Celebrating an anniversary miles apart

Contributed photo
DEPLOYED — Nathaniel Sixberry, second from right, poses with some children from the country of Kyrgyzstan, where he is stationed.
    As Nathaniel and Desiree (Foster) Sixberry get ready to celebrate their first wedding anniversary, they will be doing it on opposite sides of the globe, as Senior Airman Sixberry of the United States Air Force is serving his second deployment in Kyrgyzstan.
    Since the two will not be able to celebrate together, they decided to focus on a mission opportunity that they can accomplish together.
    “While in Kyrgyzstan, Nathaniel has had the opportunity to volunteer at the Red River Orphanage, located near his base,” said Desiree.
     While many needs became apparent, one need overshadowed the others — the kitchen stove used to cook all of the meals for 100-plus children was in such disrepair that Sixberry was surprised it even worked.
    The cost of replacing the stove along with other modifications to the kitchen will be $2,500. The couple has made it their mission to raise the funds necessary to purchase a new stove, while Nathaniel is deployed.
    According to Desiree, her husband’s Unit, 376 ESFS, has already given monies necessary to provide several of the children with cosmetic surgery that they needed. Some of the procedures included fixing cleft palates, corrective eye surgery and even heart surgery.
    “There are only a few months in the summer when they are able to give these surgeries due to infection risks,” explained Desiree. “Most of the surgeries are given during the winter months to cut down on the infection rate due to the hospital not having air conditioning.”
    Desiree has been busy stateside working with local 4-H clubs gathering clothing and toys to send overseas to the children.
    “We have recently shipped out our first box due to the generosity of the 4-H Clover Kids,” said Desiree.
    The 4-H Clovers, under the direction of Jolynn Stevens, is also participating in a Penny Drive to help the orphanage.
    “These local 4-H children were excited to be able to help orphans across the globe,” Desiree said.
    If anyone is interested in helping the Sixberrys with their mission of getting a stove for the orphanage, inquires or funds may be sent to the couples’ mothers — Kim Sixberry, 76 Snow Farm Road, Danforth, Maine, 04424 or Sherry Foster, 2089 Bangor Road, Linneus, Maine 04730 – 100 percent of the proceeds go directly to the orphanage.