U.S., South Korean Militaries Bring Smiles to Thai Orphans

Established in 2000 by Fred and Dianne Doell with the support of the Victory Family Church in Pattaya, the center serves as an emergency shelter for small children who are orphans or at risk of direct abuse or severe neglect.

As a Humanitarian Civic Assistance project, more than 30 U.S. Soldiers and Airmen and Republic of South Korea marines and Sailors visited the center to play with the children, eat lunch and landscape the area.

"The U.S. military, every branch, has been volunteering at the center while participating in Cobra Gold for more than five years," Dianne Doell said. "When the South Korean military asked to join them this year, we were thrilled. We love what we do, but it can be hard, and all the volunteers give us such encouragement with their service."

Exercise Cobra Gold 2010 represents the first year of the Republic of South Korea's participation. Volunteering at the Mercy Center is one of several HCA projects that are scheduled while the troops are in Thailand.

Sgt. Suhwan Lee, a scout leader with 6th Company, 22nd Battalion, said volunteering was one of the most important responsibilities of the military while participating in CG10.

"This day was good for us as well as the children," Lee said. "This is a great program. I think all of us felt excited and happy with how it went."

Throughout the day, the 24 children of the center were all smiles as they played soccer, basketball, swung on swings and had a water balloon fight with the service members.