SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- The 52nd Fighter Wing hosted 90 children from local area schools to participate in St. Martin’s Special Children’s Day at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, June 14, 2018.
The annual event offers special-needs children an opportunity to play games in a safe and open environment with the base community.
“This is a great event that gives the base community a chance to interact with children from the local area,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Tad Clark, 52nd FW vice commander. “We look forward to continuing this event for many years to come.”
Approximately 150 volunteers led by the 52nd Civil Engineer Squadron assisted the children in the event, which marked the 26th annual endeavor of its kind since 1992.
In addition to sporting events, a cookout and an awards ceremony another highlight of the day was a basketball game between St. Martin’s School basketball team and volunteers from Spangdahlem Air Base. St. Martin’s School won with a final score of 40-34.
“This event was an opportunity to build a good relationship between us here at Spangdahlem Air Base and the host nation,” said Master Sgt. Francis Mitokpe, 52nd Civil Engineer Squadron heating ventilation air conditioning and refrigeration operations section chief. “The kids had an awesome time and although it took a lot of work and coordination to get the event to run smooth, it was well worth it to watch the children enjoy themselves.”