We go together

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Benjamin Stratton
  • 8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  Volunteering isn't just another officer performance report bullet for a dentist in the 8th Medical Operations Squadron here, but an opportunity to share his time with the local community.

"I wanted to do something meaningful," said Capt. (Dr.) David Schindler, 8th MDOS general dentist and infection control officer.

This selfless focus is what made him such a strong candidate for the Korea America Friendship Society Award 2011, which he was awarded at the 20th Annual Korea America Friendship Night in Seoul June 30.

Captain Schindler volunteers as an English teacher at Dangbuk Elementary School, a program supported by the wing's community relations programs.

"I work with first through sixth graders," he said. "It's amazing how much English they already know. They take education very seriously here."

The captain also volunteers with the base chapel as they travel to the Illmagwon Orphanage every week to share a little bit of their time with those less fortunate.

"Working with these kids really helps keep life in perspective," Captain Schindler said. "I think with the children not having any parents, being a Christian, I feel a strong desire to help them out."

"I like to think they know me as an older brother figure," he added.

"We also teach them English in their classrooms," the captain continued. "The time we volunteer with them I think gives them a boost since most of them are in a tough situation."

Captain Schindler personally knows the importance of taking care of those less fortunate, and especially relates to orphans.

"My younger sister was adopted from Russia," he said. "So I know anything we can do to bring out a smile is worth it. See, for me, it's eye opening and makes you appreciate what you have if you do have parents."

In addition to working with children in the local community, the captain also devoted much of his time to working with Republic of Korea Air Force members with their conversational English skills.

"I built a few friendships with some of the guys," Captain Schindler said. "It was great working with them to improve their English. I learned more about their culture and now have a greater appreciation and respect for the sacrifices they make for their country.

"It was really neat finding out we share a lot in common," he continued. "Our peers in ROKAF share a lot of experiences and favorite things. We share a lot more in common than any of us thought."

Though the captain said ROKAF Airmen aren't the only flyboys he enjoys spending time with, Captain Schindler said he couldn't have gotten as far as he did without the outstanding support of his coworkers in dental.

"I'm very excited for him," said Master Sgt. John DeSpain, 8th MDOS dental flight superintendent. "To be able to give back in a humanitarian way and leave a good impression and impact on the Korean people I think for me is the most important part of our tour here."

Sergeant DeSpain's mother is originally from Korea and a survivor of the Korean War. He said the continued American presence is a big part of why Korea has done so well since the war.

"It's important for us to carry on the rich tradition of caring for our Korean allies," the sergeant said. "And it's good to see the captain receiving this award for carrying on this tradition. We continue to do great things even today and it definitely touches my heart to be able to see Captain Schindler and our team continue in that same legacy."

The captain said Sergeant DeSpain and Lt. Col. Baseemah Najeeullah, the 8th MDOS dental flight commander, have been strong mentors for him during his tour in Korea.

"They've been so encouraging, especially with events at the chapel," he said. "They both encouraged me to get outside my comfort zone and outside of work. When you're away from family and friends, definitely getting out and immersing yourself in the local culture not only helps you enjoy your tour, but also curb the relationship between our two countries."

But Captain Schindler said he couldn't have done it without the support of his family back home.

"My mom and wife are very good at giving up their own quality time to others," he said. "And I feel they've rubbed off on me and have encouraged me to express this same love to others while I'm here."

Though he did say his folks in dental have been like a family away from home.

"We've sacrificed so much together over the past year," Captain Schindler said. "I think it's great all of us have this opportunity to experience this event in Seoul together. Everyone is deserving and with at least one of us receiving the award, it helps build esprit de corps."

This esprit de corps is something the Korean peninsula is no stranger to, as Army Lt. Gen. John Johnson, 8th U.S. Army commanding general, spoke of this long-standing tradition between the Korean and American people.

"All the freedoms the people of Korea enjoy here are possible because of the men and women and many others represented here today of both the Korean and American militaries," the general said commemorating the event and thanking the award recipients for their hard work. "As we celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the Korean War, we're reminded of the great courage and commitment and sacrifices of service which has laid the foundation for such great success here."

Chiming in with the general, the U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Korea, Honorable Kathleen Stephens, thanked the bilateral militaries for their commitment and tradition of valor.

"Again, I thank you all for what you have done building up the alliance over the years," she said. "'Gachi Gapsida' - 'We go together'."