CGOC, WSA bring treats not tricks to group home

by Capt. Tamara Fischer-Carter
51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs

10/30/2013 - OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -  -- The Company Grade Officer's Council and 51st Wing Staff Agencies combined forces to bring Halloween treats to residents of the Seongsimdongwon Group Home for the disabled in Osan City, Oct. 27.

The 18 volunteers' objective was simple: spend some quality time with the home's residents and share some smiles.

Some members of the team handed out bags of treats and other visitors jumped rope, played volleyball and soccer while fostering a good relationship with the community.

"I had a great time playing soccer and being able to interact with the kids," said Staff Sgt. Y Jin Ding Plai, 51st FW commander executive administrator. "They all had their individual personalities so that was neat to get to know them personally. I look forward to coming back and helping out again because it was such a great experience."

Several volunteers even helped out in the kitchen to prepare lunch and aided in the clean-up process afterward.

"Life can get so hectic that I sometimes lose perspective. Stepping out into the community and helping out the less fortunate reminds me to reflect on the little things I often take for granted," said Captain Christopher Hinahon, 51st FW general dentist. "All respect goes out to the workers and volunteers at the group home. It must take an enormous amount of patience and vigilance keeping the children safe, fed, and happy."

Master Sgt. Jessica McWain, 51st FW Staff and 51st Comptroller Squadron first sergeant, recognizes the work required to maintain the home and said plans are in the works to continue visits like this one every other month to help.

"I think we're onto something here," McWain said. "Through the efforts of our volunteers, we not only boosted morale with the in-room visits and sports, we were able to serve lunch for more than 120 residents and students with special needs. This allowed several employees to enjoy some compensatory time off."

Anyone interested in volunteering for future trips should contact Capt. Tamara Fischer-Carter, 51st Fighter Wing chief of Public Affairs, at Tamara.Fischer-Carter@us.af.mil, or McWain at Jessica.McWain@us.af.mil.