Bomb Squadron pays visit to Veterans

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Katherine Holt
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La --  More than 30 members of the 20th Bomb Squadron spent their time with veterans at Overton Brooks VA Medical Center, Shreveport, La., Nov. 16.

"In honor of Veteran's Day we wanted to come out here and get to know some of the veterans in our local community," said Senior Airman Sianna Tanaka-Mangus, 20 BS intelligence specialist. "We wanted to show them they aren't forgotten, and we appreciate the road they paved for us."

With handmade cards from Ark-La-Tex first graders in hand, the group wasted no time getting to know the patients. Members heard everything from war stories to valuable advice.

"You are never out there by yourself," said David Cofield, a veteran in the medical center. "You always got somebody checking out for you; it takes a team. Without the team, you are lost."

Some stories brought tears to both groups, and heartfelt words were shared.

"Thank you for your service," said Lt. Col. Christopher Wilcox, 20 BS director of operations. "Our prayers are with you."

The 20 BS plans on making this a quarterly event.

"We just want to reach out and give back to those that came before us," said 1st Lt. Scott Osterloh, 20 BS pilot and coordinator of this event. "We were honored to spend time with these men and women today, and we are excited to get back for another visit."

The appreciation was reciprocated throughout the medical center.

"To me and the other guys, this is very important," said Cofield. "I'm just a good old country boy happy to spend time with the men and women providing my freedom today."