REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. (December 18, 2014) -- While most spend the holiday season bustling about with no time to spare, those at Redstone Test Center stopped to take a minute to think about local veterans. RTC team members experienced the joy of gift giving while veterans received care, recognition and holiday cheer Thursday, Dec.18.
For the second year, RTC took a trip to the Floyd E. Tut Fann State Veterans Home to celebrate the holiday season. Each of its five directorates sponsored two veterans, selecting 10 special men with little to no family of their own. Collecting gifts and donations, each directorate worked to ensure their veterans had smiles on their faces and everything they could possibly need in the upcoming New Year.
All of the veterans of the Tut Fann Veterans Home not only served during war time but also were honorably discharged. RTC employees wanted to give a little something back to these gentlemen for dedicating their youth to service to their country.
Unlike traditional Christmas lists comprised of this season's hottest trends, these veterans' lists included only everyday items that are often taken for granted. Common items on their wish list were socks, slippers, clothes and toiletries--and a little company. Joining the veterans in the chapel, directorate staff assisted in opening gifts and engaging the veterans in conversation.
"The reality of knowing that today's visit may be the only visit some of them would have through the holidays made me sad, but in turn made today's event even more special," said Terri Hunter, senior administrative technical specialist.
After opening gifts, the veterans and staff joined RTC employees in the cafeteria for a lively round of Christmas carols. Led by John "Sparky" Sparkman on the guitar, Terri Hunter and Nancy Slaton joined in along with veterans singing at the top of their lungs.
"What an awesome event to be a part of," said Hunter. "To honor and bless men who sacrificed for me, my family and our country."
A variety of favorite Christmas hits, ranging from "Little Drummer Boy" to "Jingle Bell Rock" to "Alabama's Christmas in Dixie," broke the usual calm of the veterans' home.
"What a blessing I received as we talked to valiant Soldiers of days gone by, delivered gifts, and rejoiced in the Christmas season with singing," said Slaton, resource management analyst. "My heart was warmed by the smiles of the veterans as many of them joined with us in singing familiar Christmas songs."
Concluding with "We Wish You a Merry Christmas," all RTC employees joined in to give the veterans one last warm holiday wish. Before leaving, Maj. Michael Osmon, UAS division chief, thanked the veterans for their sacrifice, dedication and service and wished them a merry Christmas.
RTC, a subordinate command of the Army Test and Evaluation Command, provides technical expertise, state-of-the-art facilities, and capabilities to plan, conduct, analyze, and report the results of test on missile and aviation systems, sensors, subsystems and components.
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