U.S., Republic of Korea militaries bring smiles to Thai orphans

Photo By Cpl. Jovane Holland | Honolulu native, U.S. Army Capt. Ryan Wardle, a Staff Judge Advocate officer assigned to the U.S. Army, Pacific, Hawaii, gives a resident of the Mercy Center a push on a bicycle during a joint military community relations project, Jan. 30. The U.S. Army and Air Force worked in conjunction with the Republic of Korea Marine Corps and Navy to pull off the event. The combined service members played with the children, attended a lunch banquet cooked by the center and landscaped the area. The fun filled day ended with a water balloon fight. Participating militaries in the Exercise Cobra Gold 2010 are slated to complete various community relations projects while in Thailand. (Photo by: U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Jovane M. Holland)  

PATTAYA, THAILAND

02.04.2010

Courtesy Story

U.S. Army Pacific Public Affairs Office

Story by: Cpl. Jovane M. Holland

PATTAYA, Thailand — To the children exploring the halls and rough housing on the playground, the Mercy Center is much more than just a location. It is a gift; a second chance.

Established in 2000 by Fred and Dianne Doell with the support of the Victory Family Church in Pattaya, the center serves as an emergency shelter for small children who are orphans or at risk of direct abuse or severe neglect.

As a Humanitarian Civic Assistance project, more than 30 U.S. Soldiers and Airmen and Republic of South Korea marines and Sailors visited the center to play with the children, eat lunch and landscape the area.

"The U.S. military, every branch, has been volunteering at the center while participating in Cobra Gold for more than five years," Dianne Doell said. "When the South Korean military asked to join them this year, we were thrilled. We love what we do, but it can be hard, and all the volunteers give us such encouragement with their service."

Exercise Cobra Gold 2010 represents the first year of the Republic of South Korea's participation. Volunteering at the Mercy Center is one of several HCA projects that are scheduled while the troops are in Thailand.

Sgt. Suhwan Lee, a scout leader with 6th Company, 22nd Battalion, said volunteering was one of the most important responsibilities of the military while participating in CG10.

"This day was good for us as well as the children," Lee said. "This is a great program. I think all of us felt excited and happy with how it went."

Throughout the day, the 24 children of the center were all smiles as they played soccer, basketball, swung on swings and had a water balloon fight with the service members.

Although the children started out shy, by the end of the day both groups forged friendships.

"I had a blast with these kids," said U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Wesley Sutton, a chaplain's assistant assigned to the 15th Airlift Wing, based at Hickam Air force Base, Hawaii. "The fact that they can play and show so much life despite their situation is just amazing."

"Despite the obvious language barrier between the children and the troops, they understood each other perfectly," said Dianne Doell.

"Love has its own language," she said. "You don't have to talk to, tickle or play basketball. These children felt every volunteer open their heart to give love, and they gave it right back. They were clearly on the same page."

• Date Taken: 02.04.2010
• Date Posted: 02.04.2010 20:31
• Story ID: 44931
• Location: PATTAYA, TH