Team Vance member lends a helping hand even on deployment

  • Published
  • By Ensign Rex Miller
  • 71st Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  Staff Sgt. Nicole Curran, a member of the 71st Operations Support Squadron/Operations Support Weather team, is currently deployed to the Transit Center at Manas, Kyrgyzstan. Sergeant Curran accompanied a group from the Center on a recent visit to the Nizhanchuisk Orphanage to volunteer her time with the children. The group also pitched in with some of the work around the orphanage.

"The kids are so wonderful and really love playing and having us out there," said Sergeant Curran. "We had a lot of fun and I am optimistic that we will be able to do a lot of good for this orphanage."

Sergeant Curran left Vance at the end of December to join 376th Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron weather team. The weather team is responsible for giving briefs to the many transiting aircrews using Manas as a hub of operations.

The sergeant will have ample opportunity to work with the orphanage; she has been selected to be the focus group leader in charge of the relationship between the Transit Center and the orphanage. Officially, she will be the liaison between the Humanitarian Assistance office at the Transit Center at Manas and the principal at the orphanage.

"On this trip, the orphanage asked for help with their infirmary," said Sergeant Curran. "This will be our first big project and we are looking forward to starting soon."

The Transit Center at Manas has already completed major renovation projects at the Nizhanchuisk Orphanage, including removal and replacement of an entire playground and the remodeling of a gymnastics room and has facilitated donations of bedding and school supplies.

Through this and similar community outreach programs, the Transit Center leadership hopes to strengthen the bond with the local population. Sergeant Curran is playing a key role in this special relationship.