Deployed Airmen visit South Korean orphanage

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Oshawn Jefferson
  • 3rd Air Expeditionary Group Public Affairs
GWANGJU AIR BASE, South Korea (AFPN) --  More than a dozen Airmen deployed to the 3rd Air Expeditionary Group here joined their South Korean counterparts for a visit to a local orphanage Sept. 24.

Airmen witnessed the smiles, laughter and boundless energy of more than 80 children.

“This was a wonderful opportunity to join with our (South Korean) brothers in blue to share a fun-filled afternoon with the children,” said Col. Dave Watson, 3rd AEG commander. “Since we could not bring our children and families with us on our deployment, it’s nice to come out here and see these smiling faces and get the feeling of home.”

The Americans and South Koreans donated clothes, school supplies, cookies and personal items while F-15E Strike Eagle aircrews brought squadron stickers for the children.

“I have two children of my own, so it’s always nice to put a smile on any kid’s face,” said 1st Lt. Richard Stringer, a 3rd Air Expeditionary Fighter Squadron F-15E pilot. “This was a great experience. I hope we get the chance to come out here and have fun with these kids again.”

The children, who are from throughout South Korea, treated their Air Force guests to dance routines, bowling and balloon races.

“We came out here to put some smiles on their faces and be a blessing to them, and they ended up putting smiles on our faces and being a blessing to us,” said Master Sgt. Frederick Gattling, a 3rd AEG chaplain’s assistant. “This was truly a great time, and it will leave a lasting impression on my life.”

Active-duty, Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve Airmen from more than 25 bases in the United States, and F-15Es from the 90th Fighter Squadron at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, are deployed here as the 3rd AEG Eagles. They are training and becoming familiar with the Korean Peninsula.