BOTSWANA, AFRICA (08/08/2012)(readMedia)-- Three Illinois National Guard units, among the more than 1,200 military personnel from the United States who are participating in Southern Accord 2012, gathered for a cultural day Aug. 5 at Thebephatshwa Air Base, The Republic of Botswana, Africa.
Southern Accord 12 is a joint exercise bringing together U.S. Army personnel with counterparts from the Botswana Defense Force to conduct humanitarian assistance, disaster relief operations, peacekeeping operations, aeromedical evacuation and enhance military capabilities and interoperability.
The 405th Brigade Support Battalion in North Riverside and Streator, the 766th Engineer Battalion in Decatur and the 139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment in Springfield are supporting Southern Accord 2012 Aug. 1 to 17.
During cultural day Soldiers experienced a dance performance from local Botswana Defense Forces (BDF) personnel in ethnic attire as well as local music and food.
Approximately 35 vendors from across Africa also set up booths to sell collectables, souvenirs and clothing. The day also gave members from the various forces a chance to socialize and network with each another.
Sgt. Whitney Clever of Island Lake, Ill., with Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, 405th Brigade Support Battalion in North Riverside said she loved cultural day for the interaction with the BDF and local civilians. She said she learned a lot about Botswana culture from the items she found at the bazaar.
"During an exercise like this, it's amazing to see so many different counterparts come together," said Clever. "Not only by country, but also the Army, Marines, Air Force, and Navy coming together with the BDF and their local community for a shared experience. It was really a great exercise."
Having an opportunity to interact with people not from her country was African-native Charlene Mubita's favorite part of the day. Mubita sold clothing, self-designed home goods, and served local foods at her booth.
"It was a great opportunity to meet so many different people from various places, all of whom were friendly," said Mubita.
Video of the cultural day and interviews with Illinois National Guard Soldiers can be found here http://www.dvidshub.net/
