Photo By Staff Sgt. Kyle Castrovinci | Airman 1st Class Zachary C. Mullins, from the 130th Airlift Wing, West Virginia Air...... read more read more
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By Staff Sgt. Kulani J. Lakanaria
Special Operations Command Forward – North West Africa, Public Affairs
SAINT LOUIS, Senegal – In a small makeshift soccer field next to the ocean, a group of Senegalese children are engaged in an intense game of soccer. Out of nowhere, a lone U.S. Airman shouts for the ball, moves it up the field and passes it to his Senegalese teammate.
The kid shoots and misses but runs up to Elkview, West Virginia, native Airman 1st Class Zachary C. Mullins for the high-five. Mullins is a security forces member with the Security Forces Squadron,130th Airlift Wing, West Virginia Air National Guard.
This was the scene in Saint Louis, Senegal, Feb. 11. Mullins is here as a part of Flintlock 2016. Flintlock is an African-led Special Operations Forces exercise that focuses on security, counter-terrorism, and military humanitarian support to outlying areas. This exercise provides a unique opportunity to enhance regional cooperation and interoperability among partner nations.
“I think Flintlock is a good way to work with the Senegalese Special Operations Forces,” Mullins said. “So far we have been [opposing forces during training] for the Senegalese. The Senegalese are learning a lot from other partner Special Operations Forces that facilitate the training. I have learned a lot watching how the Senegalese operate too.”
Saint Louis is one of the training sites where Flintlock 2016 is taking place. The training spans fivelocations in Senegal and Mauritania.
During his down time Mullins, who is on his first deployment, shares his love of sports with the local children in the area.
“In high school I’ve played football and baseball for all four years,” he said. “I’ve grown up playing sports my whole life, it’s a way of life for me. Back home I don’t play soccer everyday but here it’s their way of life. It’s definitely fun playing soccer with the kids.”
Mullins acknowledged the language barrier but found ways to communicate through soccer.
“Kids are kid wherever you go,” said Mullins. “When I was little I played soccer and I’m happy to pass on what I’ve learned to the children here. I think sports are a great way to build rapport with the locals.
“I thank god for giving me the chance to be a part of Flintlock 2016, he said. It’s been a good experience to see how other people live and it is a great experience that I will always remember.”
| Date Taken: | 02.19.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 02.20.2016 07:41 |
| Story ID: | 189463 |
| Location: | SN |
| Hometown: | ELKVIEW, WV, US |
| Web Views: | 463 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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