Elite Four sponsors Veteran’s home bingo

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Rachelle Blake
  • 55th Wing Public Affairs
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. --  The Offutt Elite Four professional organization, comprised of enlisted members from airman basic through senior airman, sponsor bingo every month at the Easter Nebraska Veteran's Home in Bellevue.

"The Elite Four started hosting Bingo at the Eastern Nebraska Veteran's Home in November of 2013," said U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Brenda E. Posten, U.S. Strategic Command intelligence analyst and Elite Four community officer. "The new executive council was elected October 2013 and collectively they decided volunteering with the veterans would be a good experience for both parties involved."

Posten has been leading Bingo since February and knows firsthand the joy it brings both parties.

"This is something that they look forward to, after our games they usually thank us for being there," she said. "I have had veterans come up to me and say 'Thank you very much for coming, this was fun and it sure beats just lying around or sleeping'."

The home's employees echo her sentiment.

"They enjoy spending time with the active duty members who are much younger," said Patti Howe, Eastern Nebraska Veteran's Home volunteer services coordinator. "Our members like to reminisce about their days in the military although some were only in for short periods of time; others were in for much longer and really did a lot. We have one paratrooper who landed in Normandy on D-Day."

Posten knew there were plenty of places to volunteer in the area, but she said this was the best fit for her.

"Omaha is great for finding multiple places to volunteer at, but when I joined the Elite Four and heard that they volunteer with veterans, I knew that it was something that would be rewarding," Posten said. "I can see that they enjoy when we go and spend time with them. Plus I know if I was in their shoes, I would want an opportunity to get away from the norm and have a little fun."

The Elite Four isn't the only organization on base to host bingo. The Air Force Sergeant's Association and the Top Three also take one weekend a month and they are always looking for volunteers they can count on.

"I have seen the veterans when they are happy and when they are let down," Posten said. "When we have sufficient number of volunteers and everyone shows up on time then they are so happy and eager to play."

To volunteer for bingo, email Preston at POSTENBE@stratcom.mil or call at (402) 294-7143. The ENVH also offers several other volunteer opportunities. For information contact Patti Howe, the ENVH volunteer services coordinator, via phone at (402)591-4852.