Photo By Cpl. Adeline Smith | Santa Claus, portrayed by 1st Sgt. Nelson A. Hidalgoguerrero, greets a nursing home...... read more read more
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KIN TOWN, Okinawa - “Ho, ho, ho, Merry Christmas!” said jolly old Santa Claus, portrayed by 1st Sgt. Nelson A. Hidalgoguerrero, spreading holiday cheer to both Marines and community members.
Marines and sailors with 7th Communication Battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, III MEF, recently shared the Christmas holiday by singing carols and presenting gifts to Hikari Gaoka residents in Kin Town. Hidalgoguerrero is the first sergeant with Service Company, 7th Comm. Bn.
“As you see the elders’ smiling faces, that’s the result of the Marines’ presence,” said Ayako Ginoza, the nursing home manager. “The Marines were there to sing songs, and (it) makes the residents really happy.”
Being in the nursing home and giving gifts reminded the Marines and sailors of their own families and created a bond between the Marines and the residents, according Sgt. Brenden D. McDaniel, a technical controller Marine with the battalion.
“Christmas is about being with family, it’s about taking some time to reflect over the year and think about the season,” said McDaniel. “(By being here, we’re) helping one another out, and celebrating life a little bit. It’s something you can write home to your parents and family about.”
Over time, the Marines and sailors have come to know the nursing home as a welcoming and familiar place, and recognize the mutual benefits of this unique relationship.
“It’s a family environment every time we go over there,” said McDaniel. “They’re just so happy to see us. It’s good for us because it gets us into the community (and) out of the barracks. It’s good for them because it brings a sense of entertainment to their daily lives; something that they might not get to see all the time.”
The nearly 20-year relationship between the battalion and the nursing home has seen a variety of festivals, holidays and events. Service members and residents teach each other traditions native to their respective home country and share experiences with one another.
“I would say the relationship has flourished and deepened,” said U.S. Navy Lt. Stephen F. Brown, the chaplain with 7th Comm. Bn. “(This year), the nursing home and everybody there saw that there was a lot more camaraderie and a lot more laughter.”
With myriad events shared between the service members, residents and staff, the battalion continuously fosters the positive relationship built through the years.
| Date Taken: | 12.28.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 01.10.2014 00:12 |
| Story ID: | 118990 |
| Location: | KIN TOWN, OKINAWA, JP |
| Web Views: | 31 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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