Russian visitors – David In Great Falls

Way back in November 2006, when I was stationed at Malmstrom Air Force Base, a group of Russians visited Great Falls to tour medical facilities. I was the “exec officer” at the base clinic, and the group visited our clinic, met staff members, etc.

During the tour, one of the Russians noticed a set of paintings on a wall – they depicted some rather “cute” bears. She said that she recognized the painting and the artist – apparently the artist was a well-known Russian whose work is/was pretty famous.

The group then enjoyed lunch at the Grizzly Bend Club on base; here are some photos with original captions:

Two Russian doctors, along with 3 other Russian physicians, spent a week in Great Falls touring medical facilities including Benefis, Great Falls Clinic, and Malmstrom’s clinic. Here they are conversing with Lt Pavel Tendetnik, an Air Force officer from Malmstrom who had the opportunity to practice his Russian, as they prepare to enjoy lunch at Grizzly Bend Club at Malmstrom Air Force Base.

A Russian doctor, his Great Falls hostess, and Mr Bob Harris, the chair of the Advisory Commission on International Relationships, enjoy lunch at Grizzly Bend Club at Malmstrom Air Force Base on Friday, November 3, 2006. The physician, along with 4 other Russian doctors, spent a week in Great Falls touring medical facilities including Benefis, Great Falls Clinic, and Malmstrom’s clinic.

Translator Tanya Lukenbill and two Russian physicians (red flannel shirt and man in suit) preparing for lunch at Grizzly Bend Club at Malmstrom Air Force Base on November 3, 2006. Five Russian physicians spent a week in Great Falls touring medical facilities including Benefis, Great Falls Clinic, and Malmstrom’s clinic. The visit was sponsored by the Advisory Commission on International Relations.

Colonel Sandy Finan, the Wing Commander of Malmstrom Air Force Base, presents a visiting Russian physician with an official Malmstrom AFB coin. The physician, along with 4 other Russian doctors, spent a week in Great Falls touring medical facilities including Benefis, Great Falls Clinic, and Malmstrom’s clinic.

This flashback was triggered by seeing Mr. Harris on the news last night 🙂 I’ve seen him around town a few times and exchanged pleasantries – what a friendly guy!

The Russian visit was facilitated by the Great Falls Advisory Commission on International Relations – Mr. Harris was a member of the commission at the time.

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