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EOG, AEW Airmen build fence, community in Vasilievka

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Jerome Baysmore
  • 376th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
MANAS AIR BASE, Kyrgystan --  Manas Air Base Airmen helped build a fence and strengthened a community at a Vasilievka school last week.

The fence project, to keep out neighboring animals and to help protect the children and school grounds, began in September 2007 during AEF 7/8 but was temporarily shelved because of lack of funds.

"The need for the fence was identified a couple years ago," said Senior Master Sgt. Lonny Hall, 376th Expeditionary Operations Group Superintendent deployed here from Randolph Air Force Base, Texas. "The funding was a joint effort between the village and the EOG and wing staff Airmen through the base Village Partnership Committee.

"The funds were raised during AEF 9/10, but the work didn't begin until our rotation because of the cold winter weather."

Sergeant Hall said he got involved with the project because he felt it was the right thing to do.

"There was a need that we were able to help fulfill," he said. "This project was started by previous rotations, and it was our responsibility to finish it--it was just the right thing to do."

Capt. Phong Thach, 376th Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron agreed and added that he enjoyed the interaction with Kyrgyz Republic people.

"This trip was a great experience," Captain Thatch said deployed here from Langley AFB, Va. "It was a great opportunity for us to interact with our host nation residents. I think this fence project will help the kids tremendously because it will keep them safe from traffic and provide a safe haven for them to play and learn in."

Eleven Airmen visited the school and worked until the chain-link fence was up and secured. It was an all-day event that also included time for part of the group to assemble a swing set and slide on the school playground.

"I got involved because the first time I went there it was just so sad to see what they had and more importantly what they didn't have," said. Airman 1st Class Amber Wright, 376th EOG deployed from Eglin AFB, Fla. "I just wanted to do anything that I could in the time I have here to help make a difference. This was, by far, the biggest project we have done since we got here, and it was very rewarding knowing how much it helped them."

Sergeant Hall said it's important to get involved in the community because it has a great impact on the future.

"The first time I saw the students, it reminded me of my own kids," he said. "It was nice to be able to do something to help improve their quality of life.

"Those kids and ours back home represent the future, and I would encourage all Liberandos to volunteer through the Village Partnership Committee and Manas Air Base Outreach Society."