376th Air Expeditionary Wing

Story by Staff Sgt. Olufemi Owolabi

TRANSIT CENTER AT MANAS, Kyrgyzstan -- Airmen at the Transit Center at Manas took more steps to bettering the Kyrgyz economy by purchasing produce from the citizens of Kyrgyzstan, Oct. 27.

Airmen of the 376th Air Expeditionary Wing received the first delivery from local vendors of goods to be used in the dining facilities at the Transit Center.

The delivery, which consisted of fresh fruits, vegetables and bakery products, was part of the efforts Airmen here are doing to use more local businesses to supply goods and services used at the Transit Center.

"This entire effort to use more local Kyrgyz products shows our goodwill to the host nation,' said Maj. Grant Vineyard, the 376th Expeditionary Force Support Squadron commander. "They create good produce here, and I am very excited to be taking part of this first delivery here at the Transit Center."

"The gesture from the Transit Center to improve our economy is very good," said Unisov Mirunus, a local farm manager who was awarded the contract. "I am very excited that I have the chance to deal with the American Transit Center. My farm produces many goods and we have been doing this for years. I am glad to offer our produce to the Americans, and also look forward to building our relationship with them."

The Airmen who sampled fresh apples and different types of bread confirmed that the products were some of the best they had ever tasted.

"I know our transient coalition service members and permanent party personnel here will love these products," Maj. Vineyard said. "This relationship with our Kyrgyz partners benefits their country because as we spend money locally and buy more local products, we are stimulating local businesses. It also shows the citizens of this country that not only do we value being here at the Transit Center, we also enjoy their locally-grown produce as well."

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