Airmen ambassadors: Barksdale EWO brings gifts to Afghan children

  • Published
  • By 2d Lt. Amy Abbott
  • 2d Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  When Maj. Diana Delatorre, an electronic warfare officer working for the 2d Bomb Wing's Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century, left Barksdale for a deployment to Afghanistan in 2008, her goal was to provide more than daily expertise on how to employ airborne electronic warfare assets in theater to the unit commander. 

A native of San Jose, Calif., and current resident of Haughton, Major Delatorre began involving herself with humanitarian assistance missions upon her arrival to Gardez, the capital of the Paktia province. In October 2008, the major went on a visit to the local Khaga Hassan School and orphanage to hand out school supplies, soccer balls and candy. The next month she traveled to Kutchie Village and distributed food, clothes and candy. 

"It makes me feel good to give as much as I can, even my own pens I'm carrying, since I know they have very little and I am blessed with so much," she said. 

The children from the Khaga Hassan School and orphanage received donations from Operation Care and Comfort from Major Delatorre's home state of California. With those two missions fueling her fire to give back, Maj. Delatorre contacted the 2d Bomb Wing director of staff, Lt. Col. Bob Fournier, and asked if he would assist in gathering donations. 

The 2d Bomb Wing's Master Sgt.'s Emmit Bartee and Kevin Hastie volunteered to start a drive and collect goods. 

"What impresses me the most is that even in a time when people are in need themselves, they still have the compassion and generosity to help others," said Sergeant Bartee. 

A dozen boxes were filled with items ranging from deflated soccer balls, evaporated milk to assorted canned goods. In February, with financial support from the Shreveport/Bossier City Military Affairs Counsel, 166 pounds of donated goods were shipped from Barksdale to Gardez, Afghanistan. 

Major Delatorre said she will ensure the donations go to the people and children of the surrounding communities of Gardez that are experiencing the most hardship. 

"I developed an appreciation for the many things God has blessed me with when I was on a deployment to Iraq a few years ago," Major Delatorre said. "This deployment is also a reminder not to take things for granted. It is very humbling." 

Major Delatorre, an instructor EWO, is scheduled to return to Barksdale sometime in April.