Armed Forces Retirement Home residents 'mugged' by warm military welcome Published Nov. 23, 2010 By Senior Airman Eric Summers Jr. 81st Training Wing Public Affairs KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Airmen, Sailors and Soldiers gathered at the Armed Forces Retirement Home Friday to hand out welcome home gifts to residents. The Gulfport retirement facility closed in 2005 after Hurricane Katrina destroyed several buildings and the steel and concrete perimeter around the structures. A new $187 million facility opened in October. Service members went from door to door handing out coffee mugs with the AFRH logo containing an American flag, candy and an Army and Air Force Exchange Service gift card. Keesler joined the 366th Training Squadron Detachment 6 from the Naval Construction Battalion Center in Gulfport in fundraising for the project. Master Sgt. Wendell Snider, 366th TRS, initiated the project and spearheaded Air Force participation. "I feel extremely excited," Sergeant Snider said about passing out the mugs to the returning veterans. "I am just glad that it all worked out." Chief Master Sgt. Curtis Jennings, 81st Mission Support Group superintendent, led fundraising efforts at Keesler. More than $4,000 was collected to purchase the mugs and gifts, of which $3,000 was collected by various Keesler organizations . The 81st Training Group raised $3,000, the first sergeants and the Air Force Sergeants Association both donated $300. Chief Jennings told fellow members of the chiefs group he'd match whatever they donated, so the chiefs gave $200 and Chief Jennings matched it. "I hope that they can feel the love from the Gulf Coast," Sergeant Snider remarked. "It was a collective effort from both military and civilians -- a team effort to help these veterans feel welcomed." Handing out the mugs gave Airmen a chance to meet fellow service members who have served in the past and help shape the military's present and future. "I think that this is a really good cause and the people here have given the country so much through their sacrifices and its nice to give a little something back," said Staff Sgt. Andrew Woolford, 366th TRS instructor. "They seemed very positive and appreciative and the people here are very friendly. It was good to be able to hear some of their stories. This was a very good experience for me."