Airmen cross cultures, generations with babushka visit

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Les Waters
  • 376th Air Expeditionary Wing
MANAS AIR BASE, Kyrgystan (AFPN) --  They are from different continents and generations but, if only for a few hours, Manas Airmen brought joy and smiles to six babushkas during lunch July 27 at a restaurant in nearby Bishkek, Kyrgystan.

These six "grandmothers" are part of the Babushka Adoption Foundation in Bishkek, one of the groups supported by Airmen in the Manas Air Base Outreach Society. 

The foundation is a Kyrgyz nongovernmental organization established with logistical and financial support from the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation. MABOS supports the fund by providing the elderly ladies a $10/month stipend. 

They also give them a variety of toiletries, clothing items and food. Additionally, the ladies are treated to lunch at a local restaurant where they can visit with MABOS volunteers. 

This is the part Staff Sgt. Rachel Varelas, a chaplain assistant with the 376th Air Expeditionary Wing, enjoys. It is her third babushka trip and she has a personal reason for participating. 

"There is very special place in my heart for the elderly," said Sergeant Varelas. "I choose to spend time with the babushkas because I no longer have a grandmother. Both my grandmother's have passed away and by spending time with these ladies, I feel like I am still sharing a part of my life with someone." 

With the help of translators, MABOS Airmen share pictures and stories of their families with the babushkas. The babushkas, in turn, share their experiences and with each of the ladies being older than 80, and one, Olga, celebrating her 90th birthday recently, it means there is plenty of material to discuss. 

"They enjoy hearing about our families," said Senior Master Sgt. Sharon O'Connor, the 376th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron first sergeant and a focus group leader. "They have some wonderful life experiences and are willing to share them with us." 

"I love to hear all the stories of stuff the babushkas have experienced in their lifetime," said Staff Sgt. Jorge Davila, a 376 ESFS military working dog handler. "The babushkas are great to talk to. They love to laugh and I feel we make a big difference because this lets them come out and talk to people and also visit with their friends. The reason I like to go is because one of the babushkas, Maria, says I remind her so much of her son who passed away many years ago. I'm glad I can bring a smile to her face." 

The animated discussion makes time pass quickly, and all too soon it is time to go. As the group and the ladies exchanged hugs and kisses, and even a few tears, the talk turns to when the group will return. 

"These visits are very important to the babushkas," said Airman 1st Class Ashley Babin, 376th Expeditionary Services Squadron. "This is something they look forward to." 

And that is something else they have in common. 

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