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AAF, NATC-A help bring orphanage to Baharak

  • Published
  • By MC2 Vladimir V. Potapenko
  • 438th AEW
BAHARAK, Afghanistan --  The Afghan Air Force with support from NATO Air Training Command - Afghanistan delivered over 1,000 kilograms of aid to Baharak in Badakhshan province during a humanitarian assistance mission Nov. 11.

Supplying beds, heaters, toys as well as school supplies, the mission is another step towards the goal of constructing and supplying an orphanage in the area. A goal that the AAF and NATO forces hope sends a clear message.

"The NATO forces aren't here just to enforce rules, we're here to help build to help build a new Afghanistan--one that's helpful to the people," said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Bernard Willi, the deputy commander for the 438th Air Expeditionary Advisory Group.

The second humanitarian visit to Baharak in as many weeks, the 1,000 kilograms distributed brings the total aid delivered to the village to over 3,000 kilograms. With the orphanage still in its infancy, scouting for the project only taking place within the past month, more aid will make its way to the region, and it is this continued and consistent effort to help that has locals thankful for the Afghan and NATO presence.

"Our people appreciate anytime you (Afghan National Security Force and NATO) come here and help the people," said Jan Agha Jaheed, the Baharak social services director.

And it is help for the children that Jaheed and the locals feel is most satisfying. "We feel very happy and successful because when the children are happy, we, in fact, are happy," he said.

The fact that AAF and NATO forces can come and visit Baharak is a point of satisfaction in and of itself, said Jaheed. "Anytime you can come here safely, and go back safely, that for us creates pride," he said, highlighting the investment Baharak takes in its security.

Not only beneficial for the ones receiving the aid, the mission is a reminder to troops of the significance of their service.

"It's a good experience coming out and actually seeing how what we do for the Afghanistan Air Force, and Afghanistan itself, gives back to the community," said Tech. Sgt. Ernel Carty, an avionics advisor for the 440th Air Expeditionary Advisory Squadron, who made the trip in support of the Afghan Smile campaign. Geared towards children, Afghan Smile aims to promote dental hygiene throughout Afghanistan.

"What I'm used to in the States is everybody has everything: kids have parents and they don't have to want for much, but here it is kind of hard for the kids and they don't have much, so it's good to help out where we can," said Carty.