Posted on 11/09/2005 4:51:16 PM PST by SandRat
11/9/2005 - PARWAN PROVINCE, Afghanistan (AFPN) -- Airmen fighting the global war on terrorism from nearby Bagram Air Base took time to spread cheer and share smiles with the people of a village here.
As part of an adopt-a-village visit Nov. 3, Airmen distributed more than 1,200 pounds of winter clothes, blankets, school supplies and toys, said Master Sgt. Edgar Langdon, Bagram’s adopt-a-village coordinator.
“Our adopt-a-village program gives Airmen from the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing a chance to travel outside the gate and share some goodwill with the people of Afghanistan,” said Sergeant Langdon, deployed from Davis-Monthan Air Force, Base, Ariz.
“During this visit, we focused our efforts on items that’ll hopefully come into good use as the temperature drops in coming months,” said the sergeant from Hatboro, Pa.
Chief Master Sgt. Debra Ballentine, 455th Expeditionary Mission Support Group superintendent, said the visit was “awesome.”
“This experience gave us a chance to show the local community just how much we care,” said Chief Ballentine, deployed from Travis AFB, Calif. “We’re here to encourage a spirit of cooperation. Adopt-a-village visits are one of many ways in which we can do this.”
Chief Ballentine, of Lacey, Wash., said the village children were delightful.
“Many of them enjoyed getting their picture taken, especially when they could immediately see their picture after it was taken,” the chief said. “They were excited about getting school supplies and several even tried to learn a few words of English.”
Putting this project together took a lot of work on the part of several agencies, to include people in the United States who have sent clothes, school supplies, toys and food, Chief Ballentine said.
“We appreciate their generosity and compassion for the people of Afghanistan,” she said. “Their efforts are truly making a difference.”
Master Sgt. Donnie Wright, of the 455th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron, said this trip allowed him to better explain to his family and friends some of the reasons he’s deployed to Afghanistan.
“People seem to understand a little better from someone who has a first-hand experience with what is going on outside the base,” said Sergeant Wright -- of Empire, Ala. -- who is deployed from Grand Forks Air Force Base, N.D.
Staff Sgt. Matt Greene, of the 455th Expeditionary Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, said the visit gave him a chance to get off the installation and see the “real” Afghanistan.
“It was a chance to see for myself some of the wonderful things we are doing for the people here,” said Sergeant Greene, deployed from Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.
“Seeing everyone’s excitement and the smiles on the children’s faces was definitely the highlight for me,” said the sergeant from Knoxville, Tenn. “Hopefully programs like this can continue so more Afghan children will get to see the kindness in the hearts of the American people.”
Airman 1st Class Eric Nelson, of the 455th Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron, and Airman 1st Class Raul Tellez, of the 41st Expeditionary Electronic Combat Squadron, said the visit was an unforgettable experience.
“This trip gave me a chance to see how the locals live while at the same time giving them things they could use to make their lives better,” said Airman Nelson -- of Taunton, Mass. -- who’s deployed from Davis-Monthan. “I really enjoyed seeing how little (possession) the villagers had and yet how happy they still were.”
Airman Tellez, from Chowchilla, Calif., and also deployed from Davis-Monthan, said, “I really loved seeing the small children’s faces after they received the things we had for then. Once the trip’s over, you’re really proud of what you’ve done and of the country you serve.”
Have Tissues Handy.
My brothers and sisters do me proud.
/john
Great one SandRat. Nice to hear things from Afghanistan.
A big AIM HIGH to these great USAF troops. Special kudos for the AES deployed folks...you do us proud!
GO USA! GO TROOPS! You are the best :)
BTTT
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