When most people think about the week of February 14th, they think of Valentine's Day and everything that goes with it. But this is also National Hospitalized Veteran's Week, a chance to honor those who sacrificed so much for our country and are now battling medical problems.

Every year since coming to metro, I've had the opportunity to visit veterans at the VA Medical Center in Kansas City and this year, again, was a great experience. Donna, Joel and I stopped in earlier this week and were amazed at the great spirit we encountered. We had the chance to talk with veterans from World War II, Korea, Vietnam and even the first Gulf War. This is what truly amazes me: many of the veterans wanted to take pictures with us, as if that was something special. Believe me, they were the true stars in the pictures, not the TV folks. It was an honor for us to meet with them and hear their stories.

I want to use this opportunity to encourage everyone to visit the VA center if you can. The veterans enjoy having visitors and I promise you will leave a changed person. Our country owes a tremendous debt of gratitude to these courageous men and women.