by Mandi Kane
Daily Lobo
Patients at the New Mexico Veterans Association Medical Center got a pleasant surprise Saturday morning when members of UNM's Air Force ROTC stopped by for a Valentine's Day visit.
"We definitely wanted to show support for those who have come before," said Chris Quinlan, vice president of the Arnold Air Society, an honor society within the Air Force ROTC program.
Thirteen cadets from the ROTC program arrived at the center shortly after 10 a.m. with 107 cadet-made valentines.
The event was part of a community service program the Air Force ROTC participates in every year, Quinlan said.
Get content from The Daily Lobo delivered to your inbox
He said they spent about 18 hours making the valentines, and the messages expressed more than the traditional greeting and included the cadets' gratitude for the veterans' courage and bravery.
"This is really special to those who don't have a lot of family around," Quinlin said.
The medical center is a regional hospital that serves veterans from all branches of the military.
The cadets were shown appreciation for their efforts from both the veterans and the hospital's staff.
Michelle McKenzie, a recreational therapist at the center, expressed her gratitude and noted how important it is for people to care about veterans.
"We treat them like royalty because we wouldn't have some of the privileges and rights that we have today," she said.
Quinlan said he agreed and added the cadets consider the veterans national treasures that formed the country.
The veterans, many of whom said they look forward to the event all year, said they were thrilled with their visitors.
George Dworshak, a World War II Army veteran, said he appreciates the UNM students having the opportunity to visit because the hospital's patients get lonely at times.
"It is good to see young men who have great things ahead of them," Dworshak said.
Quinlan shook Dworshak's hand as he gave him his valentine and said, "We appreciate your example ,and we are looking forward to following in your footsteps."
The cadets also visited with Foster Hall, a veteran who has suffered a spinal cord injury. Foster communicates through a computer that he operates with his head.
"It is amazing to see that everyone has such a positive attitude here despite what they have been through," Quinlan said.
The ROTC program participates in several community service projects, and has helped with other activities such as cleaning up the Bosque after this summer's wildfire, improving the Rio Grande Nature Center, volunteering at the Albuquerque Boys and Girls Club and participating in the New Mexico Heart Run, Quinlan said.
