CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
The Charleston First Six Association coordinated with a group of school-age children from local area schools to make Valentine's Day cards and letters for veterans at the local Veteran's Administration Medical Center.
They wanted to show veterans and injured servicemembers from overseas their service and sacrifice for the country doesn't go unnoticed.
In mid-January, students from Spann Elementary School (extended hours) in Summerville, Riverbend Christian Academy and Pepper Hill Elementary in North Charleston and Summerville High School each made a hand-crafted card as part of the Valentines for Vets program.
"I think it's great since they don't get to see family," said Caroline Reynolds, an 11-year-old fifth-grader. "It's nice to give them something to cheer them up."
Jordan Keys, a 9-year-old third-grader said, "It's nice because when you're injured in a hospital you don't always have family, so getting valentines will make them happy."
The children wanted to show their appreciation by sending hospitalized veterans and servicemembers a card or a letter, letting the veterans know they are in their thoughts this Valentine's Day and every day.
"I think this is an excellent opportunity for the kids and all of the rest of us to let our veterans and soldiers know that we care and that the people of South Carolina appreciate their bravery and sacrifices they and their families have made," said Carey Vines, Spann Elementary School counselor.
"It was a pleasure to put together a team of Air Force members and school-age children to go to the VA Hospital to hand out Valentine's Day cards and letters that our local elementary schools and high schools have made for our veterans," said Staff Sgt. Sterling Magby, president of the Charleston First Six Association. "It is an honor to go downtown and visit with the heroes that gave so much."
The Charleston area students made more than 150 Valentine's Day cards and letters for the veterans and service members at the VA Medical Center. They were handed out Wednesday to veterans at the hospital by members of the Charleston First Six Association and some of the children from local schools. Anyone wishing to partake in activities such as this can attend the next First Six meeting March 15 at 11:30 a.m. at the Charleston Club.