Operation Gratitude volunteers needed

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Elke Bentley
  • 349th Mission Support Squadron
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  On June 14 at 10 a.m., the veterans residing at the Yountville Veterans Home in Yountville, Calif., will be honored and thanked for their service and sacrifices they made while serving in the military and fighting in past wars. This is the eighth annual event called Operation Gratitude sponsored by the 349th Air Mobility Wing TOP 3 Council. This very special event will consist of serving and entertaining the veterans. 

Last year's event was very successful. Two hundred fifty veterans were honored. About one hundred thirty- three volunteers took time out of their busy schedules to make this day very special for the Yountville veterans. Last year's donations totaled approximately $5,000 and helped ensure a very successful event honoring the veterans of Yountville Veteran's Home. 

Operation Gratitude. What do these words mean? Well, let's look at each word individually. According to the Webster's Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary, one definition of operation is: "Performance of a practical work or something involving the practical application of principles or processes." Gratitude is defined as "the state of being grateful." 

You might be thinking to yourself ,"How does this pertain to me or anyone else?" Plenty!
Volunteers are needed to assist with setting up, cooking, escorting, serving and cleaning up. It is requested that volunteers show up at the Veteran's Home at 7:30 a.m., June 14 in uniform of the day, (BDUs, blues or flight suits.) 

For those interested in volunteering, contact Master Sgt. James Barber at 424-4558 or cell (707) 718-1014 or via email at james.barber@travis.af.mil and Senior Master Sgt. Jennifer Lepore at 424-0098, by cell at (707) 301-6107 or via e-mail at jennifer.lepore@travis.af.mil. They will be more than happy to answer any questions that you might have. For those not able to attend but interested in making a contribution, contact Sergeant Barber. 

This event is open to everyone - military or civilian. Bring your family.
Let's all make this year's Operation Gratitude event even more extraordinary than last year for the veterans of Yountville Veteran's Home! We can all serve the veterans just as they served our country.