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Manas Airmen build friendships, reach out to Kyrgyz orphanage

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Olufemi Owolabi
  • 376th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
TRANSIT CENTER AT MANAS, Kyrgyzstan --  Some Airmen at the Transit Center at Manas took some time out of their busy schedules to reach out to Kyrgyz children when they made a trip to a local orphanage recently.

Dozens of smiling children welcomed the Airmen with friendly greetings of "hello" and waving as they saw the vehicles that brought the Airmen pull up in their school parking lot.

The visit, organized by the Manas Area Benefit Outreach Society, commonly known as MABOS, allowed the 13 Airmen to interact with children at the Nizhanchuisk Orphanage.

As a normal tradition for MABOS volunteers, the visiting Airmen did not go empty-handed to see their young friends at the orphanage. The children's faces lighted up even more, knowing that having these visitors around meant a day of many gifts and fun galore.

During a previous visit in July, MABOS purchased a new stove for $400 with an oven that uses both electricity and gas. The organization, currently supporting nine different focus groups and other orphanages besides Nizchanchuisk, also gave the children small washing tubs for their bathhouse area. 

"In the past we have donated time and materials and done minor repairs around the school to include a recreational room/gym and repairs to the bathhouse for ventilation," said Master Sgt. Tricia Harp, MABOS coordinator with the 376th Expeditionary Mission Support Group. "During this visit, we brought lots of school supplies such as books for English classes and other educational materials, clothing for the children and some for the teachers, soccer balls and other sports balls and backpacks. We also took 162 goodie-treat bags to all the children."

Manas Airmen were there in time for the school opening ceremony, since it was the children's first day in school. The children showed their appreciation to the visiting Airmen after the ceremony by passing out flowers, as a symbol of friendship.

"I felt very privileged to be invited to their opening ceremony and touched by their gracious acknowledgement of our attendance with offerings of flowers and homemade gifts from the children," Sergeant Harp said. "Even though I could not understand the words that were being addressed and the songs sang, I was truly impressed with the time and care they showed with their traditions here."

The Airmen also took time to see the children's living area, dining and kitchen facility, and they tried to find out what other areas of the school need future improvements.

According to Sergeant Harp, from what her liaison at the school told her, the children and their teachers were very pleased with the visit. Every time the children get a visit from Airmen, "that is their happiest day."

While the ecstatic children left for their quarters to change clothes for playtime, the Airmen got to work and unpacked about ten boxes they brought into the school storeroom.

After about an hour of playtime, which involved shooting hoops, soccer, and other fun-filled events, the children were able to bond with the Airmen, and it was time to leave.

The children retired into their dorms and bid goodbye to the Airmen, who were departing and looking forward to another visit.

"The kids are what this visit is all about, so it was wonderful to finally meet them and spend quality time," said Master Sgt. James Iaun, 376th Air Expeditionary Wing. "I only wish I could visit again. The hugs and smiles were so genuine from all the children and you could sense their desire for us to stay and be a part of their life. I hope those that continue the work with MABOS will have the same passion and interest to do all that is possible to improve the lives of those dear boys and girls. I will never forget our final visit to Nizhanchuisk and all the work we did to prepare for opening day 2009."

"I would like the program and our relations with the school to continue, added Sergeant Harp, who will be redeploying soon to the 137th Air Refueling Wing, Will Rogers Air National Guard Base, Okla.

Due to redeployments of the organization's leadership, MABOS orphanage organizers are now seeking volunteers to take leadership roles of the program. Sergeant Harp urged members to try as much as possible to get involved in local community-volunteer efforts.

"We can make a difference in the quality of life for others...the smiles and laughter are priceless," said Sergeant Harp. "I learned on this visit that there wasn't any language barrier when it came to playing with children. The smiles and laughter are universal and incredible to be a part of."