Barksdale Airmen spend time with veterans Published Nov. 17, 2011 By Airman 1st Class Andrea F. Liechti 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- Barksdale Airmen volunteered their time at the Northwest Louisiana War Veterans home Nov. 15 in Bossier City, La. They helped craft personal homemade pizzas for each of the veterans and compared stories on what military life is like now compared to when the veterans were active. "Making pizzas is just one of the activities Barksdale Airmen help out with," said Senior Airman Katelyn Vargas, 2nd Operations Support Squadron. Vargas has been supporting events at the veteran's home for more than a year. Some other activities the Airmen participate in include bingo, fishing, modified bowling and shuffleboard. Master Sgt. Brandon D. Otten, Air Force Global Strike Command, knows visiting the veteran's home is important because the lasting legacy and superiority of our Air Force was gained through the sacrifices of veterans who have served honorably before us. "Spending time with them, listening, laughing and sharing experiences, brings them happiness and dignity as they enjoy the sunset of their lives," he said. "Helping others is a great way to grow as Air Force members and human beings." Vargas tries to coordinate events with Airmen at least once, sometimes twice, per month. "I do it for the veterans," she said. "They deserve it after everything they've been through." The veterans have been through tough situations and have several stories to tell, she said. Vargas plans to set up an event in December which will allow Airmen to go to the home and listen to the veterans tell their stories. "The pilots and prisoners-of-war have stories you wouldn't believe," she said. "The description they provide gives a much greater perspective on the experiences they had to endure." It's beneficial for the Airmen to understand how easy they actually have it, Vargas said. "When we hear stories about veterans losing their legs in Vietnam, it becomes hard to pity yourself on the little stuff, like being stuck in the dorms," said Vargas. Not only does it give that greater perspective, it is also neat to be able to pass those legends on for years to come, she said. Vargas would like to see base-wide involvement with the Northwest Louisiana War Veterans home. If interested in becoming a point of contact for the program, contact her via email at katelyn.vargas@barksdale.af.mil.