Sabers spread smiles, laughter

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Tammie Moore
  • 52nd Fighter Wing Public Afffairs
SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany --  Sabers from across the base came together to host an extraordinary day for special needs students from Bitburg's St. Martin's School and local Department of Defense Schools Sept. 20.

More than 300 base volunteers stepped-up to make St. Martin's Special Children's Day a success. The day featured events ranging from bean a bag toss to a balance beam walk, a musical performance, a basketball competition, an American style lunch and closed with an awards ceremony.

Festivities kicked-off during an opening ceremony where Col. Darryl Roberson, 52nd Fighter Wing welcomed the students, teachers and volunteers.

"This is a great event, an incredible chance to give back to the community," Colonel Roberson said. "It's our honor to host this special day once again and continue this tradition."

The Special Children's Day began in the late 1990's but was suspended after the terrorist attacks that took place Sept. 11, 2001. Last year the tradition was revived by the 52nd Civil Engineer Squadron and was embraced by the whole base this year.

Approximately 70 students ranging from six to 20-years participated in the event. Each of the students was parted with two volunteer escorts. Although many children and volunteers did not know more than a few words in common, communication was not a problem. Hand gestures gapped most language barriers and the ones that it did not were solved by one of the numerous translators on hand.

This was the second year that Lukas Rusack, DoD student and son of Marye and Tech. Sgt. Todd Rusack, 52nd Equipment Maintenance Squadron, participated in Special Children's Day.

"He had a great time and took home a third place metal," Mrs. Rusack said. "It hangs on his wall to help show him how proud we are. I think his favorite part of the day was a tie between receiving his metal because he loves the cheers and having a snake painted on his arm with face paint. He showed it to everyone. My favorite part, on the other hand, was watching him run a race like any other child. After the race he played soccer with both his classmates and a few German boys. They didn't need to communicate to have fun and no one fussed that they didn't know the rules."

First time volunteer Master Sgt. Marcus Thomas, 52nd Medical Group first sergeant, was impressed by the interaction between escorts and the children.

"The care the military community has shown toward the children has been impressive because many people push away when they see handicapped children," he said.

The 606th Spouses Group added to the fun and laugher with their face painting table. Students and volunteers alike lined up for the opportunity to have a design painted into their face, arms and hands.

"Being here was great, we were able to see the smiles on the children's faces and the fun they had," said Shelly Naisbitt, 606th Spouses Group.

As the day wound down, members of the Spangdahlem basketball team answered a challenge by St. Martin's students. The crowd cheered and jeered loudly as attempts to score were made. Pride radiated from the student's faces as they scored a point for their team.

After the events ended and the medals were presented, members of St. Martin's school took a few moments to thank members of the base.

"You take our children how they are, and that is a very special thing, said Beate Even, St. Martin's educator. "We want to say thank you."

In addition, to the heartfelt thanks of the educators on hand, the student's parents were also thankful.

"I'm sorry to say my son probably took away very little from the event except a good time, but I think that's enough," Mrs. Rusack said. "It can be hard to give them that much, sometimes. I believe many of the other children took away a wonderful feeling of acceptance.

"Events like this are important for the community," Mrs. Rusack said. "Not just to show the German locals that we are just like them and a wish to be a part of the Eifel life, but more importantly to let the volunteers and visitors see that the disabilities these children have are more than just a disease they hear about on the TV or magazines. These are real children with real personalities and feelings. If they see some of the difficulties the parents may go through, that's a bonus and perhaps they will empathize in the future."

The success of the day could be seen in the children and their escort's faces as the day wound down and hugs were exchanged.

"It was a resounding success," said Senior Master Sgt. Joe Walsh, event co-chair. "Thank you to the 2007 Special Children's Day committee and volunteers. The committee worked long hours and overcame many obstacles to ensure the events success. Their vision was absorbed by our volunteers and was truly the lynch pin that kept everything together."