A parade kicks off the 25th Annual Veteran’s Olympics Sept. 15 in Boise, Idaho. The four-hour long event included a parade, games and a barbecue, and was a way for the military and civilian communities to recognize local veterans while showing appreciation for the sacrifices they make. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Roy Lynch)
Volunteers from Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, and local civilians and veterans participated in the 25th Annual Veteran’s Olympics Sept. 15 in Boise, Idaho. The games were a way for the military and civilian communities to recognize local veterans while showing appreciation for the sacrifices they make. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Roy Lynch)
Retired Maj. Gen. Darrel Manning, Adjutant General of Idaho National Guard, speaks during the 25th Annual Veteran’s Olympics Sept. 15 in Boise, Idaho. Manning was the first keynote speaker 25 years ago and congratulated all the veterans on their service during this year’s event. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Roy Lynch)
by Staff Sgt. Roy Lynch
366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
9/19/2012 - MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho -- More than 90 Airmen from MHAFB volunteered during the 25th Annual Veteran's Olympics Sept. 15 in Boise, Idaho.
The four-hour long event included a parade, games and a barbecue, and was a way for the military and civilian communities to recognize local veterans while showing appreciation for the sacrifices they make.
"The Veteran's Olympics continues to reinforce the relationship we have with Southern Idaho and the cities, towns and people across the region," said Chief Master Sgt. John Weimer, 366th Fighter Wing command chief. "It also helps us repay the debt the veterans in Idaho paid for our country."
According to Tom Ressler, Idaho Division of Veteran Services supervisor for the office of veteran advocacy, the olympics were a highlight for the veterans as it allowed them to relive their youth.
They may have just been kicking a soccer ball, but in their minds they were playing an intense football game, said Ressler. "It was a lot of fun and we are glad to be here to provide it for them."
Guest speaker retired Maj. Gen. Darrel Manning, Adjutant General of Idaho National Guard, was also the first keynote speaker 25 years ago and congratulated all the veterans on their service with a quote from Gen. Omar Bradley.
"There is no glory in war; there is only glorious courage of simple human beings who make superhuman sacrifices for others," he quoted.
Airmen offer up their service but can learn from the past with such an event.
"The Mountain Home Airmen get a stronger appreciation for those who served before them," said Weimer. "They get a greater understanding what the sacrifice really means that they make day in and day out because we still deploy to hot spots around the world and do the job our nation depends on us for."
