FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- Both the 92nd Air Refueling Wing leadership and 141st ARW leadership paid tribute to veterans during National Salute to Veteran Patients Week Feb. 18, at Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center in Spokane, Washington.

The leadership furthered the impact of Total Force Integration by meeting with numerous veteran patients, hearing their stories and handing out pins to commemorate the week.

National Salute to Veteran Patients Week is held the week of February 14 every year to say "thank you" to more than 98,000 veterans who are treated in Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers, outpatient clinics and nursing homes. During the week, a variety of events are hosted at VA medical centers nationwide to increase community awareness, pay tribute, express appreciation to veterans and encourage citizens to become involved as volunteers.

"Veterans laid the foundation for current service members," said Col. Mark Fischer, 141st ARW vice commander. "We have all benefited from the pain and suffering these veterans had to live through. For veterans to feel connected and cared for by their neighbors, family and friends is huge for [them]."

Fischer was joined by Col. Brian McDaniel, 92nd ARW commander, Chief Master Sgt. Christian Pugh, 92nd ARW command chief, and Chief Master Sgt. David Bishop, 141st ARW command chief, on the trip to the medical center. They visited veterans from every branch of service and various career fields to include an Army Ranger, Air Force pararescueman and Navy photographer.

"We have to continue to remember veterans during every major holiday, including National Salute to Veteran Patients Week," said Pugh. "The holidays celebrate specific aspects of life; [however], every day that we have to celebrate is because of veterans. They earned our freedom through their hard work and sweat. We need to thank them for all the freedoms and liberties we enjoy because we wouldn't have them without veterans."