Friends of Veterans: Appreciating past heroes

by Senior Airman Kristoffer Kaubisch
Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs

2/24/2014 - MINOT, N.D. -- Veteran's Day is a day to remember and show our appreciation to our nation's military members who have fought for our country and freedom. Whether they are retired or currently serving, many appreciate the courage and bravery these men and women have expressed or are currently displaying.

Friends of Veterans, an organization comprised of Minot Airmen from the 791st Missile Security Forces Squadron and the 91st Missile Wing Security Forces Squadron, visited veterans living at Edgewood Vista, an assisted living community in downtown Minot, Feb. 15.

The organization was started by Senior Airmen Andrew Magathan and Tyler Britton, defenders from the 791st MSFS, as a way to give back to the veterans in the local community and show appreciation.

Magathan and Britton started the organization at Trinity Homes, a retirement community in downtown Minot.

During one of their visits, the Friends of Veterans program found out about 32 veterans who moved from Trinity Homes to Edgewood Vista. Magathan then approached Senior Airman Erica Radcliffe and Airman 1st Class Jasmine Horton, defenders from the 91st MW SFS, about starting another Friends of Veterans program at Edgewood Vista.

Bridging the gap between yesterday's Air Force and today's Air Force is important, said Radcliff.

"The veterans get out of the service, go back home, or they go to an assisted living community," said Radcliffe.

Sometimes veterans are forgotten about, but the Friends of Veterans program helps ensure Veterans are appreciated for everything they have done for this country.

"They have so many Veterans here and it's just a great program," said Radcliffe. "If we can do the same event at two different places and make it more convenient for the veterans, it's just better."

The goal of the Friends of Veterans program will decide on one event and split it between the two veteran communities. Overall, the smaller aspect will be decided by the committee that runs the building.

"We have the socials at Trinity Homes and Edgewood Vista around the same time," added Britton. "The smaller details may be different, but overall the goal is the same."

As president and vice president of the program, Magathan and Britton stop in occasionally to see how things are going with the new program at Edgewood Vista.

"Here at Edgewood Vista, it's assisted living, so everyone here is able to move on their own and do things for themselves," said Horton. "We come in here and talk to them, it's a great experience."

Friends of Veterans host many events throughout the year to include an ice cream social and a barbeque. The ice cream social will take place in a couple months.