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CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait (February 9, 2009) - On
Jan. 31 Kuwaiti students from the America-Mideast Educational and
Training Services Program visited Camp Arifjan, Kuwait.
AMIDEAST is an after school program where students learn English
and participate in events to help their community and is one of the
many local programs ASG Kuwait works with in order to build good
will capital.
The students spent the day with Soldiers, Airmen and Sailors
from the 92nd Chemical Company, 217th Ordnance Company and the Area
Support Group K9 Division as well as volunteer Soldiers, NCOs and
Officers from other units.
The purpose of the children coming to Camp Arifjan was for them
to gain a better understanding of the English language, help them
with their communication skills, learn about U.S. Forces and what
they do while here in Kuwait.
"One of the goals of the program is to teach the students about
American culture and to foster good host nation relations," said
Darwin Cotton, access coordinator, U.S. Embassy. "This program
helps dispel any preconceived myths about the U.S. military."
The students were welcomed by Lt. Col. Luis Jones, Chief of
Staff, ASG Kuwait. Throughout the day the students learned what it
is like to put on a full chemical suit, fire water from the Falcon
Denomination System and climb inside both the M93 Reconnaissance
vehicle and Quick Reaction Force Humvee.
"They are smiling and laughing and like when we show them
things," said Spc. Lillian Carvajal of 92nd Chemical Company. "It's
a good thing, and I wish we could show them more."
The students also got the opportunity to meet with EOD
representatives and learn about the teams' robots. Spc. Brandon
Colbert and Cpt. Eric Waddell, from the 217th Ordnance Company,
explained what the robots are used for and were available to answer
any questions the students had. Waddell assisted a few of the
students as they donned the bomb suit to feel what it is like to
wear and work in the heavy protective gear. Students were also able
to operate the robots.
The day ended with a demonstration by the ASG K9 Unit.
Demonstrators showed the students how the dogs are trained to act
aggressively when commanded, protect their handlers, perform as
escorts and to sniff out dangerous objects.
"We like to show our audience what the dogs are capable of,"
said Staff Sgt. Eric Magnuson, U.S. Air Force.
During the day, the volunteers also had an opportunity to learn
about the Kuwaiti children, who they found were not much different
from the teenagers in the U.S. During lunch, many students
expressed the desire to become doctors, businessmen and even music
teachers.
"By speaking with these kids I think that many of them have the
drive they need to accomplish their goals as long as they remain
focused," said Sgt. 1st Class Linda Johnson, 160th Signal
Brigade.
"The volunteer outreach program was started in April of 2008,"
said 1st Lt. Erika Couturier, ASG-KU organizer for the event. "ASG
Kuwait initiated a volunteer and charitable activities program as a
means of fostering the relationship with the Government and people
of Kuwait."
This program is important because it allows Kuwait's future
leaders to see first-hand why U.S. Forces are here.
"I hope the kids got a better understanding of what we do and
that we are here for the safety and protection of others," said
Seaman Sara Sargent, U.S. Navy.
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