FORT SMITH (KFSM) -- Veterans in the River Valley were smiling a little brighter Tuesday (Nov. 11) --not just because people were thanking them for their service, but because they had a service provided to them for free.
Kevin Fairfield was one of several veterans who had some dental work done at Morton Family Dentistry, located in Fort Smith and Van Buren.
"I've been needing dental work done but it's been kind of on the back burner,” Fairfield said.
He left for Afghanistan in the beginning of 2007, served one year in the Army as a sergeant and came home. Just a few days later, he was on a plane headed back to Afghanistan. He then served for four more months.
He said one minute he'd be helping Afghan children -- the next, he'd be firing at the enemy.
"It's a third-world country,” Fairfield said. “You see it on TV, but when you see it firsthand how these people live -- it's unbelievable. Mud huts, no power, no water. Children don't have any education, no doctors -- no dentist like this right here."
He had his teeth cleaned and a cavity filled by dentist Kyle Catron for free.
"This is one day that we're able to do something, give back a little bit. It's nothing compared to what they do,” Catron said.
Fairfield said he misses the men he fought side-by-side with every day.
"No, I don't want to go back over there but, from being over there -- you leave a part of yourself over there. I'll forever be in Afghanistan. But, now being home, it's time to move on and get over everything and drive on, as they would say.”
For Fairfield, driving on is his first child, who he and his wife are expecting in April.
Morton Family Dentistry will be offering free services for veterans this Saturday (Nov. 15) as well at theirVan Buren location, just in case some veterans weren't able to make it Tuesday. They’ll start at 9 in the morning and stay as late as they need to.
