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376th Air Expeditionary Wing host appreciation day for Kyrgyz

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Michael Voss
  • 376th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
MANAS AIR BASE, Kyrgyz Republic --  One of the most important elements of mission success at Manas Air Base is the building and maintenance of strong and enduring relationships with its Kyrgyz Republic hosts, especially in the greater Bishkek area and the surrounding villages.

The Liberandos Airmen of 376th Air Expeditionary Wing continued to cultivate those enduring relations by inviting local Kyrgyz residents to the Manas AB contractor and family appreciation day, July 11.

More than 650 Kyrgyz contractors and their families enjoyed a variety of activities, including a barbeque; face-painting and games. The evening's event culminated with the sights and sounds of Tops In Blue, the Air Force's premier entertainment team

Tops In Blue entertains more than 250,000 military personnel and their families annually, performing an average of 120 performances at 100 locations throughout the continental United States, Canada, Europe, Central America, Alaska and the Pacific. The show is also performed at deployed locations worldwide.

"Tops in Blue just wrapped up a great day that was all about fostering good relations between base Airmen and the local community, said Senior Airman Joleen Cruz, a services specialist with the 376th Expeditionary Force Support Squadron.

According to Kyrgyz native, Kubanychbeck Orozakonov, he came out to the appreciation day to compare for himself the food and military equipment of past and present. He believed that, this day of open doors was organized at the right moment, so people will view from the inside - with their own eyes and ears.

"When something is closed off, it gives birth to rumors, suspicion, and a lack of trust," said Mr. Orozakonov.

"The day allowed the local community to see a different side of the U.S. military, we're not all about guns and weapons," said Airman Cruz.

"I have seen Manas AB from the early days in 2001 when there was not much more than an open field of rocks," said Tops in Blue performance director, Ed Jones. "It is truly impressive to see the changes in not only the base, but the relationships between the military and community here."

At the end of the day when the stage was cleared and the crowd returned to their Bishkek homes, the 376th AEW had not only strengthened the already existing friendships, but paved the road for future Manas AB servicemembers as guests of the Kygryz people.

"If one person sees the situation here is friendly, free from ecological disaster and meets the standards of a democratic society, then a successful relationship can be assured," said Mr. Orozakonov. "That relationship can then be passed on to hundreds, and hundreds to thousands," said the former Soviet era soldier.