Air Force team performs goodwill mission in Thailand

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Betty Squatrito-Martin
  • 154th Wing Public Affairs
UDON THANI, Thailand --  A U.S. Air Force medical and dental team and members from the Royal Thai Air Force participated in a humanitarian mission at Thairat 72 School in Udon Thani, Thailand Feb. 6.

This was the second humanitarian civil action project and the first in northern Thailand conducted during exercise Cope Tiger 2007.

According to Royal Thai Air Force Capt. Mathin Piyaamornmatha, the people here have no chance for medicine because they are in the country far from the city, and they have no money.

"Today they see that the U.S. is friendly, and they have a chance to have medicine," said Captain Piyaamornmatha.

Not only did the students and local community members get medicine, they were treated to a concert by members of the Royal Thai Air Force's 23rd Wing, a Tarkaw demonstration - a game that is a cross between volleyball and soccer, foot massages, hair cuts, and amidst all the festivities, the medical teams from Japan performed dental and eye exams.

"We get a chance to take a small child out of pain, which gives them a chance to concentrate on learning," said Capt. Alan Neal, 35th Dental Squadron, Misawa Air Base Japan.

Captain Neal said this event is more than just pulling teeth or checking eyesight, it is a two-way street of sharing.

"It is about building a relationship of trust," said Captain Neal.

"This is a chance for the Thais to get a firsthand experience as to what type of people make up the American military," said Senior Airman Joseph Reed, a satellite technician with the 18th Communications Squadron, Theater Deployable Communications Unit, Kadena Air Base, Japan. "Hopefully, they will know that people from other parts of the world care about them and their future."

"Who knows? Our visit might inspire them to become dentists or expand their education," added Captain Neal.

"This was an eye-opening experience," said Senior Airman Hilary Easkin, dental assistant, 35th Dental Squadron, Misawa, Japan. "I came away with an appreciation for our job and our ability to help these people. They were very appreciative of our help and we were grateful for their hospitality and the chance to help them."

Lt. Col. Michael Akiona, 13th Air Expeditionary Group commander and KC-135 Detachment Commander, noted that the gifts given to the school are tokens of friendship between the Thailand and the United States.

"We look forward to Cope Tiger to renew our friendship," he added.


(Army Sgt Catherine Talento contributed to this story)