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Show 10 HILLTOP TIMES TIMES November 30, 2006 Deployed Airmen exchange language and compassion BY 2ND LT. AMBER BALKEN ' 478th Expeditionary Operations Squadron public affairs MANTA FORWARD OPERATING LOCATION, Ecuador-Airmen at Mania FOL have a unique opportunity that other deployed troops do not have. Each week volunteers teach English to local school children in the community of Manta. Hosted at the Albergue Community Center in Manta City, the Airmen from Manta FOL spend Thursday afternoons volunteering with 40 local school children. The students range in age from 7-13 years of age and all English speaking abilities. "Most of the class is simple translation, easy phrases and small group interaction," said Maj. Chris Buckley, 478th EOS director of operations. "The volunteers lean as much Spanish from the program as the students do English." "The interaction with the FOLhas brought great improvement to their grades," said Lily Flores, volunteer teacher at the Albergue Community Center. "With the volunteers, the children are able to practice their reading, writing and pronunciation." The best part of volunteering for 2nd Lt. Mindy Rupert with the 964th Expeditionary Air and Control Squadron deployed here from Tinker AFB, Okla., was the relationships she built. "Although we didn't speak the same language, we were able to connect," said Lieutenant Rupert. "It is a very rewarding expePhoto by 2nd Lt Amber Balken rience." Airman 1st Class Jordan Edgar (left) helps children at the Albergue Community Center with their school work. Airmen Edgar is part of the 964th ExpeThe class is not entirely about learning a ditionary Airborne Air Control Squadron deployed to Ecudor from Tinker AFB. new language said Ms. Flores. "The affecternoons, the Manta FOL has donated comaround them," Major Buckley said. tion shown by the volunteers improves the Mania," said Major Buckley. puter monitors, printers, English books, The program was started in 2004, after The deployed environment is different children's self-esteem. The children are with so many people rotating through Ec- donations from local community members. volunteers coach the school soccer team, very happy to be here." "Although the counter-drug missions are uador and so many young Airmen. "It is Scholarships, which were used to purchase and a few times a year bring the students essential to show them that while learning school supplies and other items necessary out to the FOL for lunch and games. the most important part of the U.S. presEditor's note: 2nd Lt. Amber Balken is asence in Ecuador the community relations their specialty and individual duties are im- to house these classes, were given to the signed to the 75th Air Base Wing and curprogram plays a hug part in strengthening portant, it is also important to learn to see community center. ties between the FOL and our host city of the 'big picture' and be a part of the world Besides teaching English on Thursday af- rently deployed to Ecuador. GRAND OPENING OF THE NEW GRASSROOTS SPA Get out of the hustle and bustle and come in for some relaxation! '•*?* W •-• ••• • *-»-»-#-»j« •-•-• •-••••*•••••-•••'< FREE machinist Travel Size Hand Relief to- with any service caulct (while supplies last) , cutd toStudent. ' & my ssroo •affordable $150 mma 730a-2^0p.430-9p[piGkvoDrsct)eiUe} -On training •jOtl placement 15 moods ^014/* contact instructors Ken Evans or Troy Winchester 1- 801-593- we knowholida Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays from the Layton Hills Mall! Nov 30 & Dec 7 Claus & Paws 5:30p.m. - 8:00p.m. Have your pet's photo taken with Santa Claus! Layton Hills Mall and No More Homeless Pets of Utah are teaming up once again to bring you Claus & Paws! These are the only times that pets are allowed to visit Santa Claus at the mall, so don't miss it. Participants will receive a free gilt, while supplies last. Dec 2 Play Area Grand Opening Layton Hills Mall is excited to unveil our new Children's Play Area! Join us for our Grand Opening event Saturday, December 2nd starting at 1 ;00 pm. Participate in our children's mall wide scavenger hunt between Novemoer 27th and the Grand Opening to win a free backpack full of prizes! While supplies last. No purchase necessary, you must be present lor t/ie 1.00 pm Grand Opening to pick up your backpack Visit Customer Service lor mote details. Does the thought of driving all over town to do Christmas shopping make you crazy? Relax. No matter what you're shopping for, weve got you covered. Come in today, and get everything you need all under one roof. Overwhelmed with too many choices? Give a CBL Malls gift card and leave the decision-making up to them. Enter to Win a Layton Hills Mall Holiday Prize Pack! Name: ' Address: Phone:_ E-mail:. Fill this form out and drop it off in the entry box located at Customer Service. Give them a CBL Mails gift card and relax this holiday! LAYTON HILLS A/V L Located just off 1-15 exit #331 801-546-3471 • www.shoplaytonhills.com |