Cope Tiger 13 participants donate to school, receive smiles

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Jake Bailey
  • Cope Tiger 13 Public Affairs
KORAT ROYAL THAI AIR FORCE BASE, Thailand --  More than 40 Cope Tiger 13 participants from the U.S., Thailand and Singapore launched a mission today that focused not on large force employment operations, but instead, reached out to engage the local community here March 13.

Airmen from each country generously donated computer equipment, school supplies, athletic gear and their goodwill to students at Ban Palai School in Nakhon Ratchasima Province.

In return, the Airmen were welcomed by Thai cultural performances and the warm hospitality of their hosts.

Upon arriving at the school, Cope Tiger 13 exercise directors put the finishing touches on a hand-painted mural and then planted cassia tree saplings to symbolize their commitment to multilateral growth and prosperity.

U.S. Air Force Col. Peter Milohnic, director of U.S. exercise forces at Cope Tiger 13, weighed in on the importance of building and maintaining close relations with the community.

"Because we are a microcosm of our society, I think we feel at home and abroad that it's very important to get out to the local community and let them know what we do in the military," he said. "We are here to support and provide peace and prosperity to the region, and it's important to let the folks know that this is an aspect of military life and culture that we live and breathe everyday"

Despite the intense summer heat, students and service members gathered under the shade of the school's outdoor cafeteria to enjoy Thai cuisine.

"The food was really interesting, we got to try a lot of new things," said Staff Sgt. Ronald Abbate, a contracting officer assigned to the 374th Contracting Squadron at Yokota Air Base, Japan. "I think that these sort of interactions only strengthen our bond with our neighbors."

As they departed the school, the Airmen agreed that the visiting the school would be a lasting memory and a highlight of their experience at Cope Tiger 13.

"It's been one of the best experiences I've had in the Air Force so far," Abbate said.

CT13 is a multilateral combined/joint exercise involving the U.S., Thailand and Singapore. It is designed to improve U.S., Thai and Singaporean combined readiness and interoperability.