Vance NCO among 376th ECS Airmen donating time, supplies to Kyrgyz village

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Tammie Moore
  • 376th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
TRANSIT CENTER AT MANAS, Kyrgyzstan --  Airmen from the 376th Expeditionary Communications Squadron in Kyrgyzstan delivered a public address system and sporting equipment to the Kamyshanovka village July 1.

Among the Airmen was Tech. Sgt. Michelle Jenkins, deployed from Vance AFB, Okla. "I came out to play with the kids," said the NCO, currently working in the 376th ECS knowledge operations.

This is Jenkins' second trip to the village. During this visit the Transit Center Airmen also brought a volleyball, basketball and Frisbees for the children.

"I like to give back," said Jenkins. "I liked playing with the children and helping out. There is the language barrier but when we play it is no longer there." The squadron members became aware of the villager's need for the public address system through interactions with Mayor Marlis Kubatov, the 376th ECS honorary squadron commander.

"There was a need identified, and since electronics and communications falls under our auspices of control we thought it would be a good first-time donation to the school," said Maj. Marcus Cooley, 376th ECS commander. "We knew it would benefit them greatly."

The mayor had the Airmen deliver the public address system to the school, where community events are often held. The school has more than 300 students who are currently on summer break; however, several children gathered at the school to play games with the Airmen.

After a few games of volleyball with the students the Airmen sat down with the mayor and school officials for tea and cookies. During this time the mayor and school officials expressed their gratitude for the donation and a desire to maintain the relationship between the two groups.

"Thanks a lot for coming to visit us," said Ainura Torusheva, school deputy. "Please come back and visit us often."

At the end of tea Kubatov presented Cooley, who redeploys to Washington, D.C., later this month, with a traditional Kyrgyz jacket and hat.

"You can't wear this everyday at home, but you can keep it and remember us," the mayor said. "We will miss you. You did a lot for us. We wish you good health and good luck."

The major told the officials, "You never know, I may end up back in Kyrgyzstan."

The group responded to this thought with smiles.

"You are always welcome here," Torusheva said.

Cooley believes his squadron's relationship with the village won't end when he leaves the country.

"I had a really great (year-long) tour, and I'm sure the 376th ECS will keep contributing to the growth of this village and others," he said. "These the kids are the next generation of leadership."