Volunteers ensure deployment doesn't stop cupid's arrow

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Vann Miller
  • 35th Fighter Wing public affairs
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  Sweethearts Day was particularly special for some of the families here, according to one volunteer who took the time to spread a little love this year. Volunteers from the 35th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron took the time to deliver some little tender loving care to the wives, girlfriends and children of deployed servicemembers Feb. 14. 

Door by door, the volunteers managed to endure the cold winter rain and made their rounds delivering the forget-me-nots. 

"The wives were really appreciative," said Belinda Channel, 35th AMXS commander's secretary. "We surprised them with the flowers and cards." 

More than eight hours of work, 30 personalized cards, 230 roses and 89 carnations went into putting together that special evening, according to Master Sgt. David Richard, 35th AMXS first sergeant. 

"I couldn't think of anything I'd rather do for our deployed Airmen and their families on Valentine's Day," said Sergeant Richard. 

The loving words on the cards were provided by the deployed Airmen, said the first sergeant. 

"Some of the cards were just so sweet," said Mrs. Channel, who volunteered to make and help distribute the cards. "It was just nice to know that the husbands thought of their wives that way." 

Mrs. Channel said she knows how difficult it can be for a military spouse. Being married for 17 years to a servicemember who's been on temporary duty for special occasions gave her an understanding of what it's like to not have her sweetheart with her for Valentine's Day. 

As they made their rounds from house to house, one wife said she could not believe they were out in the cold rain delivering valentines to them. 

Another wife, Mrs. Liz Armstrong said she will be saving her rose as a memento. "I didn't know I would be getting a flower," she said. "It was wonderful. I am thankful that Sergeant Richard would give up his Valentine's Day to do that (pass out flowers) for us."