Airmen lend a helping hand

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Evelyn Chavez
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  A group of more than 10 Airmen recently took the chance to help their Italian neighbors here.

They dedicated a weekend to refurbish a local therapeutic horse-riding center, "Anche noi a cavallo," in Porcia, Italy.  The center helps children, teenagers and adults with motor, cognitive and emotional difficulties through horse therapy.

"I explained to my wife what volunteering means to military members and she came up with the idea to help [the riding center]," said Staff Sgt. Andrew Beavers, 31st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron phase inspection section monitor. "The center did not have a lot of people to help maintain the place and they welcomed us without hesitation."

The Airmen spent five hours sanding down and painting horse stalls while children pet and rode the horses. The riding center, which hosts more than 80 people per week, expressed their gratitude for the Airmen's lending hands. They encourage and welcome any future volunteers.

"Anyone who wants to help us is more than welcome to join us," said Alice, a trainer and therapist.  "They can help with anything, we can use extra hands for cleaning, fixing and helping the children."

After hours of working, the Airmen were happy with their end-result, but were willing to come back and help continue to develop a community tie.

"It feels good to help out," said Staff Sgt. Cody Stapp, 31st Maintenance Squadron crew chief. "My dad always taught me to pay it forward because what I am helping with will be for continuous use and enjoyment, and that is rewarding."

According to Beavers, volunteering also gave him an opportunity for open communication and the ability to show how Service members contribute to the Italian community.

"It is important to be involved here because [Italians] are our hosts," added Beavers. "This also gives them a chance to know us better. I definitely enjoyed it and recommend being involved whether it's at the horse center or elsewhere."

For more information or to volunteer with "Anche noi a cavallo" horse center, call 0434-92-0867.