News>Transit Center at Manas dedicates $295K school renovation project
Photos
Col. James Jacobson, Transit Center at Manas director, stands between the U.S. Embassy acting deputy chief of mission and a Razdolnaya School official during a ceremony March 1, 2012. The Event highlighted the completion of a $295,000 renovation project at the school that replaced floors, roof and windows. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Staff Sgt. Angela Ruiz)
Children sing the Kyrgyz national anthem March 1, 2012, at the Razdolnaya School dedication ceremony in Lesnoye village, Kyrgyzstan. The children continued classes at the school during a four-month construction project that renovated floors, windows and a boiler room. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Staff Sgt. Angela Ruiz)
A Kyrgyz child performs a dance during the Razdolnaya School dedication ceremony March 1, 2012, in Lesnoye village, Kyrgyzstan. A four month renovation by the Transit Center at Manas replaced the roof, floors and windows and rebuilt the gymnasium. More than 700 children attend the school. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Staff Sgt. Angela Ruiz)
A Kyrgyz student waves a balloon during a Razdolnaya School dedication ceremony March 1, 2012, in Lesnoye Village, Kyrgyzstan. A four month renovation by the Transit Center at Manas replaced the roof, floors and windows and rebuilt the gymnasium. More than 700 children attend the school. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Staff Sgt. Angela Ruiz)
Chief Master Sgt. Arleen Heath, David McCormick and Col. James Jacobson receive flowers during the Razdolnaya School dedication ceremony March 1, 2012, in Lesnoye village, Kyrgyzstan. They three were honorary guests at the ceremony. Heath is the Transit Center at Manas command chief, McCormick is the U.S. Embassy acting deputy chief of mission and Jacobson is the Transit Center at Manas director. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Staff Sgt. Angela Ruiz)
United States and Kyrgyz officials cut a ribbon March 1, 2012, during a school dedication ceremony in Lesnoye village, Kyrgyzstan. The dedication ceremony highlighted a four-month $295,000 humanitarian assistance renovation project that was by the Transit Center at Manas. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Staff Sgt. Angela Ruiz)
by Senior Airman Lynsie Nichols
376th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
3/2/2012 - TRANSIT CENTER AT MANAS, Kyrgyzstan -- Transit Center leadership gathered with the local community at a dedication ceremony of the Razdolnaya School in the Lesnoya village, Kyrgyzstan, March 1.
More than 300 students, faculty members and Transit Center Airmen were in attendance to watch the ribbon cutting of the newly renovated school . There were also dance performances from students and singing performances from two local villagers.
During the ceremony, Col. James Jacobson, Transit Center director; David McCormick, U.S. Embassy acting deputy chief of mission; and Djoldoshaliev Beckbolot, Razdolnaya School principal gave speeches about the $295,000 project.
"It is my distinct honor to share this important event with you which signifies the United States of America's commitment to a lasting partnership with the people of Kyrgyzstan," Jacobson said. "As your neighbor, it remains our goal to advance our partnership with you."
The project to renovate the school began Sept. 13, 2011, and was finished Jan. 16. During the process, the building's roof and windows were replaced and electrical wiring was updated.
"I would like to wish the teachers and students much success in this newly renovated building," McCormick said.
The renovation increases capabilities for school officials to provide quality education to more than 700 students in the community.
"The people of your village have opened their arms and welcomed us in schools, playgrounds and to numerous other special occasions. I thank you for your warm and welcoming hospitality," Jacobson said.
Bekbolot expressed his gratitude and hopes for a lasting friendship with military members from the Transit Center.
"Thank you for your hard work and dedication to our school," he said.
Tech. Sgt. Tim Ebbens, 376th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron structural craftsman, was one of many Airmen who helped with the project.
"The school requested assistance through the U.S. Embassy who in return sent it to the Theater Security Cooperation's humanitarian assistance department, and they sent it to us," he said. "Once we received the request, we sent it through a contracting company to see if we could complete the task for a reasonable cost."
Contractors for the project replaced the roof, gutters, flooring and windows. They also remodeled the gym and painted the building's interior.
