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By TIMES WIRES
Published July 1, 2007

In a place where literacy rates are some of the poorest in the world, the daughter-in-law of a Tarpon Springs couple is bringing a ray of hope.

Army Reserve Staff Sgt. Joyce M. Cole, whose husband, Travis, is the son of Eddie L. and Alease Cole of Tarpon Springs, is part of a civil affairs team in Qalat, Afghanistan, who met with leaders of a local girls' school and a center that focuses on helping women to better themselves.

As a member of a provincial reconstruction team, Cole visited the school and center to provide assistance and moral support to an agency that's doing much to help women in Afghanistan. "You could tell by the expressions on their faces that they were intrigued by seeing us there, " said Cole. "I was impressed with how courteous and attentive they were."

The Green Afghanistan Initiative Center is a small, unassuming child care facility that offers women the opportunity to participate in a work-for-food program. In exchange for three hours of work per day, for 21 days a month, the center provides women with food items such as beans, wheat, salt and oil.

"The director of the center told me that the women who participate in this program are very courageous, " said Cole, "because they still come to work even after receiving threats from some of the men in the city."

There is optimism here, according a senior U.S. government official, "and that goes a long way toward creating a better life for the children of Qalat, Zabul province and eventually for Afghanistan as a whole."

* * *

Air Force Airman Nicholas C. Yopp graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.

During six weeks of training, the airman studied the Air Force mission, organization, and military customs and courtesies. Also he performed drill and ceremony marches, and received physical training, rifle marksmanship, field training exercises, and special training in human relations.

Yopp is the son of David and Tracey Yopp of Largo.

The airman is a 2006 graduate of Osceola High School.

* * *

Cadet Petty Officer Third Class Dillon Wright, longtime member of the United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps, and resident of Clearwater, was selected for the International Sea Cadet Association summer exchange program as part of the USNSCC's contingent to the United Kingdom.

Wright will join three other cadets in officially representing the United States, United States Navy, and the USNSCC in the 2007 Foreign Exchange with the United Kingdom.

They will join representatives from 26 other nations for Royal Navy instruction and orientation, and three days of cultural exchange and exploration opportunities of London.

[Last modified June 30, 2007, 21:43:49]