Wolf Pack celebrates 45 years of volunteering at local Orphanage

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Marcus B. Morris
KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  Volunteers from the 8th Fighter Wing held a special sports day for local children from the Ilmagwon Orphanage at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, May 11, 2013.

More than 60 Airmen and 58 children participated in events such as soccer, baseball and basketball. The youth were also treated to a special display by the 8th Civil Engineer Squadron firefighters, where they got an up close look at their equipment; As well as a demonstration from the 8th Security Forces Squadron military working dog unit.

Chief Master Sgt. Phillip Robinson, 8th FW command chief, highlighted the effect this type of event has on the children and community.

"These children are no different from those back home," Robinson explained. "It is good to make them feel special and to give back to the community."

Airmen from Kunsan have been interacting with the Ilmagwon Orphanage since 1968. With the weather warming up, the Air Force Sergeants Association thought it would be great to sponsor the children onto the base for some fun in the sun.

Tech Sgt. Lisa Slater, 8th Operations Support Squadron, also a member of the Air Force Sergeants Association, helped get the event started.

"I saw this done on my first tour in 2010 and I wanted to revive this event, Slater said. "So I made a couple phone calls and sent an email and the volunteers poured in and did the rest."

Mr. David Kim, director of staff of Ilmagwon Orphanage, was very happy with the outcome of sports day for the youth.

"Thank you very much for your invitation, all of the children love coming here annually," Kim said. "These events help strengthen the bond between the Airmen and community, as well as help the children build better social skills with others."