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

  • Published
  • By Tanju Varlikli
  • 425th Air Base Squadron Host Nation Advisor
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  NATO and 425th Air Base Squadron reached out to a local girls care and rehabilitation center Nov. 16 in an effort to plant seedlings, flowers and trees 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.

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.

"It was a very rewarding experience to be able to give back to the local community," said Staff Sgt. Bassel Noori, 425th ABS communications. "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. 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, trees and seedlings being delivered to the center by three dozen Airmen and Soldiers, as well as local and U.S. civilians.

Visitors were greeted with smiling faces in the center's garden. Prior to the planting of flowers, all girls present wore t-shirts that had the following motto on them: Digging Deep - To Make a Difference.

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

"We give a special thanks to all those who contributed to the care and rehabilitation center outreach," said Chaplain (Capt.) Eusebia Rios, 425th Air Base Squadron chaplain. "During the landscaping outreach, the girls, the staff and volunteers shared in a rare and rewarding opportunity to make a difference within the community."

Interaction between the orphanages, care and rehabilitation centers, and the Izmir military community should continue beyond the holiday season, according to Chaplain Rios. Many in attendance were moved by the importance of the outreach program and grateful to be part of such a rewarding experience.