Giving back to those who have served Published Dec. 18, 2007 By Senior Airman Brian Butkus 375th Airlift Wing Public Affairs SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- Volunteers from Joint Total Force Scott spread holiday cheer Friday during their annual trip to honor men and women who once served in the U.S. military at the Quincy Veteran's Home. "Going out to Quincy during the holiday season to show support for our veterans is just a small way to show our appreciation for all the great things they have done for our country," said retired Senior Master Sgt. Danny Storey, who has organized the visit for five consecutive years. "Without the sacrifices these men and women have made, we wouldn't have many of the freedoms we do now." After arriving at Quincy, the volunteers moved from building to building, serving lunch and handing out presents to all those not able to make it to the afternoon holiday party. "This is my first year for the Scott visit to our home, and I have to say its one of the greatest things that has happened since I have been here," said retired U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Ken Kirchner. "It really is an honor to have a chance to visit with some of the young men and women of our armed forces." After lunch was served, residents, family members and volunteers gathered in the Quincy common area for the holiday party. At the holiday party, attendees were treated to live holiday music courtesy of some of the home residents. At the end of the day, both the volunteers and residents exchanged gifts with each other as tokens of their mutual appreciation. "I have only been here since April, but already this is the third trip Scott has made out to Quincy," said Bruce Vaca, Quincy Veteran's Home administrator. "The joy that the men and women of the base give these veteran's every time they visit is truly priceless." Once the party wound down, volunteers and their new-found friends said their goodbyes until next year's visit.