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Airmen connect to past, prepare for future

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Elliott Sprehe
  • 27th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  History lies within all of us, and for members of one Cannon organization, more than 60 years of military experience was shared between veterans. 

The Middle Tier, an organization representing junior noncommissioned officers, visited the Veterans Hospital in Amarillo, Texas, Aug. 28, located 90 miles from Cannon.
Many members of the organization said they felt humbled to meet patients of the hospital. 

"My grandfather was in World War II," said Staff Sgt. Tony Pisula, 27th Special Operations Mission Support Squadron. "I get the chance to meet other WW II veterans." 

"We're always talking about the freedom we provide the United States. Well, we get to see what these individuals sacrificed and the freedoms that they've given us to be in the military today," added Pisula. 

"The wealth of knowledge these individuals provide is incredible," said Staff Sgt. Ricky Frye, 27th SOMSS and Middle Tier vice president. "I've learned so much today, more than I've had in some history classes." 

During the day, Airmen enjoyed lunch with Korean War veterans, happy hour with Vietnam veterans and the fresh air and sunshine with WW II veterans. 

Senior Airman Bryan Karason, 27th SOMSS and part-time bartender, served the veterans non-alcoholic piña coladas. 

"It was a great experience to be serving them drinks as well as listening to their personal accounts of the time they had served," said Karason. 

"I felt a sense of honor to be serving those who I would consider to be heroes from past wars who, like us, stepped up to their nation's call in a time of need," he added. 

"They've been in an upbeat mood, very happy," said Pisula. "This gives us a chance to thank them for what they've done." 

The Middle Tier tries to visit the hospital on a quarterly basis. 

"We'll be here every quarter. We schedule with the Veterans Administration here and really enjoy being here and talking with the veterans," said Frye. 

"One of the most important things we have to know is looking into our past," added Frye. "Our past is also our bridge to the future." 

Honoring veterans comes full circle as the veterans at the hospital also thanked the visiting Airmen for their service in a time of war. 

"They truly do thank us for what we're doing," said Frye. "No matter what we're doing, it's important to thank them just as much as they thank us. If not for their past sacrifices, we would not be where we are today."

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