Sheppard and Altus team up to visit veterans Published Aug. 24, 2009 By Airman 1st Class Candy Miller 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Sheppard's Top-3 teamed up with their colleagues from Altus AFB, Okla. Aug. 20 to visit the Veteran's Center, a long-term nursing center in Lawton, Okla. "We have 22 Air Force veterans at the center who don't get to see Air Force people," said Master Sgt. Rich Coleman, Top-3 Veteran's Center Committee chairperson. "Sheppard is the closest Air Force installation, and we want them to know we care about them." Master Sgt. Coleman said he enjoyed the visit because of positive feedback from veterans like former Air Force member Jimmy Davis, who served in the 1960's. "It's nice that you come over," Mr. Davis said. "It's always nice to have Airmen come spend time with us." Mr. Davis said it's common for Army members to visit from Fort Sill, Okla., but before Altus and Sheppard started making quarterly visits, he rarely saw Airmen. He said he enjoys the company of service members. Airman 1st Class Carl Franklin, 97th Comptroller Squadron at Altus AFB, said it was "an awesome experience" to unite with Sheppard and show how grateful today's Airmen are to their predecessors. "It's important to honor the veterans for all they've done. They risked their lives during their service and the least we can do is show them we care," said Airman Franklin. "There is so much history gathered right here. I learned a lot just listening to them tell their stories." Airman Franklin said the event made him more appreciative of the veterans and the road they paved for today's military. Coincidentally, Sheppard's Navy chiefs were also at the center to play bingo with the veterans when Top-3 personnel arrived. The Navy chiefs were showing their chief-selects the importance of remembering history and honoring those who served before them, said Navy Chief Petty Officer Paul Ramirez, 366th Training Squadron. "It's imperative to let veterans know we care because if they didn't set the tone, we wouldn't be here," Chief Petty Officer Ramirez said. "If we don't recognize our vets, history will be lost."