Orphanage kids have special day at Soto Cano

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. John Asselin
  • Joint Task Force-Bravo Public Affairs
More than 50 boys from the Hogar de Ninos Nazareth Orphanage in Comayagua spent a day of fun here Aug. 2 thanks to the good hearts of members of the Joint Task Force-Bravo community. 

Nearly 60 Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen volunteered during the day of fun and activities for the boys aged 6-17 years old, sponsored by JTF-Bravo's medical element. 

"These children have very limited resources and we are blessed to be able provide them with a day of fun and caring," said Lt. Col. (Dr.) Gary Piorkowski, event organizer and JTF-Bravo dentist deployed from Tyndall AFB, Fla. 

"In the U.S.," he said, "we take for granted many simple things that we associate with summertime fun: barbeques, swimming pools, going to a movie theater, playing soccer in a lush green field; getting soaked running under a water sprinkler, going to a parade and seeing HUMVEES and ambulances, going to an air show and seeing a helicopter land and meeting the air crew and having our photos taken. 

"Having a base orphanage day provided a slice of all these fun summertime events and a carefree, fun filled, summer day," Doctor Piorkowski said. 

The day of playing and swimming on base wasn't just a fun time for the children, but also enjoyable and rewarding for the volunteers. 

"I enjoy being a part of making others happy," said Army Sgt. 1st Class Michael Sellars, mental health NCOIC deployed from Ft. Jackson, S.C. "To see a child smile touches my heart. Playing with them releases my inner child. What better way to spend a day." 

For others, it was some interaction they miss being away from their families. 

"I have kids of my own, and I think that motivates me to do these kinds of things," said Capt. Dennis Spencer, a physician assistant deployed from Elmendorf AFB, Alaska. "No military ulterior motive at all, I just really enjoy giving back to these kids who have very little and appreciate your efforts so much. If my kids were in this situation, I would hope there would be folks out there willing to do these sorts of things for them."

Comment on this story (comments may be published on Air Force Link)

View the comments/letters page