Cope Tiger participants provide humanitarian assistance

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Betty Squatrito-Martin
  • 154th Wing Public Affairs
KORAT ROYAL THAI AIR BASE, Thailand (AFNEWS) --  Servicemembers from the United States, Thailand and Republic of Singapore took part in a humanitarian mission during Cope Tiger 2007 Jan. 30 at a Thai school.

"It is an incredible feeling to come into an area like this and make an impact, show off the humanitarian side of the U.S. Air Force and forge lasting friendships in the Pacific," said Capt. Alan Neal, a dentist from the 35th Dental Squadron at Misawa Air Base, Japan.

Captain Neal and other medical members from the U.S., Thai and Singapore air forces performed medical, dental and eye exams for members of the Ban Chaimongkon School community.

Senior Airman Elizabeth Auster of the 15th Aeromedical Dental Squadron from Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, said the dentists were teaching the children preventative tooth care measures to ensure their teeth would be taken care of in the future.

In addition to dental exams, the medical team members offered basic services such as blood pressure checks, tooth extractions, eye exams and prescriptions for glasses. They also distributed medicines such as cough syrup and antibiotics as needed.

Medical services were not the only gift of the day. The multinational military members also donated educational supplies to the school.

"The school is in much need of computers, so we have quite a bit of computers for them to use in their computer club," said Master Warrant Officer Mike Pathi of the Republic of Singapore air force.

U.S. Airmen, Sailors and Marines presented the school with a digital projector and sporting goods.

"All that is received is greatly appreciated," said Anong Tangklang, the school director.

It wasn't just a day of goods and services; it was also a day of smiles, laughter, goodwill and new relationships.

"I feel great being here; it's a great experience," said Senior Airman Joel Peace, an oral surgery technician from the 18th Dental Squadron at Kadena AB, Japan. "The people are very nice, the kids are cute -- all smiles -- and it gives us a chance to bond with the Thai."

"It is so good to see the kids smile. You just want to hug them," Airman Auster said.

The children would quickly gather around the dental staff wherever they went and were treated to spontaneous singing performances from some of the Airmen.

"This is a good chance to improve relations with Thailand. It is an amazing experience," said Maj. Carlos Cebollero, a 374th Medical Group optometrist from Yokota AB, Japan. "It is a good chance to show people we do something other than war."

"It makes me feel good. It makes me feel happy," said Yindee Lerdking, an elderly patient seen by the medical team.

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