TOY STORY...

Camp Bondsteel soldiers share goodwill and cheer with local children.

by Spc. Taylor Barbaree, Editor, 131st MPAD FERIZAJ/UROSEVAC, Kosovo— Tidings of comfort and joy were spread by Camp Bondsteel soldiers during a visit to a downtown daycare center here recently.

"We are ambassadors of goodwill and are glad to get a chance to help children out in the process," said First Sergeant Daniel S. Walker, Command Sergeant Major, 10th (Mountain Division’s) Soldier Support Battalion (SSB).

Maj. Sam C. Fuson, commander, 10th SSB, noted that the boxed items that Walker and the other soldiers delivered to Ardhmeria Jone (Our Future) Daycare Center were sent from throughout the U.S. "Without assistance from the folks back home, this wouldn’t be possible. We really appreciate their kindness," he said, mentioning that Indiana, Kentucky and Wisconsin had sent most of the items being passed out during their Dec. 27th visit.

"We really appreciate what U.S. soldiers have and continue to do for the children," said Vezire Kryeziu, director of the daycare center that has an average of 238 students (ages 9-months to 6-years old) on a daily basis. "Since the soldiers have been coming here, they have assisted us in getting heat and improving conditions for our buildings. The children really enjoy playing with the soldiers," she said.

Fuson said the origin of the visits and improving conditions at the center began during the previous rotation. "When we took over the mission from rotation 3A, not only did we take over the day-to-day SSB operations of Task Force Falcon, but we assumed the opportunities of looking in on this center," Fuson said. "We are just glad to continue what the previous rotation started. This trip is twofold, not only does it foster goodwill toward this community, but this is a morale booster for my soldiers."

Spc. Aimee Almario, patient administration clerk with TFF Division Surgeon, who tagged along for the morning trip said it was great to get away from work for a little while. "This is my first trip off of Camp Bondsteel where I have interacted with children and I am really having a good time," the 23-year-old from Las Vegas said. "You really begin to feel lonely during this time of the year, but interacting with these children has really lifted my spirits. I am glad that we are doing something nice for them."

Spc. Valarie Arambulo, a personnel service specialist with the 10th SSB had her own feelings about her experiences with the students. "This is great and so much fun," Arambulo said as she played on the floor with 5-year old Rina Hamdin.

"I am glad that we are here and are helping out in some way. It’s a good feeling to see children happy and knowing we had something to do with it. I feel like I made some new friends today."