USAFE Airmen visit community center

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Armando A. Schwier-Morales
  • 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
CAMPIA TURZII, Romania --  Airmen participating in Dacian Warhawk, a two-week training mission designed to increase the interoperability between U.S. and Romanian air forces, took a break from the roar of the F-16CJ Fighting Falcon to listen to the laughter and cheer of children at a local community center in Romania March 20, 2015.

The Airmen from the 435th Air Ground Operations Wing and 52nd Fighter Wing brought gifts, taught English and played games with more than 50 children attending an after-school education program.

"We went out to the local community to further relations with Campia Turzii by donating our time and effort," said Capt. Christopher Raschke, Det. 1, 435th Contingency Response Group air advisory flight commander. "It was great seeing the look on the kids' faces as they interacted with U.S. personnel and personnel they are not used to seeing. It's an amazing feeling giving gifts and seeing them react to something they haven't had before, it's a feeling you can't explain."

The children are from less-than-fortunate families and attend the program to develop their education. The Airmen played musical chairs, ping pong, hangman, both English and Romanian versions, though not many Airmen won the Romanian version.

The games came to an end and the learning began with Airmen teaching English pronunciation, spelling, vocabulary and some Airmen taught Spanish.

"This is the first time I have seen U.S. volunteers and I am grateful," said Lakavish Alexandrew, community center mediator. "I think the kids like the visit because it's a great way for them to improve and grow up with some education." 

Though Raschke noted that the Airmen had a great time with the children, they eventually had to leave the English lessons behind and return to the flightline to continue training and improving relations between the two nations.