Photo By Staff Sgt. Malissa Lott | Tech Sgt. Brian Taylor, 441st Air Expeditionary Squadron EOD team leader hands a...... read more read more
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SOUTHWEST ASIA -- Airmen from the 441st Air Expeditionary Squadron held a clothing drive for local villages displaced by Daesh Feb. 24, 2019.
With the help of support organizations and families from home stations, the 441st AES Focus “5/6” organization was able to provide clothing to displaced children.
“While on patrol, we would see the kids walking around with tennis shoes with holes in them,” said Staff Sgt. Tiffani Martin, 441st AES Security Forces response leader. “Some of them didn’t have shoes and would walk around barefoot.”
Staff Sgt. Bradley Taylor, a 441st AES Explosive Ordinance Disposal team leader, said his team also noticed the displaced families in the local villages. When he brought it up to the 5/6, the team developed a plan to assist these families.
“A lot of kids out here don’t have access to the same amenities we do back in the states,” Taylor said. “They were wearing the same clothes over and over again.”
In addition to getting support from home station, local volunteers made monetary donations which was then converted to the local currency and put back into the local economy to purchase over 200 outfits and stuffed toys.
“We reached out to our partner force commander he came back saying we think these are some villages that might benefit the most,” Martin said.
Nearly $2,000 was put back in to the local economy and approximately 200 children received clothing at six locations.
Martin says this has been the most rewarding experience she’s ever had.
“Not only was it rewarding to see the smiles on their faces, but it was great to do something you know really makes a difference,” she said.
The drive was more than just an opportunity to support surrounding communities. It gave community members a chance to interact closely with Coalition forces.
“Seeing what they go through…we’re going to remember this forever,” Martin said. “If you have the ability to help somebody out, then why now? This is why we’re here. This is why I joined the military.”
| Date Taken: | 03.22.2019 |
| Date Posted: | 04.02.2019 05:19 |
| Story ID: | 316362 |
| Location: | (UNDISCLOSED LOCATION) |
| Web Views: | 34 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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