January 2004

When a group of veterans visit their local Air National Guard base, there’s a good chance that the paths of those who once knew each other will cross again. Veteran Don Ross, 86, a former Army gunner, had such a chance encounter recently.

Ross met up with the son of a dear friend while visiting the Air National Guard base at Hancock Field, Mattydale, in early November. He and five other male veterans, all clients of the Adult Day Health Program at St. Camillus Health and Rehabilitation Center, Geddes, were touring the 174th Fighter Wing and 152nd Air Operations Group. The group got an inside look at the operations of both units and ate lunch with some of the 152nd staff members.

Lt. Col. Jeff Johnson, readiness and support director of the 152nd, noticed Ross immediately while greeting the veterans from St. Camillus. Ross and Johnson’s father, Carl, were best friends. The two grew up together, attended the same high school and served in World War II together. Ross remained a close friend of the Johnson family for many years.

Johnson didn’t know Ross would be visiting that day.

"I knew (Jeff) and his brother when they were little kids," said Ross. "It’s been awhile since I’ve seen him."

For Lt. Col. Johnson, Ross’ visit really hit home.

"It was a very pleasant surprise to see Don. It brought back a lot of good memories. Seeing Don Ross was like getting a special glimpse of my familial military history from my Dad and Don from the Second World War that I otherwise would not have had. It really meant a lot and made Veteran’s Day special."

For the other men that visited Hancock Field, being on a U.S. Military base again felt like a familiar trip back to the past.

The group’s first stop at the base was the 174th Fighter Wing’s hanger. Lt. Col. Maryjo Timpano and Lt. Anthony Bucci greeted the veterans and led them on this first leg of their tour. The men got up close to some F-16 fighter planes that were in the hanger for repairs. Being in the presence of the huge jets left most in the group staring in awe. This was certainly a highlight for Day Health client Joe Walters, 53, a former Army maintenance pilot and career serviceman.

"I really enjoyed the hanger," said Walters. "I had fun with the technicians I talked to, and found out that we had a lot in common."

Ross, a North Syracuse resident, hadn’t been to the base in many years and was interested in seeing the jets.

"I wanted to see the new planes up close. It was interesting."

Day Health client Al Mitchell, 50, spent six years in the Air Force as a cook and was impressed by the F-16s.

"Even though I was in the Air Force myself, this was the first time I was in a hanger."

Following the hanger tour, the men moved on to the assembly hall at the 152nd to have lunch. Afterward Lt. Col. Johnson gave the men a mission brief in the Battle Lab training area. A multimedia presentation of the Operation Enduring Freedom/Iraqi Freedom deployment followed. Then it was back to the assembly hall for two more multimedia presentations.

"I thoroughly enjoyed (the visit) and wish it was longer" said Walters. "The presentation was pretty impressive."

Day Health client Ambrose Flanagan, 85, a five-year Army veteran who has always been fascinated with airplanes, was glad he visited the base.

"It was fantastic. It was a learning experience well worth the time."

Sue Stevenson, recreation leader with St. Camillus’ Adult Day Health Program, led the men on the outing. She put the trip together thanks to help from her husband Charles, a major with the 152nd. Also instrumental in bringing the group to the base was Master Sgt. Rita Scheirer of the 152nd. She planned and coordinated all of the base’s activities for the veterans.

Stevenson was very pleased that the visit went so well for her clients. She said the men were treated like princes, and was impressed that they attended a presentation in the Battle Lab.

"It’s clear that Hancock Field empathizes with fellow veterans, and values each individual’s sacrifices and service," said Sgt. Scheirer.

Walters was extremely impressed by how welcome the group was made to feel.

"The courtesy they rendered to us, making us feel so welcome, and genuineness of the people was great. It was nice being back and seeing the uniforms. They really overwhelmed us with their generosity."

According to Lt. Bucci, having groups visit and tour the Mattydale base is a good morale booster for staff, especially when those visitors are veterans. In addition to having something in common with the staff, the veterans’ appreciation of staff and their time is like getting a big pat on the back.

"This visit reinforced to our unit members why we do what we do every day," said Lt. Col. Johnson. "These guys made us proud and we owe a debt of gratitude to each and every one of these veterans for their honorable service and sacrifice to their country... they are the heroes... we salute them!"

The icing on the cake for the veterans was receiving a hand salute as they prepared to leave the base.

"They saluted us at the end when we were getting on the bus," said Day Health client Michael Solar, 31, a former Navy electronics technician. "That was really cool."