Army Capt. James DeCann and Staff Sgt. Luis Badillo, both Bamyan Regional Training Center advisors, sort through 13 boxes of gifts they donated to the local orphanage at Bamyan, December 14. Even though school is out for the winter, the children will use the donated school supplies to practice writing (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Sarah Martinez/released).Two New York soldiers from Regional Support Command-East helped light up the faces of local Bamyan orphans during a visit at the Bamyan, Afghanistan orphanage, December 14.
Captain James DeCann, from Hamlin and Staff Sergeant Luis Badillo, from Saratoga Springs, Bamyan Regional Training Center advisors, dropped off 13 boxes of school supplies, snacks and clothes to 63 local Afghan boys and girls.
The two soldiers were greeted at the front entrance by some of the orphans who helped carry the boxes inside to their dining area.
DeCann and Badillo opened up the boxes and layed the contents on the table for distribution.
The children waited patiently to receive their gifts while Badillo said a few words.
“We reached out to our friends and families in America to help us provide you all with gifts you can use,” said Badillo. “I hope you can use these things to learn and grow to better your future.”
Army Capt. James DeCann and Staff Sgt. Luis Badillo, both Bamyan Regional Training Center advisors, stand with the children of the local orphanage at Bamyan, December 14. The two soldiers donated 13 boxes of school supplies, socks, hats, snacks and toys. (U.S. Air force photo by Staff Sgt. Sarah Martinez/released).All the kids clap and say in unison “Tashakur,” which means “Thank you” in Dari. “We are very happy to get these things,” said the woman in charge. “Everyone will get an equal amount.”
The 63 orphans range from ages five to eighteen. The orphanage has its own library, housing, dining room and kitchen.
Even though school is out, the children at the orphanage still learn and hold classes. Local teachers come to the orphanage to teach the kids different subjects like English, Math and History.
Most of the children can speak, read and write some English. When asked what else they needed, they said they wanted learning books in English.
“These children are a ray of hope in Afghanistan. In what otherwise might have been a very difficult life for them, they are receiving proper care, nutrition, education and a chance to give back and contribute to the development of Afghanistan,” said Col. Rick Nussio, RSC-East commander from Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.
Those wishing to help can send supplies to: SSG Luis Badillo, NZ PRT Bamyan (Attn: RTC Bamyan), Motel 6 Room 109, Bagram Airfield, APO, AE 09354.
