Manas Airmen make memorable bonds with Kyrgyz children

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Phyllis Hanson
  • 376th Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
MANAS AIR BASE, Kyrgyzstan (AFNS) --  The more than 250 children at the Belovodsk orphanage just north of Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, do not know what is beyond the high walls where they live, but inside their humble dwellings, their world is full of laughter, joy, kindness and amazement.  But, sometimes, there is sadness.

About twice per month, Manas Air Base Outreach Society members visit with the children to extend a hand of generosity and friendship. Not one of the children ages 4 years to 18 would turn down a hug, a sticker or a lollipop. Whenever they receive such gifts, there is a smile on even the saddest faces in the orphanage.

When Airmen visit, they bring boxes of clothing, diapers and other donated necessities and are greeted with children's laughter and hugs. 

"The trip was fun and eventful. I feel that we actually make an impact on the children's lives," said Airman Amir Mustafa of the 376th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron deployed from Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho. "Going on this visit made me see that some people don't realize how privileged they are compared to these children."

Within a matter of minutes, most of the children had already put stickers on their hands and faces. A new Frisbee zips back and forth between an Airman and a young boy who, despite his crippled right arm, can catch and return as well. A soccer ball gets its fair share of kicks across the snowy play yard while a frenzy of snowman building begins. Then, it was onto sledding where old plastic sheets substituted as a sled.

Some of the children at the orphanage have disabilities that won't allow them to ever leave their beds, but that doesn't stop them from expressing happiness when Airmen come to visit.

"When I first deployed to Manas, I saw an e-mail about the MABOS organization and it caught my interest," said Tech. Sgt. Jennifer Nalls, 376th Expeditionary Contracting Squadron. "I love kids and I loved my first experience with the orphanage. I was hooked after that. I love the fact that I can run around with them and play. I love that they are so grateful for the time we share with them."

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