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Allied forces at their best

Feb. 26, 2003

By Maj. Valerie Trefts
Cope Tiger Public Affairs

KORAT AIR BASE, THAILAND - Three countries that are "battling it out" above the skies over Thailand during the annual two-week multi-lateral Exercise Cope Tiger 03 are doing more than just honing their combat skills - they are improving the lives of Thai school children.

Servicemembers from the U.S. Air Force, Marine Corps, the Royal Thai air force and the Republic of Singapore air force gave several thousand dollars of much needed supplies to a rural middle school south of Korat.

Through charitable donations of the deployed servicemembers and a $500 donation from the Andersen Air Force Base Officers Spouses Club, Guam, the U.S. forces purchased more than $800 of medical and school supplies, athletic equipment, a refrigerator, color TV and VCR. The Singapore forces donated desks, chairs, science equipment and two computers, and the Thai forces purchased bulk food items.

"It was a wonderful event," said Master Sgt. Stanley Gohl, from Elmendorf AFB, Alaska, first sergeant for deployed U.S. Air Force servicemembers. Gohl was part of the advance team that surveyed the 60-year-old school to determine what supplies were needed. "I was shocked to discover the school's only medical supplies were a roll of gauze and tape. Most of the classrooms were lacking every type of school supply and many rooms were without desks and chairs."

After the donations were gathered, the school hosted a celebration attended by 70 Cope Tiger participants representing the three nations and more than 100 local citizens. Servicemembers were served a traditional Thai lunch then had the chance to interact with the students. Though few of the children, aged 4-14, could speak English, communication took place through smiles and gestures.

"A key part of the Cope Tiger exercise is to build and cultivate relationships with our regional partners and the local community," said Col. Jeff LeVault, from Andersen AFB, Cope Tiger U.S. forces commander. "Thailand is a beautiful country and the Thais have been very gracious hosts. Helping where we can is the right thing to do."

More than 400 U.S. service members from eight bases, and 600 Thai and Singapore forces are participating in Cope Tiger Feb. 14 - 28. (PACAFNS)