TF RLMT

TF RLMT

in Kamenica

BY SGT TY STAFFORD

On a hot and humid sunny day in the city of Kamenica, Soldiers from the Liaison Monitoring Team 1 made a special trip to the pool. Not to cool off, but to help the Handicapped Kosovo (HandiKOS) organization with a play day for a few of its members.

HandiKOS is a non-governmental organization of and for the persons with disabilities, and was established in1983 as association of paraplegics and children paralyses with the aim of organizing people with disability.

“Our mission is to make sure these children have social equality and show them they can have a regular life. We asked KFOR for assistance in having a play day and the pool owner and the LMT came together to help out,” said Selvete Berisha, who has been the director of HandiKos for five years.

“We are also trying to bring more attention to HandiKos by having this [swim day],” she said.

This was the second time the LMT 1 had been to the pool to help with the program.

“The first time we came it was overcast and a lot cooler. Only two kids showed up,” said Staff Sgt. Joseph Asbury, LMT 1, from Centralia, Mo. Asbury is originally from the 3175th Military Police Company but was reassigned to help with the

The LMT 1 is responsible for the Kamenica/Kamenicë municipality, and the 12-man team used this opportunity to help build it ties to the community

“It shows the community that KFOR is here to help out. We are not just here for patrols,” said Spc. Stacy Foutes, of Lewistown, Mo.

Of the nearly 40 members of the HandiKos organization, five were on hand to enjoy the pool time.

“Today not all of them participated,” Berisha said.

Transportation is an issue for outlying communities, added 1st Lt. John Gooch, a Gerald, Mo., native and the officer-in-charge of the LMT 1.

For those that did arrive, the admission was free and the Soldiers and children enjoyed every minute together.

“The kids are amazing. A little timid at first, but once in the water they were fine,” Gooch said.