AFSA visits veteran's hospital Published Nov. 9, 2006 By Staff Sgt. Amanda Savannah Public Affairs Vance Air Force Base, Okla. -- Military members of today thanked those of yesterday during an Air Force Sergeants Association visit July 21 to the veteran's hospital in Oklahoma City. Enlisted Airmen from Team Vance's AFSA Chapter 990 visited the hospital to give back to those who served before today's servicemembers. David DeArmond, 74, was a Marine and was injured in the Korean War. He appreciated the visit and salutes every member of the U.S. military. "It doesn't matter what the color of your uniform is, it's what's in your heart that matters," he said. Vance members were also thankful for the opportunity. "I've never been to a VA hospital," said Staff Sgt. Toriano Banks, 71st Comptroller Squadron budget analyst. "I wanted to let the veterans know they're partly the reason I'm in the Air Force. They fought for our country, and I wouldn't be here today without them. I wanted to be able to give something back." He said he will remember the visit. "I think the veterans enjoyed the visit as well," he said. "It seemed they just wanted to talk, like they don't often have visitors and it's nice to have someone to talk to, especially someone who appreciates their service to our country. I'd definitely like to go back." Master Sgt. Lee Phillips, AFSA Chapter 990 president, plans to make the veteran's hospital visit a monthly event. "We are also looking for opportunities to serve our veterans locally," he said. For more information on AFSA, to volunteer or to attend a visit, call Sergeant Phillips at 7222.