Rayfield

A U.nited States. Air Force medical and dental team and members of the Royal Thai Air Force participated in a humanitarian mission at Thairat 72 College in Udon Thani on Feb. 6, 2007.

This was the second civil-action project and the 1st in northern Thailand performed in the course of physical exercise Cope Tiger 2007. Cope Tiger is a single of the annual joint Thai-US exercises that are commonly referred to as war games but in reality are joint training missions and humanitarian assistance.

According to Royal Thai Air Force Capt. Mathin Piyaamornmatha, the people today right here have no chance to obtain medicine mainly because they are in the country far from the city and they have no income.

"Today they see that the U.S. is friendly, and they have a chance to have medicine," said Captain Piyaamornmatha.

Not only did the students and local neighborhood members get medicine, they were treated to foot massages, hair cuts, a concert by members of the Royal Thai Air Force's 23rd Wing and a demonstration of tarkaw (a cross amongst volleyball and soccer). Amid all the festivities, the healthcare teams from U.S. Air Force units in Japan performed dental and eye exams.

"We get a chance to take a little youngster out of pain, which gives them a opportunity to concentrate on studying," mentioned Capt. Alan Neal of the 35th Dental Squadron at Misawa Air Base Japan.

Captain Neal said this event is even more than just pulling teeth or checking eyesight it is a two-way street of sharing.

"It is about constructing a partnership of trust," Captain Neal mentioned.

"This is a opportunity for the Thais to get a firsthand practical experience as to what variety of folks make up the American military," said Senior Airman Joseph Reed, a satellite technician with the 18th Communications Squadron at Kadena AB, Japan. "Hopefully, they will know that men and women from other components of the world care about them and their future."

"Who knows? Our check out may well inspire them to become dentists or expand their education," added Captain Neal.

"This was an eye-opening practical experience," stated Senior Airman Hilary Easkin, a dental assistant from the 35th Dental Squadron at Misawa AB. "I came away with an appreciation for our job and our capacity to guide these men and women. They were fairly appreciative of our help and we have been grateful for their hospitality and the opportunity to support them."

Lt. Col. Michael Akiona, the 13th Air Expeditionary Group commander and KC-135 detachment commander, noted that the gifts given to the college are tokens of friendship in between Thailand and the United States.

"We appear forward to Cope Tiger to renew our friendship," he mentioned.

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If you have ever participated in a goodwill mission like this, then you know that you come away feeling far better than the individuals that you treated.