Airmen help South Africans by providing donations

  • Published
  • By Capt. Heather Healy
  • MedFlag Public Affairs
DITHOLO, South Africa (AFPN) --  The road to nearby Kgautswane was dusty and disheartening July 10 for 50 Airmen deployed to South Africa and participating in exercise MedFlag 2004.

As they rode down the remote rural road, they were forced to cover their noses and mouths with their hats to breathe as a brownish cloud filled the bus.

“It’s easy to see how most of the children we’ve seen at the clinics have respiratory problems,” said Capt. Angela Mongillo, a 48th Medical Group pediatric nurse who has spent most of her days in South Africa treating children in several humanitarian-assistance sites near Hoedspruit.

When the dust settled, many Airmen were shocked at the sight.

“It’s kind of emotional,” said Tech. Sgt. Roderick Soares, from the Rhode Island Air National Guard’s 143rd Airlift Wing at Quonset Point. “This isn’t what I expected.”

The bus rolled to a stop in front of the Kgautswane Community Development Center.

According to the U.S. Embassy officials in Pretoria, the center staff is well known for taking care of abandoned children and teaching adults how to cook, garden, sew, make crafts and develop computer skills.

Airmen from the 48th Medical Group at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, spent months before deploying gathering donations to give to a worthy cause while participating in MedFlag 2004, and now it was time to deliver.

Before the donations could be given, the Airmen had to meet Chief Lekgala, leader of the village and its 95,000 inhabitants, said Clera Masilela, the director of the development center.

The Airmen were greeted with warm affection.

“You are welcome here. We are grateful to be meeting people from the United States of America,” said Chief Lekgala. “Please be at home. You coming here will bring good things.”

The Airmen were not the only ones with good things to give. Upon arrival, the group was greeted by smiling children singing songs in their native language.

“I don’t know how you put it into words,” said Maj. Randall Ashmore, of the 48th MDG. “I was very touched, humbled and very grateful that we were able to make a difference in those kids’ lives. I was amazed at what [the center] had done with those children. They had a spirit and an energy about them. It was amazing.”

When the children were done singing, there was a group of nearly 100 people crowding near the Airmen asking for a song in return.

Not surprisingly, no one had prepared for a musical performance; however, talent quickly emerged from the crowd when Tech. Sgt. Victor Grubbs was called to the front of the group.

“There are three words to this song,” Sergeant Grubbs said. “Amen, Amen and Amen.”

With his soulful voice, Sergeant Grubbs led the Airmen and eventually the entire village in a singalong that rivaled any gospel session across the world.

“I was very happy when they called me up to the front of the group. It was one of the few moments I was really glad someone knew I sang,” Sergeant Grubbs said. “When the villagers started joining in, it just reminded me that we’re all alike. It’s just a feeling of unity. My heart just rejoiced that they felt comfortable enough to join in.”

After the singalong, the Airmen filed into lines to unload the 4,000 pounds of donations. Bag after bag of shoes, clothing and toys came off the truck and into the community center.

The road away from Kgautswane is still dusty, but it is also enlightening.

“I look at it from my perspective, being an African-American, and I realize how blessed we are as Americans,” said Tech. Sgt. Paul Thomas, a 48th MDG laboratory technician. “It’s opened my eyes and touched me more than words can ever explain.

“The villagers are content with their lives. They press on with life as is,” he said. “I’m never ever going to complain about my situation or what I do or don’t have ever again. It’s been a true revelation. I hope everybody keeps what they saw today in their hearts. I thank God and the Air Force for letting me experience this.” (Courtesy of U.S. Air Forces in Europe News Service)