Yuma Test Center (YTC) Commander Lt. Col. Kevin Hicks and Soldiers serving at Yuma Proving Ground (YPG) visited the Arizona State Veterans Home in Yuma on the afternoon of Nov. 21, 2024, to enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving meal with the residents and their families.
Hicks described his first visit the facility which houses nearly 60 residents and served up a delicious meal and dessert as an “outstanding experience.”
Nearly 40 visitors came to spend time with their loved ones at the home during the lunch. Adding to the ambiance was an accordion player performing live while everyone chatted and ate.
While there Hicks met a 102-year-old World War II Navy Veteran and chatted with him for a while. Afterwards he said, “It’s inspiring to see them, to talk to them, to hear all that they have learned….especially from the older generations of Vets. To hear their stories and the hardships they went through but also the great memories that they have.”
Soldiers with the Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers program also known as BOSS helped serve in addition to mingling with the Veterans and their families.
BOSS President Sgt. Jason Yang said, “We enjoy listening to their stories and achievements, and it is a reminder for them and us of how much they have accomplished for our country.”
The YTC Business Operations Division joined the luncheon as well, two of whom are Veterans themselves, and had a great time getting to know the residents, one who shared his impressive shoe collection, and another who worked as a civilian at YPG.
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