U.S. General Officers Visit Kyrgyz School

376th Air Expeditionary Wing  By Staff Sgt. Carolyn Viss

02.09.2010  TRANSIT CENTER AT MANAS, Kyrgyzstan -- What's the one thing that will inevitably make a grown woman burst into tears? Airmen from the Transit Center at Manas, Kyrgyzstan, including Gen. Donald Hoffman, commander of Air Force Materiel Command, found out the answer, Feb. 9.

They handed out clothing - including warm coats, gloves and hats - to elementary school children of the Grozd School in Grozd Village, Kyrgyzstan.

"Thank you for helping us during such a hard time," said one mother through her tears. She continued by wishing U.S. Airmen prosperity, peace, and stability in the whole world.

Also in attendance were Maj. Gen. Polly Peyer, commander, Warner Robins Air Logistics Center, Air Force Materiel Command, Robins Air Force Base, Ga.; Maj. Gen. David Gillett, commander, Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center, Tinker Air Force Base, Okla.; Maj. Gen. Kathleen Close, director, Logistics and Sustainment, Headquarters Air Force Materiel Command, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio; Maj. Gen. David Eichhorn, commander, Air Force Flight Test Center, Edwards Air Force Base, Calif.; and Maj. Gen. Andrew Busch, commander, Ogden Air Logistics Center, Hill Air Force Base, Utah.

With more than 500 students aged 6 to 18 enrolled, the Grozd School is like many in Kyrgyzstan. The school is unheated, so children wear their coats and hats in the classroom. Although temperatures during this day's visit were below freezing, it often dips into the negative temperatures here.

"I am thankful for your visit to this school," said Syrgak Kyolykeer, Head and Mayor of Grozd Village Administration. "We have been friends for many years with the people and personnel from America. On behalf of the all the villagers, I would like to express my gratitude."

The Transit Center at Manas recently spent thousands on new furniture for the school, which is one of the beneficiaries of U.S. Air Forces Central command support. USAFCENT funding and donations from the Manas Area Benefits Outreach Society provide military servicemembers stationed here with the opportunity to build relationships with the local people through service and humanitarian assistance.

"We couldn't bring the whole school out, just some," the Mayor said. "Administrators and teachers identified the most needy children. We will bring more out if we have the opportunity to do so again!"

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