425th ABS, NATO members reach out to local children’s hospital

  • Published
  • By Tanju Varlikli
  • 425th Air Base Squadron Host Nation Adviser
IZMIR, Turkey --  Service members from the 425th Air Base Squadron and NATO, along with local national volunteers from the Izmir civilian community, reached out to a children's hospital Jan. 23 in Izmir, Turkey.

The volunteers handed out children's books, coloring books, colored pencils, crayons and puzzles to more than 100 children who were being treated for a variety of different medical reasons in wards that included oncology, pediatric surgery and the infectious diseases units.

"The visit was an uplifting occasion and a lot of people volunteered their time to get this important outreach program done," said Capt. David Bresser, 425th ABS director of operations.

The community prepared for about a month for the outreach collecting more than 300 gift items that were delivered along with the donations made by the 425th ABS and NATO service members.

Upon arrival at the children's hospital, visitors were greeted with smiling faces in the hospital wards as they interacted with their guests. When the children opened their gifts and saw the gifts presented by military members, there was an inexplicable expression on their faces.

Many in attendance said they were moved by the importance of the outreach program to be able to show the kids some caring love from the Izmir military and civilian community, and grateful to be part of such a rewarding experience.

"Several children, who were healthy enough to walk, followed the gift giving entourage through the hallways of the hospital spreading the cheer to other children," said Chaplain (Capt.) Jeremy Bastian, 425th ABS installation chaplain. "This was an extraordinary day and I am touched by the response of all who took the time to do this for these children. This is a memory I know will go with these service men and women who gave so generously for years to come wherever they are assigned around the globe. More importantly, it is something the children will always remember."