A break from therapy

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Cohen A. Young
  • Defense Media Activity
MELBOURNE, Australia --  United States Sailors and Airmen took time to visit a children's hospital here March 1, as part of a community outreach event during the Avalon 2011 Australia International Airshow and Aerospace and Defence Exposition.

Five Airmen from the 909th Air Refueling Squadron, Kadena Air Base, Japan, and eight Sailors from the San Diego-based USS Shoup visited the Royal Children's Hospital as one of the many scheduled events that will occur during the airshow, which takes place from March 1-6 just outside of Geelong, Victoria.

Both the Sailors and Airmen arrived the previous day and were eager to get out and meet the community.

"It was great coming out here to see the children," said Tech. Sergeant Roddy, a crew chief assigned to the 909th ARS.

"Despite what they're going through, the children want to know about us and have been outstanding to speak with," he said.

The hospital's young patients were treated to a surprise when the U.S. military members stopped in to see them.

"Today was so awesome," said 10 year-old Celeste, a fifth grader that has brittle bones and is quite small for her age as she herself so described. "I had no idea that they would be here because I was going through my treatments, but when that was done, I was quite excited."

The visit meant a lot to the parents of the children and served as a welcome break for everyone.

"It was lovely having everyone coming here to visit the kids because it helps pass the day," said Jodie Ainsworth, whose daughter was thrilled with the visit by the Sailors and Airmen.

"Chloe was very excited and now has a memento to take home because she has everyone's signature on a card along with some photos," she said.

For children that routinely make the visit to the very busy hospital that is under renovation, the visit helped to take their minds away from the regular hospital routine, perking up their spirits and sparking their imagination.

"I think it's very hard for the children to come into the hospital all of the time and to have some people come in and visit them is good, said Mrs. Ainsworth. "And for them to learn something new about the Army and Air Force is just great. My daughter suffers from Myasthenia Gravis and the unexpected visit definitely takes her mind off what she's going through and helps her enjoy the day here."

More than 25 children had their spirits lifted and their frowns reversed after the visit.

"Today's visit was fun, said Chloe, who has an ailment that requires her to visit the hospital at least once a month. "It was great meeting the people from the U.S. Air Force and Navy and I learned a little about their jobs, which was cool."