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.