Friday, Feb. 22, 2002
Brooks AFB, Texas
It was hard to tell who honored whom as the visit to the Audie L. Murphy Memorial Veterans Hospital in San Antonio came to a close this past Valentine's Day. The heroes and living legends they met encompassed all branches of the armed services. One was a World War II soldier who charged at three enemy machine guns and returned victorious. Another was a retired airman who was still proud and ready to serve his county at age 72.
The vice commander of the 311th Human Systems Wing and Brooks’ ambassadors joined Feb. 14 to deliver valentines and greetings to veterans in the annual National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans. Their goal was to salute and say thank you to the veterans for their service to their country. The valentines were lovingly made by local school children for this special event.
The Brooks delegation visited with veterans in the Extended Care Therapy Center, which had approximately 50 patients in various stages of recovery.
"Just meeting and talking to the veterans puts the little issues we deal with everyday back in perspective," said Lt. Col. Stuart Cowles, wing vice commander. "The sacrifices some of these veterans made to secure our country’s freedom are nothing less than heroic."
One of the most moving visits for the Brooks group was when they delivered a valentine to retired Chief Master Sgt. Milton Isaiah, 72. Isaiah, an aircraft maintenance supervisor, retired after 20 years of service and was recalled to active duty during the Vietnam War. The vibrant veteran stood up from his bed and with tears in his eyes said, "I still want to defend this country, so long as lady liberty still stands in New York's harbor I am willing to defend her," as he saluted the colonel and ambassadors.
"It is refreshing to meet people, such as Chief Isaiah, who continue to have an incredible amount of passion for this country," said ambassador 1st Lt. Josephine Morrow. "It strengthens my resolve and reaffirms my own faith in the people and the country - I'll always remember what I saw in his eyes, the pride and patriotism of a man with undying love for the United States."
MILITARY MARKER:
ISAIAH, Milton Jr.; May 28, 1929 - Oct 24, 2002; S/Sgt (?), US Air Force, Korea, Vietnam
Ft Sam Houston National Cem., 1520 Harry Wurzbach Road, San Antonio, TX: Sec 13A, Grave 46