‘American family’ makes memories for local children

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Tim Helton
  • Kosovo Force Press Office
PRISTINA, Kosovo (AFPN) --  Gifts, pizza, candy, laughs, smiles and basketball. This could be a typical weekend at most people’s homes; however, this was a special day for the children of the Pristina Mother and Child Center here.

As the children anxiously waited, the Kosovo Force vehicle pulled to the gate. Some 20 little hands went out to greet the six U.S. servicemembers who showed up to share their afternoon.

The center opened in 1999 to offer shelter for children who had lost one or both of their parents during the Kosovo conflict. It has since been a safe haven for nearly 200 children ages 4 to 14 years.

“This center offers our American force an opportunity to get away from their jobs and really see why they are in this country,” said Lt. Col. Diane Reese, 401st Air Expeditionary Wing Detachment 2 commander. “They can interact with children and mothers whose quality of life depends on what we do now and in the future. It’s amazing talking with these children, knowing what they lived through and how hard their lives are and yet they are so cheerful and nice. When we leave after a visit, we know we made a difference in their lives today.”

For the past four years, the faces have changed, but the mission has not. The American family, made up of nearly 100 U.S. Airmen, Soldiers and Sailors, has made it a point to visit and bring compassion, happiness and a better life to center residents.

During a recent visit, after the broken English introductions and a brief tour, the sight of candy and boxes broke any language barrier. Six servicemembers were being bombarded with hands trying to get their share of the American treats and look through the boxes, which held toys and stuffed animals.

“This is a very worthwhile opportunity because it allows us to help,” said Tech. Sgt. Ernie Kindle, the KFOR disbursing noncommissioned officer. “It fosters good will with the children and shows both the kids and adults that Americans are not just about making war, and we care about people regardless of their beliefs or ethnicity.”

For Sergeant Kindle, the newness of his surroundings was quickly lost when 5-year-old Aragon needed help adjusting his newly acquired scooter. Without saying much, Sergeant Kindle readied the scooter the boy’s first ride.

“He’s doing pretty well,” the sergeant said. “Now it’s on to the basketball game.”

And so it went, games, discussions and water being splashed in the hot summer sun until the pizza arrived. The center director said many of the children do not get to eat enough during the week, so when the American family brings pizza, it is a real treat.

Sergeant Kindle, who was visiting the center for the first time, said the center still needs attention, and he would be back to help.

“I’m happy to see somebody has taken the time to assist the children and these mothers in trying to better their lives, but this center overall still needs a lot of help,” he said. “It’s important [that] we show the people of Kosovo we are not only here to do a job, but we really care about them and their future. This is a great place to start.”