out goodie bags. Veterans in attendance also participated in boat rides around Woods Reservoir and horse-drawn carriage rides around Arnold Village.
According to Chief Master Sgt. Jennifer Cirricione, AEDC senior enlisted leader, this is the second consecutive year for the event that underwent a four-year hiatus due to COVID-19. Cirricione said having the annual event allows Arnold AFB to communicate their appreciation to area veterans for their service to the country.
“Overall, I hope they know that we appreciate their service,” she said. “That is what this event is really all about; letting them know that we do appreciate their service. We didn’t always do a good job with that and letting the veterans know that we appreciate all that they’ve done for the country. So, bringing these veterans down here and interacting with them along with spending the day with them lets them know we appreciate them.”
Master Sgt. Anthony Velez, who helped coordinate this year’s picnic along with Master Sgt. Nicki Moore, added that events such as these are pivotal in showing support and preserving the past.
“It was a special moment to pause and reflect with those who previously served by sharing stories and finding common ground with those who are presently serving,” stated Velez. “Hearing about their experiences shed light on how far we have come and gives hope to the progress the future generations will make by consistently verifying the groundwork they have laid. Events like these are pivotal, as those veterans are our link to past, including the obstacles they have overcome. I believe events like these, and with the support of all involved, showcase our commitment to preserving and remembering the sacrifices they have made.”