Senior Airman Lynsie Nichols, 376th Air Expeditionary Public Affairs

Leadership from the Transit Center at Manas lended their support Jan. 12, as the Clinic of Lesnoye Village was dedicated and ownership of the facility was transferred to the Sokuluk Rayon Family Medicine Center.

"On behalf of the villages, district and administration, I would like to express my great thanks to these people and agencies for what they've done for us," said Kabylbek Beishembaev, head of Atbashinskey Ayil Okrug.

Celebrating the dedication were Larry Memmott, United States deputy chief of mission, Col. James Jacobson, 376th Air Expeditionary Wing commander, administrative members from Sokuluk Rayon Administration and other Kyrgyz Republic Government officials.

The clinic is a $47,000 project that will serve to improve access to primary healthcare services for 900 people living in Lesnoye Village.

"We are pleased to support the people of Lesnoye Village and the Ministry of Health with this important facility for providing access to health services for all members of this village and surrounding community," Jacobson said.

Memmott, from the U.S. Embassy in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, announced his excitement over the partnership of the local people.

"I am so glad and excited to be here and share the joyfulness of this event," Memmott said. "This event has become possible thanks to very good friendships and friendly relations between the American and the Kyrgyz people."

Jacobson agreed adding remarks that our partnership is important.

"It is my distinct honor to share this important event with you which signifies the United States of America's commitment to a lasting partnership with the people of Kyrgyzstan," said Jacobson. "As your neighbor, it remains our goal to advance our partnership with you."

In his closing remarks, Jacobson expressed his eagerness to continue working with the citizens of Kyrgyzstan.

"I look forward to a continued cooperation between the Transit Center and the people of Manas and Lesnoye villages," Jacobson said.