During a community outreach project, COPE TIGER participants donated supplies to a rural Thai school. The Singapore forces donated desks, chairs, science equipment, and two computers. The Thai forces purchased bulk food items. Through donations, U.S. forces purchased medical and school supplies, athletic equipment, a refrigerator, color TV, and video cassette recorder.
After receiving the donations, the school held a celebration attended by 70 COPE TIGER participants representing the three nations and more than 100 local citizens. Service members were served a traditional Thai lunch, then had the chance to interact with the students. Though few of the children, ages 4 to 14, could speak English, communication took place through smiles and gestures.
The challenge for each air force participating in COPE TIGER 2003 was to work with the other nations’ forces despite different languages, customs, and equipment. Working side by side fostered greater cultural understanding and better relations among the RTAF, RSAF and U.S. participants.
“A key part of the COPE TIGER exercise is to build and cultivate relationships with our regional partners and the local community,” said USAF Col. Jeff LeVault, commander of the U.S forces in COPE TIGER. “Thailand is a beautiful country, and the Thais have been very gracious hosts.” |
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RSAF Capt. Ian Tan discusses finding a usable water supply with USAF TSgt. John Mizelle, during the search and rescue portion of the exercise.
Photo by SSgt. Jeffrey A. Wolfe, USAF |
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RTAF Deputy Exercise Director Gp. Capt. Saritpong Wattanavrangkul (left), RSAF Exercise Director Col. Richard Lim Keng Yong (center), and USAF Exercise Director Col. Jeff Levault serve food to Thai school children during the community outreach event.
Photo by SSgt. Cecilio M. Ricardo Jr., USAF |
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