School renovation project builds bond between U.S., Kyrgyz Republic
During the Birdik Village School ground-breaking ceremony April 14, Principal Olga Voroshihina (left) shares homemade bread, called nan, with Manas Air Base commander Col. Christopher Bence. The U.S. Ambassador to Kyrgyzstan Tatiana Gfoeller and Birdik Village Mayor Syrgak Kydykeev also broke bread to symbolize peace, prosperity and good progress for the $470,000 project. The colonel is wearing a ceremonial robe called a chapan and a traditional felt hat called a kalpak. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Phyllis Hanson)