310th SW honors local heroes on Veterans Day

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Scott P. Farley
  • 310th Space Wing Public Affairs
AURORA, Colo. --  The 310th Space Wing teamed up with the Denver Hospice to honor local veterans during a Veterans Day ceremony at the Veterans Nursing Home at Fitzsimons on Nov. 11.
Ten Airmen from the 310th Space Wing's units at Buckley Air Force Base, Colo., and Schriever Air Force Base, Colo., took part in a program to honor the heroes at the veterans nursing home.
The ceremony of veterans honoring veterans, was kicked off with the pledge of allegiance and Tech. Sgt. Thomas Metcalf of the 310th Mission Support Group singing the national anthem assisted by the veterans who filled the room to capacity.
310th Space Wing Commander Colonel Karen Rizzuti spoke to the veterans about the importance of the sacrifices they have made for their country and the difference they have made in the lives of people all over the world. She ended the ceremony reading the poem, "They Did Their Share" and then leading the 310th Airmen in a salute to the veterans.
Following the ceremony, the wing members passed out refreshments and flowers and took the opportunity to sit down and chat with residents of the nursing home.
While volunteerism is common in the 310th SW, many of the Airmen who attended the Veterans Day ceremony said they got a lot from giving back to veterans.
"This day is not for us, it's for them. This is the one volunteer opportunity that makes sense to me, thanking past vets for what they have done," said 310th Security Forces Squadron Tech. Sgt. Joseph Schwartz. " I love hearing their stories and about the difference in the military from then to now. It is really good to know about the past."
Senior Airmen Veronica Gomez, 310th Mission Support Group, said she was choked up by the ceremony and interacting with the veterans.
"I've never had the opportunity to do anything like this before," said Airman Gomez. "It was awesome to see Airmen take the time to visit people who have lived such tremendous lives. It was very moving for me. The last time I was saluting in service dress was at my grandfather's funeral. I was honored to be able to honor those who sacrificed so much."