Airmen strengthen Kyrgyzstan ties with construction project

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Rochel Goldblatt
  • 376th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron
MANAS AIR BASE, Kyrgyzstan (AFPN) --  Airmen from Manas Air Base volunteered their time May 11 to fill in potholes and other hazardous road safety conditions in and around Oktyabrskoye improving the quality of the roads for the Kyrgyzstan village.

The Airmen from the 376th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron and 376th Expeditionary Comptroller Squadron fixed the roads of Oktyabrskoye, which is one of six villages partnered with Manas Air Base, is located northeast of here. 

The 376th Expeditionary Communications Squadron is also a member of the village partnership team.

During this air expeditionary force rotation, the first priority was to meet with Galina Tereschuck, the village mayor, to determine what aid base members could provide.

Funding is not an issue, Mayor Tereshuck said. Instead, she requested the base provide manpower for much needed facility and road repairs.

While visiting the village kindergarten and high school, volunteers dropped off donations given to them from the Tulare County Library "Read to Succeed" program.

The donations were arranged through Pat Habeck, the Tulare County Program director. Ms. Habeck is the mother of Capt. James Habeck of the 376th ESFS. She arranged with the county library staff to provide the contribution.

"I described my first visit to these schools to my mother and before you know it, I started receiving packages of school supplies from those incredibly generous people," Captain Habeck said. "They're educators and they jumped at the chance to improve the lives of these students in need."

To show their appreciation, the kindergarten kids entertained the base Airmen with skits and dances.

"It was a wonderful experience," said Tech. Sgt. Wayne Tipton, the 376th ESFS NCO in charge of physical security. "The children were energetic and happy."

"Our goal is to provide assistance to the village community as well as fostering a mutual understanding of each others cultures," said Lt. Col Jeffrey Branting, the 376th ESFS commander.

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