Airmen spread goodwill during Balikatan 2009

  • Published
  • By Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Robert Clowney
  • Marine Forces Pacific Public Affairs
ANGELES CITY, Philippines (AFNS) --  More than 20 Airmen participating in Exercise Balikatan 2009 visited Filipino children at schools and an orphanage April 24 and 25 here.

The Airmen from Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., participating in the exercise took time to spread goodwill to nearly 150 children from the Duyan Ni Maria orphanage and the Sapangbato community center here.

Balikatan, which in English means "shoulder-to-shoulder," is an annual joint bilateral exercise designed to improve U.S. and Philippines combined planning, combat readiness and interoperability including humanitarian assistance and peacekeeping missions throughout the region.

During the Airmen's visit to the Duyan Ni Maria orphanage, they donated school supplies, athletic equipment and toys, and spent time meeting the children who welcomed them with wide smiles.

"Being a part of this kind of event feels great," said Master Sgt. Rosene Goods, the first sergeant for all Air Force personnel participating in Balikatan 2009. "This visit is special for me because I was adopted from the Philippines by a U.S. Marine family. It's indescribable."

In addition to donating the supplies, Airmen raised money among themselves and made a cash contribution to the orphanage.

"Every time the wonderful people of Balikatan come, the children and I are very happy and grateful for the visit and the gifts," said Sister Mary Alessandrina Casas of the Sisters of Mary of the Eucharist, who runs the orphanage.

The air component participation in Balikatan 2009 was planned and organized by 13th Air Force officials at Hickam AFB, Hawaii. This participation includes more than six fighter aircraft and 143 personnel from 30 Air Force specialties.

During a visit to the Sapangbato community venter, Airmen were met by many of the citizens from Angeles City's largest barangay. Madel Manialung, a Sapangbato community leader, explained that this was the first time good Samaritans have come to their village, and he hopes it will continue.

"Before, the people in the village just read about Balikatan. Now, the people are seeing it for themselves and they are happy," Mr. Manialung said. "Just look at the kid's faces. They are elated. You can see the joy."

Tech. Sgt. Derek Smith, a logistics planner, along with Sergeant Goods was instrumental in the Air Forces' participation in these two events.

"It feels good helping out when I can," Sergeant Smith said. "Not for the recognition, but for the satisfaction of helping the less fortunate."

Balikatan 2009, scheduled through April 30, consists of three simultaneous events. Event one includes humanitarian and civic assistance events designed to improve U.S. and Filipino military civic action cooperation. During this event, U.S. and Filipino medical personnel will conduct multiple medical, dental, veterinary and engineering civic action projects.

Phase two is a scenario-based staff exercise that focuses on joint force management at the headquarters levels, while phase three involves cross training and field training exercises.

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