Yokota maintainer video chats with son's class about Operation Tomodachi

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. J.G. Buzanowski
  • 374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan (AFNS) --  An Alabama school teacher had been discussing with his sixth-grade class the recent natural disasters in Japan.

When the students wanted to know how the U.S. is helping the recovery efforts, Jeff Rhodus was at a loss.

"We could ask my dad," offered one student, 12-year-old Miland Myers. "He's stationed there."

And so began the effort to set up a video teleconference March 25 between Tech. Sgt. Jason Myers and two classrooms of students at Elsanor Elementary in Robertsdale, Ala.

Myers chatted with the students for 45 minutes about the American response to help the people of Japan, dubbed Operation Tomodachi, meaning "friends" in Japanese.

Their questions ranged from how it feels to be in an earthquake and the number of aftershocks, to whether kids were still going to school and how people in the U.S. can help from back home.

"They were surprisingly inquisitive for a bunch of 12 year olds," said Myers, a structural maintainer with the 374th Maintenance Squadron. "They had genuine concern for the people of Japan. It showed me they didn't just care about video games and that their teacher was helping them connect to world events."

Students took turns asking their questions and Myers did his best to answer them.

One girl, Danielle, wanted to know how long it might take the Japanese to recover from the disasters.

"I honestly don't know," Myers admitted, "but the Japanese people are very resilient and resourceful people. My guess is that they'll come back stronger than they ever were. It's a long road ahead, but we'll help them with whatever we can."

Overall, Myers said he wanted the students to be aware of the strong partnership between the U.S. and Japan.

"It's important for people back home to see that the military isn't just about fighting wars, but also about helping people," he said. "I had a good time talking with the kids and helping them understand what the Air Force does and why we're here.

"This is a big, world event," Myers added. "Now those kids have some connection and experience to it. I really hope they got something out of it. I know I did."

After the March 11 earthquake, Myers and his wife helped collect clothing items to be donated to people in Niigata Prefecture, about 115 miles northeast of Yokota Air Base.

"When this all happened, we were all recalled to work and I told my troops, 'Okay everyone, this is what we do and why we're here. These are our friends and they need us right now. Let's get to work,'" Myers said.

The faculty members at Elsanor had a similar response and are starting a drive at their school to raise money for the relief efforts in Japan.

"Talking with the students has given our class a better perspective on what's happening in that part of the world," said Mr. Rhodus, whose own son is in the Air Force and stationed in Italy. "Thank you, Sergeant Myers; you've given us a lot to think about today."