NATO and 425th Air Base Squadron reach out to a local girls' care and rehabilitation center

  • Published
  • By Tanju Varlikli
  • 425th Air Base Squadron
IZMIR AIR STATION, Turkey --  NATO and 425th Air Base Squadron reached out to a local girls' care and rehabilitation center June 6 in an effort to plant seedlings, flowers, fruits and vegetables as part of a landscaping project. Upon the squadron's request, the girls' care and rehabilitation center administration provided a wish list of items for the landscaping project of the garden.

"A lot of people volunteered their time to accomplish this important outreach program," said Lt. Col. John Thomas, 425th Air Base Squadron commander. "This outreach was quite an occasion for the girls as well as our community members. The support received from Team Izmir members for this project was heartfelt and overwhelming."

Generous members of the Izmir military community from both the NATO Land Command and 425th ABS checked off every item on the list and more.

During the landscaping outreach, the girls, the staff, and volunteers shared in a rare and rewarding opportunity to make a difference within community.

"It was a very rewarding experience to be able to give back to the local community.  The rehabilitation center opened their doors to us, and we were able to make a small difference that hopefully impacts their lives in a positive way," said Tech. Sgt. Nancy Rouse, 425th ABS commander's support staff. "I'll never forget this experience, and how we all came together as a team and as good ambassadors."

The efforts, headed up by the chaplain's office, resulted in a truck full of flowers, seedlings, fruits and vegetables being delivered to the center by a dozen Airmen and Soldiers, as well as local and U.S. civilians.

After helping carry the flowers with their visitors, all started the landscaping project with the planting of seedlings and flowers after the welcome remarks of the girls' care and rehabilitation center director.

"We came together to sow seeds of friendship, plated with love and care, knowing the harvest of deeply cherished relationships will continue for many, many years to come," said Chaplain Capt. Jeremy Bastian, 425th Air Base Squadron chaplain. "We give special thanks to all those who contributed to the care and rehabilitation center outreach."

Many in attendance were moved by the importance of the outreach program and grateful to be part of such a rewarding experience.