Team Yokota member brings technology to local orphans

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Lynsie Lorenz
  • 374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan --  In today's information age, lacking the technology of even a simple computer can limit the possibilities for learning. One of Yokota's residents is hoping to change this, starting with the donation of seven laptop computers to the Aiji no Ie Orphanage in Tokyo, May 12.

Kendall Carter works for the Yokota Air Base Post Office as a mail technician handling claims, inquiries and mail distribution. He came up with the idea to donate laptop computers to the orphans of Aiji no Ie during one of his many meditation sessions.

Aiji no Ie translated means House of Affection. The orphanage has 36 children ranging in ages from 2 to 17.

"I've felt compelled to do more for God's children for quite some time, but I didn't know exactly what," said Mr. Carter.

Mr. Carter, the husband of Air Force Master Sgt. Chruleeporn Carter, 374th Medical Group, was inspired to improve the living standards of others here in Japan after attending a religious retreat for men on Mount Okutama in March.

"I set up a meeting with the faculty of Aiji no Ie to find out what the needs and wants of the children were," said Mr. Carter. "They only asked for the basic necessities such as paper cups, plates and napkins."

Once Mr. Carter developed a relationship with the Aiiji no le staff, he heard that the children didn't have computers they could use to learn and explore the world without leaving the confines of the orphanage.

"After that meeting, I developed a strong desire to provide a laptop to every orphan that I possibly could and create a social network solely for them," said Mr. Carter. "Only an orphan understands what another orphan deals with on a daily basis."

Mr. Carter consulted with his wife about his decision, and she was very supportive.

"He showed me a newsletter and told me he wanted to help," said Sergeant Carter. "He thought about our children and how they have so much, but yet the orphans had so little and he wanted to give them something to brighten their day."

Mr. Carter sold his 2007 Suzuki Hayabusa motorcycle for $10,000. He used $7,000 at an off-base computer store for laptops installed with Japanese operating systems and $3,000 on sporting equipment, dishes and laundry detergent.

"I felt such a sense of accomplishment," Mr. Carter said. "(God) blessed me with the resources that I have and the means to help others."
Mr. Carter said he would love to stay in touch with the staff at the orphanage and help out in any way he could.