Frontline Generosity: Troops give hand to Polish children's cancer research

Photo By Master Sgt. Rebecca Corey | Members of the Texas Agribusiness Development Team pull a humvee during the Strong Man Competition held on Forward Operating Base Ghazni, Jan 10. The Strong Man Competition was one of several activities held during the 18th Annual Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity, which raised nearly $11,000, to benefit the Children's Oncology Centers in Poland.  

GHAZNI, AFGHANISTAN

01.10.2010

Story by Master Sgt. Sarah Webb 

Combined Joint Task Force - 82 PAO

GHAZNI PROVINCE, Afghanistan — Polish soldiers assigned to Forward Operating Base Ghazni hosted "The Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity", a fundraiser to benefit the Children's Oncology Centers in Poland, Jan 10.

The GOCC, held on the first or second Sunday of the new year, is one of the biggest non-governmental, non-profit charity organizations in Poland. Founded in 1993, its main objective is the health protection for children by providing medical equipment to public hospitals.

The event raised a FOB record of nearly $11,000.

Every year, millions of Polish citizens donate money to the foundation. Between 1993 and 2005, they have collected more than $60 million for public hospitals in Poland.

Polish and American Soldiers, civilians and Afghans residing at the FOB filled cans with donations while events such as auctions, sporting competitions and static displays entertained the attendees.

The auction featured donated items such as reconnaissance forces badges, a beret donated by the Polish Military Contingent commander, t-shirts, caps and portions of broth and Ruthenian dumplings. But, the item that generated the largest donation, in the amount of $780, was a photo taken by the Polish Public Information Officer during a training operation of a Mi-17 helicopter.

Traditionally in Poland, the charity event would end with a firework display. In an attempt to keep with tradition, while still following the blackout rules on the FOB, participants gathered with flashlights and lighters, which they held up to signify "the light to heaven".

• Date Taken: 01.10.2010
• Date Posted: 01.16.2010 09:01
• Story ID: 43965
• Location: GHAZNI, AF