A veteran of both Korea and Vietnam wrote the names of the wars in his valentine. A woman wrote she was a veteran, too, and thanked the brave soldiers. Such were the messages in the hand-made valentines by the residents of Sonoma House meant for U.S. soldiers deployed overseas.

The purpose of these valentines is a simple one, “Thank you so much for what you do, we always need you,” said DeWayne Hughes, owner and manager of Hughes Family Tribute Center. "Valentines are a morale booster and a reminder that we appreciate the service of our U.S. troops." The valentines are collected and then sent overseas as part of the annual Operation Valentine.

Hughes Family Tribute Center is one of nearly 1,000 Veterans & Family Memorial Care providers nationwide who sponsor the annual VFMC Operation Valentine initiative.