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Recently, 51 Airmen from the 86th Security Forces Squadron volunteered their off-duty time at the Landstuhl Kinderheim Orphanage. The orphanage is home to 61 children ranging from 3 months to 18 years old.
The visit, their second this summer, was a chance for the squadron’s honorary little brothers and sisters to get a first-hand look at some American traditions, have a little fun and view up close the tools 86th SFS uses to police the KMC.
Led by Master Sgt. Kendrick Lucas, events held included face painting, games, cake decorating and an opportunity to learn how to play baseball. Members of the squadron’s softball team, including Tech. Sgt. Daryl Allen, brought their A-game.
“It’s great to come out and help mentor these kids,” Allen said. “For many, it was their first time playing the sport. Overall, the group did pretty well.”
Military working dog Olivia and three of the squadron’s K-9 officers put on a presentation of K-9 patrol tactics, demonstrating the intense obedience the dog and handler team must build.
The officers also brought along a patrol vehicle and let the children climb inside.
“The visit was a great opportunity to reach out to the local community,” said Staff Sgt. Greg Mobley, trainer with the K-9 section. “The kids really enjoyed the demonstration. They also had fun testing out the lights and sirens on the
truck.”
Instead of baseball gloves, Tech. Sgt. Shawn Jones and members of his section donned work clothes and picked up paint brushes.
They spent the afternoon repainting rooms in the home’s recreation building. Their efforts went a long way toward improving the atmosphere in which many of the home’s children will spend their recess time this school year.
The day was topped off with a barbecue of both traditional German and American food.
Lucas said he plans to hold another squadron visit around Christmas time.
“Events like these go a long way to strengthen the bond between the United States and Germany in the KMC,” he said.
