MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Minot Air Force Base hosted a Veteran’s Day Lunch at the Parker Senior Center in Minot, North Dakota, Nov. 9, 2017.
A total of 23 Team Minot Airmen volunteered at this event, serving 101 veterans a thanksgiving meal, eating with them and listening to the stories they told.
“I wanted to show support and spend time with senior veterans to help brighten their day,” said Staff Sgt. Hilda Kent, 5th Logistics Readiness Squadron NCO in charge. “It was my first time being part of this volunteer opportunity. I really enjoyed it and look forward to doing this again.”
Airman 1st Class Tyler McKee, 5th Communications Squadron knowledge manager apprentice, volunteered his time helping veterans and listening to their stories also.
“I volunteered because I believe we should honor our veterans because there is no greater sacrifice than service before self,” said McKee.
Eating and talking with senior veterans can be an educational experience for any Airman, giving them a perspective on their heritage as service members.
“Visiting with the vets gave me a lot of insight on how things used to be in the military,” said Airman Damir Styles, 5th Communications Squadron radio frequency transmission systems apprentice. “We spoke about discipline and the mindset that you need in order to be successful, including experiences that the veterans and their spouses went through.”
According to Styles, It was a chance for people to get together and share their life experiences--military or not.
“To come together as a community and have an event where you can eat and talk with the veterans, not only as a military member but as friends,” said Styles. “It was a great experience and a privilege to go and talk to veterans.”