Afghan soldiers and U.S. Airmen deliver school supplies Published May 19, 2010 By U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class (AW) Elizabeth Burke, USN 438th Air Expeditionary Wing KABUL, Afghanistan -- Soldiers from the Afghan National Army Air Corps and Airmen from the 438 Air Expeditionary Wing, Combined Air Power Transition Force, held a joint humanitarian mission on May 17, 2010. They distributed school supplies to 1300 students of the Hope School in Kabul, Afghanistan. The 438 AEW started collecting school supplies in March of this year. Over 40 organizations contributed to this community outreach program including Adopt a Soldier Platoon, the First Sergeant's Councils of McGuire AFB and Nellis AFB, as well as friends, family, churches and businesses in the United States. Once the school supplies arrived they were organized by item. Volunteers then loaded backpacks with pencils, pens, erasers and paper. At the Hope School boxes of school supplies were also donated to teachers. The children charmed the Airmen with their smiles, questions and astonishing English. The Airmen of the 438th enjoyed this mission even though it brings to mind their families at home. "Today is my son's ninth birthday," said Master Sgt. Bubba Beason, the 438 AEW First Sergeant, "and this is the fifth one I have missed... but you can't put a price on the smile of a child." The 438 AEW already has plans to continue this mission in the future.