A thank you to the vets Published Nov. 26, 2013 By Airman 1st Class Lauren Pitts Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs MINOT, N.D. -- Veterans Day, a day set aside to remember those who have served and those who continue to do so, impacts more than most in a military community like Minot. Friends of Veterans, an organization comprised of Minot Airmen from the 791st Missile Security Forces Squadron, visited veterans living at Trinity Homes, a retirement community in downtown Minot, Nov. 16. Col. Kevin Cullen, commander of the 91st Security Forces Group, was the keynote speaker at the Veterans Day ceremony hosted that afternoon, and explained the importance of an organization such as Friends with Veterans, because it is an example of Air Force values. "Friends of Veterans is an extension of our second core value, which is service before self," said Cullen. "It connects heroes from the past with heroes from today. Our military has always been about relationships, and Friends of Veterans epitomizes that." Cullen explained Minot Air Force Base's mission, including the partnership between the 91st Missile Wing and 5th Bomb Wing to maintain a safe and secure deterrence, while Senior Airman Andrew Magathan, 791st MSFS response force leader, Delta Flight, explained the importance of their visits to Trinity Homes. "Three years ago, we found a need for military from base to come and visit with the veterans," said Magathan. "Just to come and talk and visit with them, because who knows military better than military." The Airmen who volunteer see the visits to the veterans as more than volunteer work; instead they see it as a way to thank these men and women personally for their service. "Anyone can thank a veteran for their service, but when you're in the military, you can relate to them," said Senior Airman Tyler Brittin, 791st MSFS response force leader dispatcher. "Regardless of whether you've been deployed or not, we've been through a lot of the same things." The visit with the veterans was an opportunity, said Staff Sgt. Shane Berryhill, 791st MSFS response force leader. The event served as a way for those with family members who are veterans to connect. "All we want to do is provide an outreach for them," said Berryhill. "It's just really nice to talk to them and get to know them." With more Airmen interested in volunteering, Airman 1st Class Jasmine Horton, 91st Security Forces Group, response force leader, has taken on the responsibility of organizing future events for a similar organization for the 91st MW that will begin its volunteer work in February. "This is so much more than just a volunteering opportunity," said Horton. "The veteran's get so much from it, and it's a learning experience for us." Cullen continued to explain how veterans have paved the way for both today's military and American citizens to enjoy their freedoms, he said. It is our duty to thank them for their service, and learn as much from them as possible. "Our Airmen today are without a doubt, our Air Force's secret weapon," said Cullen. "Friends of Veterans is an organization started by Airmen, led by Airmen, and extremely well-represented by Airmen. You don't even have to lead these Airmen; just get out of the way and they take care of the rest."