Honoring Veterans

TUCSON, Ariz. -- Twelve Air Force Reservists representing the 943rd Rescue Group, 943rd Maintenance Squadron and 306th Rescue Squadron from Davis-Monthan AFB, Ariz. visited with hospitalized veterans Feb. 11, 2009 at the Southern Arizona VA Health Care System, Tucson, Ariz. during the National Salute to Hospitalized Veteran Celebration. These Reservists and family members gave the veterans valentines, made by local school children, and blankets, made by VA volunteers, to hospitalized veterans. During their visit they shared "war stories' from the past and present" giving the precious gift of time. The National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans is a celebration conducted around Valentines Day every year to pay tribute and express appreciation to hospitalized veterans. This event is also intended to increase community awareness of the role of the medical center and encourage individuals to visit hospitalized veterans and become involved as volunteers. From top row,left: Master Sgt. Dominic Esparza, 943rd Mission Support Flight, Tech. Sgt. Brad Hovey, 943rd MSF, Tech. Sgt. Lacy Gearheart, 306th RQS, Staff Sgt. Tim Parrish, 943rd MXS and Tech. Sgt. Beth Barwinski. 943rd RQG Front row, left: Miss Kayden Hovey, Ms. Tortillas Bailey, 943rd MXS, Staff Sgt. Calista Heath-Martinez, 306th RQS, Master Sgt. Estevan Luera Desert View High School Jr. ROTC Cadet, and Tech. Sgt. Augustin Luera, 943rd MXS. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Ruby Zarzyczny