Fighting for the heroes who fought for our freedom

  • Published
  • By Janaé Daniels
  • AEDC/PA
ARNOLD AIR FORCE BASE, Tenn. --  Military personnel from Arnold Engineering Development Center (AEDC) took time out of their busy work schedules to pay tribute to the men and women who no longer wear the uniform, but served their country with honor. 

The week of Feb. 14 of each year is dedicated to recognizing and showing appreciation to hospitalized veterans across the United States. 

Tech. Sgt. Michael Dambrino, fuels superintendent for the 704th Mission Support Group, Logistics Division, volunteered for the second time since arriving at AEDC. 

"It feels very good to be able to put a smile on older vets faces," he said. "They really like the fact that we take the time out to come see them." 

Most in uniform can appreciate what service members before them have done for their country and hope to one day be treated with the same respect. 

"We owe it to them," said Sergeant Dambrino. "They made such a huge sacrifice for America, and the least we can do is honor them. 

All veterans like to share stories of their past and the trials and triumphs they faced in uniform, whether fighting a war or inventing the next generation of superior weapon systems. 

"Some of their stories are similar to ones we are going through now, but the sacrifices they made back then are still the same ones we make today," said Sergeant Dambrino. 

The purpose is to not only recognize the veterans but to increase community awareness of the role the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical centers play in the care for the veterans and to encourage citizens to visit these centers and to become involved as volunteers. 

According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, there are more than 98,000 veterans of the U.S. armed services who are cared for every day in VA medical centers, outpatient clinics, domiciliaries and nursing homes.