The day began with a down pour and ride of my life to the other side of Grenada. Narrow and curvy roads combined with a driver that could rival any Formula 1 driver took myself and the USAF Academy Band “Blue Steel” to Father Mallaghan’s Home For Boys. Here 20 boys, from the ages  of 7 to 18, who were abandoned or abused by their parents, spent the day with the USAF Band. As just another facet of Operation Southern Partner, the Airman had a chance to bond with the boys over the international language of music. While the weather didn’t allow for the Airman to play cricket in the park, they instead spent the afternoon jamming with the boys and playing football in the street. That afternoon, the US Embassy sponsored a meal of KFC for the boys who were treated as VIP guests while the band played a public concert in the city center. For at least one day, these boys were grinning from ear to ear. At times the Air Force is received differently around the world, but events such as this unfortunately may go unreported, but happen all the time, where ever Airmen may land. It was nice to be able to participate along side them today. It was as rewarding for me as it was for the Airmen that shared their time and energy with the boys.

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