Afghan, NATO forces help bring supplies to build Afghan orphanage

  • Published
  • By Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Vladimir V. Potapenko
  • 438th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
BAHARAK, Afghanistan (AFNS) --  Members of the Afghan Air Force with support from NATO Air Training Command - Afghanistan members, delivered more than 1,000 kilograms of aid here during a humanitarian assistance mission Nov. 11.

Supplying beds, heaters, toys as well as school supplies, the mission is another step towards the goal of constructing and supplying an orphanage in the area.

"The NATO forces aren't here just to enforce rules, we're here to help build to help build a new Afghanistan -- one that's helpful to the people," said Lt. Col. Bernard Willi, the deputy commander for the 438th Air Expeditionary Advisory Group.

The 1,000 kilograms distributed during this second humanitarian visit here brings the total aid delivered to the village to more than 3,000 kilograms.

With the orphanage still in its infancy, officials plan to send more aid to the region; and this continued and consistent effort to help that has locals thankful for the Afghan and NATO presence.

"Our people appreciate anytime you (Afghan National Security Force and NATO members) come here and help the people," said Jan Agha Jaheed, the Baharak social services director.

And it is help for the children that Jaheed and the locals feel is most satisfying. "We feel very happy and successful because when the children are happy, we, in fact, are happy," he said.

The fact that AAF and NATO forces can come and visit Baharak is a point of satisfaction in and of itself, Mr. Jaheed said.

"Anytime you can come here safely, and go back safely, that for us creates pride," he said.

Not only beneficial for the ones receiving the aid, the mission is a reminder to troops of the significance of their service.

"It's a good experience coming out and actually seeing how what we do for the Afghanistan air force, and Afghanistan itself gives back to the community," said Tech. Sgt. Ernel Carty, an avionics adviser for the 440th Air Expeditionary Advisory Squadron.

"What I'm used to in the states is everybody has everything: kids have parents and they don't have to want for much, but here it is kind of hard for the kids and they don't have much, so it's good to help out where we can," Sergeant Carty said.