Navy Misawa sailors share Halloween at local orphanage

Photo By Petty Officer 3rd Class Erin Devenberg | Personnel Specialist 2nd Class Andrew Bradford, from Pensacola, Fla., shows a boy living at the Bikoen Orphanage how to put together a remote controlled toy, Nov. 2, 2013. Navy Misawa sailors traveled to the orphanage to conduct their annual Halloween party for the residents and staff. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Erin Devenberg/RELEASED)  

SHICHINOHE, AOMORI, JAPAN

11.02.2013

Story by Petty Officer 3rd Class Erin Devenberg 

Naval Air Facility Misawa

SHICHINOHE, Japan - Naval Air Facility (NAF) Misawa Sailors shared a day of Halloween fun with the children at the Bikoen Orphanage, Nov. 2.

The Sailors spent the day playing games with the kids, serving them lunch, and providing a little Halloween fun for the orphanage’s residents and staff members.

"The kids are cute and sweet, and it seemed like they got along really well with each other," said Electronics Technician 2nd Class Luis Arguello, from Miami. "I think it's important for us to visit them because it makes them happy to know they are special."

The visit is part of NAF Misawa’s longstanding relationship with the orphanage. Sailors make the trip out to Shichinohe several times a year to organize events and activities for the kids. The 61 children who live at the orphanage go to school and are raised in a quality environment by caring staff and volunteers.

"The children always enjoy it when the U.S. Navy aailors visit them," said Chief Care Giver, Kouji Yoshida. "The children are very happy today and have warm hearts from the kindness they are given."

After a taking part in several games, everyone lined up for a special Halloween feast of spaghetti and meatballs, hot dogs, muffins and juice. While eating, the children practiced their English as they introduced themselves to the sailors.

"We had the chance to make a group of kids real happy today and I think that's what matters," said Arguello.

For the grand finale, a Mickey Mouse piñata was hung from the ceiling, and the children cheerfully finished the day off with smiles as candy rained down upon them.

• Date Taken: 11.02.2013
• Date Posted: 11.02.2013 11:52
• Story ID: 116192
• Location: SHICHINOHE, AOMORI, JP