SYHLET, Bangladesh –
U.S. and Bangladesh Airmen delivered hundreds of paratroopers and airdrop
bundles to drop zones during Exercise COPE SOUTH 15 this week, but it was a
special delivery that took center stage here Jan. 28. A small contingent of 10
exercise participants took time from a busy flight operations schedule to donate
goods to 100 students at Goainghat Primary School in Syhlet,
Bangladesh.
CS15 personnel delivered school supplies and sporting
equipment to excited children who quickly swarmed the uniformed visitors.
Following the exchange, the children invited their guests to participate in
cultural performances and games.
"We had a great time interacting with
the students," said 1st Lt. Willie Larkins, 374th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron
aircraft maintenance officer from Yokota Air Base, Japan. "This visit represents
our continued commitment to our bilateral partnership and helps cement a
long-lasting friendship with our Bangladeshi friends. It was an opportunity to
give back to our gracious hosts that I'll never forget."
COPE SOUTH aims
to cultivate common bonds, foster goodwill and improve readiness and
compatibility between members of the Bangladesh and U.S. Air Forces.