MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- As a “thank you” for the hard work throughout 2016, the Mental Health Flight hosted an appreciation event for personnel from the 6th Medical Group (MDG) at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, Dec. 14, 2016.
Various signs reflecting the holiday spirit decorated the clinic courtyard. Tables displaying free toys, refreshments and other holiday resources offered medical personnel a brief getaway from the demands of mission requirements.
“This was the Mental Health Flight’s little token of gratitude,” said Capt. John Blue Star, a mental health staff psychologist assigned to the 6th MDG. “As medical professionals, we know that research shows the happiest people are the most grateful.”
As an added benefit, medical personnel were offered hand-delivered “thank you” cards written by medical staff members and patients.
For the main event, the Air Force Band of the West Clarinet Quartet visited to provide their version of holiday cheer. Melodious music echoed throughout the courtyard as members of the 6th MDG congregated to listen, sing Christmas carols and play instruments provided by the band.
“The Band of the West was great for lunchtime entertainment, and served as a great morale booster and ice breaker,” said Staff Sgt. Cherrelle Warren, the NCO in charge of the Dermatology Clinic assigned to the 6th Medical Operations Squadron. “Playing instruments with no direction actually turned out to be pretty funny!”
At the event’s conclusion, smiling faces could be seen and laughter heard as personnel began to depart to their respective duty sections.
“The medical group staff at both the MacDill and Brandon clinics are a collection of talented and caring professionals,” said Blue Star. “They deserve gratitude every day of the year.”