Airmen part of combined team bringing smiles to Thai orphans

  • Published
  • By Lance Cpl. Jovane M. Holland
  • Cobra Gold 10 Public Affairs
PATTAYA, Thailand --  To the children exploring the halls and rough housing on the playground, the Mercy Center is much more than just a location. It is a gift; a second chance.

Established in 2000 by Fred and Dianne Doell with the support of the Victory Family Church in Pattaya, the center serves as an emergency shelter for small children who are orphans or at risk of direct abuse or severe neglect.

As an Exercise Cobra Gold 2010 humanitarian civic assistance project, more than 30 U.S. Soldiers and Airmen, along with Republic of Korea Marines and Sailors, visited the center Jan. 30 to play with the children, eat lunch and landscape the area.

One of the Airmen participating was Staff Sgt. Wesley Sutton, a chaplain's assistant assigned to the 15th Airlift Wing at Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam, Hawaii.

"I had a blast with these kids," Sergeant Sutton said. "The fact that they can play and show so much life despite their situation is just amazing."

Members of all the branches of the U.S. military have volunteered at the center while participating in Cobra Gold for more than five years, Ms. Doell said.

"When the Republic of Korean military asked to join them this year, we were thrilled," she said. "We love what we do, but it can be hard, and all the volunteers give us such encouragement with their service."

Cobra Gold 10 represents the first year of the Republic of Korea's participation. Volunteering at the Mercy Center is one of several humanitarian civic assistance projects that are scheduled while the troops are in Thailand.

Sgt. Suhwan Lee, a scout leader with 6th Company, 22nd Battalion, said volunteering was one of the most important responsibilities of the military while participating in Cobra Gold.

"This day was good for us as well as the children," Lee said. "This is a great program. I think all of us felt excited and happy with how it went."

Throughout the day, the 24 children of the center were all smiles as they played soccer and basketball, swung on swings, and had a water balloon fight with the servicemembers.

Although the children started out shy, by the end of the day both groups forged friendships.

"Despite the obvious language barrier between the children and the troops, they understood each other perfectly," said Ms. Doell. "Love has its own language. You don't have to talk to, tickle or play basketball. These children felt every volunteer open their heart to give love, and they gave it right back. They were clearly on the same page."

Sponsored by U.S. Pacific Command and the Royal Thai Supreme Command, Cobra Gold is a three-week exercise that includes a command post exercise, a series of medical and engineering civic action projects, and joint and combined field training.