Airmen host Kyrgyz citizens during Family Day at Manas

Published Oct. 11, 2009
By Staff Sgt. Olufemi Owolabi
376 Air Expeditionary Public Affairs

TRANSIT CENTER AT MANAS, Kyrgyzstan -- Friends and families of Kyrgyz workers at the Transit Center at Manas were able to get an up-close look at the Air Force working environment here and enjoy a day of fun during the Friends and Family Day event conducted here Oct. 9.

The event, a tribute to thank the local community for their continued support, enabled more than 700 visitors from the local community to participate in various events designed for children and adults of all ages.

"The Family Day events were organized to show our appreciation and friendship to the local Kyrgyz communities, Transit Center's workers, contactors and their families," said Master Sgt. Carrie Riley, Family Day program chief coordinator with the 376th Expeditionary Force Support Squadron.

Part of the events put together for the day were indoor games such as children's bowling, horseshoes and ping pong.

"I was impressed by the firefighters' display," said Steplana Vilikova. "Everybody is feeling good because the Americans are taking good care of us. Today is full of fun, and my kids love everything."

While the military working dogs demonstrated their skills, the Explosive Ordnance Disposal robots and the 376th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron's fire department demonstration and displays outside the Pete's Place caught the eye of every age, some members took a trip to the flightline where they got a personal look at a KC-135 (Air Refueling) aircraft on display.

"My husband works here as a driver, he loves his job and the American counterparts he works with," said Svetlana Miller. "We came here to see where he works and to enjoy all the events with our family. The events were very well organized. We saw the Air Force aircraft, and the family was very excited. Everything about the Air Force is very sophisticated; we like it."

"I decided to organize this event in the same way I would organize an Air Show in the United States," said Sergeant Riley. "We had lots of interesting displays for people to touch and experience as well as good food and entertainment."

According to the chief coordinator, deployed from Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth Carswell Field, Texas, the event was more successful than they had imagined.

She said one of the goals of the program was for everyone to have fun and have many interesting things to experience.

"The live music produced by a local band, "South City Band," brought young and old, American and Kyrgyz together to laugh and dance," Sergeant Riley added. "The food we provided was enjoyed by everyone and spurred much interest in our cuisine."

After the day-long event was over, the numerous expressions of gratitude and "thank yous" from all the visitors to Airmen and volunteers were enough for the organizers of the event to conclude that their efforts were greatly appreciated.

"Our main goal was to make this day a special day of friendship and bring the workers at the Transit Center and the community around us closer together," said Sergeant Riley. "I believe that the Airmen and Manas benefited overall by creating new friendships here at the Transit Center and around the community. This experience brought us all together as one team, and we have a common bond to support each other and be a success. This event opened up new conversation with our Kyrgyz neighbors and opened everyone's eyes to how similar we are."