By Senior Airman Lynsie Nichols, 376th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
From www.afcent.af.mil
Children from Balykchy City listen to opening comments during an Operation Warm and Dry distribution event held at the Lenin School #4, Kyrgyzstan. More than 1,000 coats and 200 blankets were given to Kyrgyz Republic citizens in need at two simultaneous distributions in the city, one being at the Lenin School. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Tracy L. DeMarco)
TRANSIT CENTER AT MANAS, Kyrgyzstan - Airmen from the Transit Center at Manas traveled to Balykchy, Kyrgyzstan to volunteer for one of the largest Operation Warm and Dry distributions, Jan. 15.
Since Dec. 17, 2011, more than 1,500 blankets and 5,200 jackets, worth $150,000 have been given to men, women and children in areas surrounding the TCM.
Operation Warm and Dry is a humanitarian assistance program that helps give back to the community by purchasing blankets and jackets from local vendors and giving them to those in need.
“I applaud the energy that went into making sure that the purchase of these blankets and jackets benefitted not only those who receive them but the Kyrgyz economy as well,” said Pamela Spratlen, Ambassador of the United States of America to the Kyrgyz Republic.
The Ambassador also shared her appreciation for the relationship between the Kyrgyz Republic and the U.S.
“I arrived here about eight months ago and since then I have been impressed in all of my travels around the country at how much the U.S. and Kyrgyzstan are able to do together,” Spratlen said. “Being a part of something bigger than ourselves simply feels good and feels right.”
Balykchy was the 32nd site of 49 for the Operation Warm and Dry distribution. Volunteers took time out of their busy schedules to ensure Kyrgyz citizens would receive their jackets and blankets.
Airman 1st Class Juliana Guzman, 376th Expeditionary Force Support Squadron quality assurance evaluator deployed from the 146th Airlift Wing, Calif., was excited to volunteer in the day’s event.
“Being able to give back to the community is an amazing feeling,” Guzman said. “When I heard we would be giving out more than 1,000 jackets, I jumped at the chance to volunteer.”
Mirlan Boobekor, mayor of Balykchy expressed his sincere gratitude to those who volunteered.
“I am so happy that the relationship between these two countries is developing in a positive way,” he said. “We want to continue our relationship and development with the United States.”
Col. James Jacobson, 376th Air Expeditionary Wing commander, attending his first Operation Warm and Dry distribution, shared his personal thoughts on the relationship between the Kyrgyz Republic and the United States.
“I am pleased to share this important event with you today which demonstrates the U.S. commitment to a lasting partnership with the people of Kyrgyzstan,” Jacobson said. “As your friends, it remains our goal to advance our partnership with you.”
Recent Comments