SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- A slight gesture can go a long way, as Airmen from the 131st Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, Romania, found out when they visited a local Romanian orphanage in late July 2018.
The event featured several U.S. Air Force Airmen and members of the local church working together to better the living quarters of the orphanage and spend quality time with the children. The ages of the kids ranged from 5 to 19 years old.
“We had so many 131st EFS volunteers show up, we were basically tripping over each other while painting,” said Master Sgt. Erin Barr, 131st EFS First Sergeant. “We also had some members from the local church, including some other kids, join us for lunch.”
The Airmen made it a priority to show the children they cared about them and their environment. They painted the orphanage’s kitchen, living room, basement and some other outside areas. One Airman, an electrician, fixed all the lighting as well. They were able to raise enough money to give each kid a backpack filled with school supplies and a new outfit that included a pair of shoes for school.
These small gestures were intended to make an impact with the children and surrounding community. While talking to one of the caretakers, Barr realized just how big that impact was after talking to Lily Muresan, the caretaker of the children in the orphanage.
“The children were so happy to get brand new backpacks,” said Muresan. “They often receive used backpacks, which makes them stand out amongst their peers at the beginning of a new school year. This year that will not be a problem.”
This visit not only had an impact on the children and the community, but on the Airmen as well.
“It’s always important for the military to integrate themselves into the community,” said Barr. “We are NATO partners with Romania. This stretches beyond working with the Romanian Air Force. We want those in the community to know we care about them and know we have an interest in their general well-being. It’s unfortunate our efforts can only help a few, but when the young are the investment, it has the potential to have an everlasting impact that can spread to others in the future.”
The 131st EFS intend to have one more fundraiser before they depart the area. The money raised will be able to provide the orphanage with a washer, dryer and stove. The Munitions Flight has also taken the time to build and paint a cornhole set which will soon be delivered to the kids.