On December 6, 2025, volunteers from the Air and Space Forces Association, Wright Memorial Chapter had the privilege of supporting the Dayton VA Medical Center’s annual “Mingle and Jingle” holiday event for veterans residing in the nursing home.  The event is co-hosted annually with the Kitty Hawk Chapter of the Air Force Sergeants Association.

This year’s event was especially meaningful, as it marked the first time volunteers were able to interact with all 65 veterans living in the nursing home. Volunteers were assigned to individual nursing home units, where they assisted by escorting veterans to the Activity Room or spending one-on-one time visiting with those unable to leave their rooms. These personal interactions ensured that every veteran felt included, valued, and remembered during the holiday season.

The Activity Room was filled with festive spirit, featuring multiple activity stations and games, holiday music, and a joyful atmosphere. Each veteran received a stocking filled with gifts, adding a personal touch to the celebration. Delivering the stockings and safely escorting veterans would not have been possible without the dedication and teamwork of our volunteers.

While the afternoon occasionally felt a bit disorganized, our volunteers demonstrated remarkable flexibility, patience, and commitment. Their willingness to adapt and step in wherever needed made all the difference in brightening the day for the veterans we served.

A special thank you goes to Mr. Chris Ruwaldt for bringing his dog to the event, which brought smiles and comfort to many of the veterans. It was also a blessing to see so many young people volunteering alongside our Chapter members, reinforcing the importance of service across generations.

The Wright Memorial Chapter is proud to support the Dayton VA and grateful for every volunteer who gave their time and heart to make this event a success.