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Disabled Veterans' "Tour of Duty", brings them to McConnell

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jessica Lockoski
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  What started out as a road trip for rest and relaxation for military veterans Dennis Mitchell and Bruce Jolly, became a personal mission to support military members on the home front.

Their road trip, "Tour of Duty 2008: On the Road Supporting Troops" brought them to McConnell March 14 at the Chisholm Trail Dining Facility, with boxes of gifts to offer to diners.

With help from the 22nd Services Squadron, the two disabled veterans greeted Airmen and Soldiers as the entered for lunch, offering free items of outdoor gear and equipment.

The journey started out with something as simple as bringing DVDs to a Soldier whom Mr. Mitchell mentored at Fort. Riley, Kan, he explained. Joined by Mr. Jolly, the veterans hit the road spreading generosity and wisdom from their past military experiences.

"No one can say thank you enough to the men and women who currently serve in our military," said Mr. Mitchell, a retired Air Force staff sergeant. "This is our way of saying thank you."

They continue traveling their cross-country tour collecting their donations through out-of-pocket expenses and discounted whole-sale items from military surplus and outdoor recreation retail stores. The veterans vow to continue their mission until the "war" is over and plan to reach the East Coast in upcoming months.

"We have been to 11 military installations in eight different states," said Mr. Jolly, former Navy Seaman. "Nothing means more than to see our military members and they appreciate what we do."

The veterans see their tour as not only a moral boost to servicemembers, but also an opportunity to remind them about the importance of establishing military benefits after service. Both men developed injuries as a result of their military careers.

"We can't stress how important it is for servicemembers to continue to take care of themselves once they decide to end their careers," said Mr. Mitchell.

Home to Vancouver, Wash., the veterans are astonished by the military atmosphere they have experienced during the three weeks they have been on tour.

"The quality of servicemembers we have been running into amazes me," said Mr. Mitchell. "They are always eager to sacrifice a lot and they never complain about anything."

Some Airmen entering the dining facility were shocked to see the new faces welcoming them into lunch.

"I was caught off guard by the veterans," said Airman 1st Class Lyndon Wornica, 22nd Maintenance Squadron. "They are on their own time visiting military members and using their own resources, and it's a great surprise for us."

"To have these disabled veterans stop by and say thanks to the people of McConnell for all they do on a daily basis is great", said Senior Master Sgt. Scot Steinaway, 22nd Services Squadron First Sergeant. "Even though their military tour is over, they continue a tour of service by educating our young military members."

The pair has traveled to military installations in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, Nebraska and now Kansas.

"I had a lot of positive feedback from everybody," said the sergeant. "I know the guys had a great time and were even coined by Lt. Col. Sonya Collins, 22nd Services Commander, which they thought was awesome."

The veterans packed their goods into their black sports utility vehicle and departed South Bound toward Oklahoma, just as swiftly as they traveled into McConnell. Like any respectable military-oriented mission, they continue on their "Tour of Duty" until their job is done.