It was nothing as historic as a meeting between world leaders or the signing of a treaty, or even a groundbreaking for a significant thing.
Indeed, it was much better and it all began as a simple act of love demonstrated to members of what has been called “The Greatest Generation” from today’s soldiers assigned to Fort Hood’s 4th Infantry Division.
“You think you’re getting something out of this, but you’re giving more,” said Carolyn Rumfield, activity director for the Courtney Williams Veterans Home. “When they see uniforms, it absolutely changes their whole life.”
Knowing that was all the two dozen soldiers needed as they set out on their latest mission to meet those who fought so long ago to preserve freedom.
But some of those soldiers already knew that.
Tuesday was Master Sgt. James Holbrook’s second trip to the nursing home, but it will not be his last.
“This is humbling,” said Holbrook, who himself has served in combat twice. “When you look at some of these guys, you are looking at true American heroes.”
He and some of his soldiers began coming out to the veterans home after Ms. Rumfield contacted the 4th ID about sharing stories and visits with the residents.
“The staff knows very little about these people because they won’t talk to the staff,” Holbrook said.
The soldiers began talking with the residents of the home and before long, stories that belong in history books came to life again.
“They will tell us everything: their stories, what awards they got, what wars they fought in and what units they were in,” Holbrook said.
One of the residents served as a nurse in World War II and eventually served as a hospital director in Houston, while another served numerous tours in Vietnam.
Holbrook said he would never have realized the extent of their bravery if he hadn’t spent time with them.
“It’s just awesome,” he said.
When the soldiers learn of these stories they share them with Rumfield, who never ceases to be amazed.
There are 156 residents at the Temple nursing home, and roughly 90 percent of them served in World War II.
Charles Tibbits, 84, is one of them.
More than 60 years ago, Tibbits was a 19-year-old top turret gunner on a B-26 bomber, based out of England, Belgium and France.
“I was drafted,” Tibbits said. “I was just a kid. I didn’t have a choice.”
Between 1943 and 1945, he flew more than 40 combat missions over Hitler’s Germany
Now, confined to a wheelchair, Tibbits recalls his service and marvels at those who serve in Iraq.
“It’s different. There is no comparison,” Tibbits said.
Don Cooper, 81, who served in both World War II and Korea, was encouraged to see the smiles and receive the gratitude from those who serve today.
“I enjoy visiting with the younger generation and comparing what soldiering is today to what it was 50 or 60 years ago,” Cooper said.
But it’s not just about comparing notes, or even just having casual visits, as much as it is about creating simple human bonds.
And it’s because of that need that Rumfield felt so compelled to contact the 4th ID and solicit their help in preserving this precious part of history.
“Even though their wars are worlds apart, military camaraderie is always the same,” she said. “They have a common ground in which they can talk and communicate.”
As the warriors of the past mingled with the soldiers of today, Rumfield noted the smiles that spread across the faces of both generations.
“These are my heroes,” Ms. Rumfield said.
