An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Reservists strive to make every day a Veterans Day

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Melba Koch
  • 507th Air Refueling Wing
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  The Veterans Administration Medical Center in Oklahoma City received a boost in July when local Air Force reservists delivered several boxes of books and magazines.

The Tinker Reserve Enlisted Advisory Council, comprised of Airmen from the 507th Air Refueling Wing and 513th Air Control Group, collects books and magazines a couple of times a year to help local veterans.

"We can't keep books in stock," said Richard Maxey, chief of the medical center's voluntary service. "Patients, family members and visitors take a book to help pass time with loved ones. We see a multiple return of books, with 500-800 coming and going on a weekly basis."

The medical center receives magazines from community partners, and the magazines are kept on the wards and in the waiting areas. The books go to the library on the main floor, and the library staff puts some of the books on display shelves outside the library for after-hours visitors.

"Most of the books we receive are geared toward women," Mr. Maxey said. "There just aren't enough with men interests in mind."

Mr. Maxey has been the chief of voluntary service for five years and has worked at the medical center for a total of eight years. He coordinates voluntary efforts and oversees donations and fundraising activities, designed to make veterans more comfortable during their visit. He came to the VA with a mission to give back to something that supported his dad, a Vietnam veteran.

"The men and women of the Air Force Reserve community have really blessed us with their generosity," he said." We couldn't do it without the support of the community as their efforts have assisted countless veterans and their families."

Since September 2008, the medical center has received 271,000 donated items. In addition to the books, these items include clothing, toiletries and back packs. Mr. Maxey said that may sound like a lot, but there's always a need for more donations.

According to hospital records, about 125 patients stay at the hospital on any given day, and patients stay an average of six days.

Hospital officials said there is a tremendous need for personal visitations as well as providing material things to support the medical center.

"During Christmas time, cards and items to fill stockings are needed," Mr. Maxey said. "Also when a veteran is in the hospital during his or her birthday, bags are given that contain a variety of items, including books, socks and toiletries.

"Donations are always needed for this," he said. "A lot of holiday activities take place between October and February, but there still exists a tremendous need for more involvement during the months between February and October...the rest of the year."

Speaking on behalf of veterans everywhere, Mr. Maxey encourages today's military people to become involved in supporting their local veterans' hospitals and nursing homes.

"Visitation is a big thing," he said. "Hold a hand, talk about your time in the military or ask them what they did. A smiling face in uniform is always welcome." (Air Force Reserve Command News Service)