The 319th Operational Group holds inaugural Veterans Outreach volunteer event

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Emma Teel
  • 319th Reconnaissance Wing Public Affairs
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  

The 319th Operations Group worked to facilitate a series of volunteer opportunities as part of the inaugural 50 Miles for Veterans.

“50 Miles for Veterans” is a volunteer opportunity that builds connection and communication with veterans by visiting participating retirement communities.

“This idea came up in the middle of the winter time,” said 1st Lt. Matthew Prouty, 319th Operations Group Commander Action Group chief, “I was feeling pretty down and I realized that the people in the retirement homes must be too."

Once the logistics of the events were detailed, volunteers were found, 47 airmen dedicated their personal time to conduct visits with retirement homes surrounding the area.

“Being able to sit and talk with the veterans was a very humbling and eye-opening experience,” said Senior Airman Czar Cayao, 319th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. “We got to spend time with people who had so much life experience and wisdom to share, it made me realize how meaningful it can be to give someone your time and attention.”

Prouty said he enjoyed connecting with the veterans and encouraged airmen to find ways to connect and build relationships with the local community.

“In the future, I think the biggest improvement would be to focus on building relationships beyond just one visit,” said Cayao. “One event can create a meaningful moment, but returning and seeing the same people again could create something much deeper.”

In total, airmen visited 13 retirement communities spanning from Grafton, North Dakota, to Crookston, Minnesota.

“We need to take ownership and show that we care about the communities around us,” said Prouty. “It can have such a positive impact to the point where people enjoy having us here and want to work with us on projects and build strong partnerships”

All airmen interested in organizing or participating in this annual outreach event can contact 1st Lt. Matthew Prouty at 701-747- 5421, for more details.