Camp Foster hosts second MLC Appreciation Day

Photo By Sgt. Alyssa N. Gunton | Capt. Brad L. Hull watches Rion, center, and Nina Shingaki as they tour his office in Building 494 March 28 during Master Labor Contractor Day on Camp Foster. During the day, MLC employees brought their family members to work and show them around Camp Foster. Rion and Nina are the children of Chikako Shingaki, a legal clerk with Headquarters and Service Battalion, Marine Corps Base Camp Smedley D. Butler, Marine Corps Installations Pacific. Hull is the battalion adjutant.  

CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, JAPAN

03.28.2014

Story by Cpl. Alyssa N. Gunton 

III Marine Expeditionary Force   

CAMP FOSTER, Japan - A Master Labor Contractor Appreciation Day was held March 28 across Camp Foster to express gratitude for their valuable contributions to Marine Corps operations in the Asia-Pacific region.

The event, in its second year, brought the family and friends of MLC employees onto base for a short presentation and then an opportunity to tour workspaces and meet coworkers.

Following the success of the event, the Camp Foster leadership hopes to make it an annual occurrence, according to Col. Katherine J. Estes, the camp commander of Camps Foster and Lester, and commanding officer of Headquarters and Service Battalion, Marine Corps Base Camp Smedley D. Butler, Marine Corps Installations Pacific.

The day began at the Camp Foster Theater with a presentation by the guest speaker, Maj. Gen. Charles L. Hudson the commanding general of MCIPAC.

“It is indeed an honor to spend time with you this morning,” said Hudson. “I quickly realized during my first (months here), that this command would not be able to function or execute the mission without the assistance of our (MLCs). We are celebrating and recognizing the service of our Japanese employees.” During the presentation, Estes explained the mission of Camps Foster and Lester and how the efforts of the MLC employees play a vital role in their success.

“We here at Camp Foster absolutely could not do our job without the support of the MLCs sitting in this room,” said Estes. “Whether it’s the water line that breaks or the air conditioning goes out, it’s always the MLCs that show up to help us.”

Following the presentations, MLC employees escorted their families around Camp Foster and their work spaces.

“I used to bring my children when they were younger, but they haven’t been able to see where I work in a long time,” said Hiroko Tomimura, a community relations specialist and a translator with HQSVC Bn. “They are very excited. My father-in-law used to work here in the 1990s, and he is amazed by all the changes. He is excited to see the base again.”

MLC employees work throughout the bases to include the mess hall, legal offices and the Provost Marshal’s Office.

Without the support of the MLCs and their families, Camps Foster and Lester would not be able to operate as efficiently or effectively, according to Estes.

“They are absolutely incredible at the job they do,” said Estes. “They help me and the Marines that work with them. Everywhere I go, every office on my camp, every building, there are MLC employees. I can’t say enough of how much we appreciate what you do and how much we appreciate your families for supporting you. You all are absolutely wonderful.”

• Date Taken: 03.28.2014
• Date Posted: 04.01.2014 03:35
• Story ID: 123436
• Location: CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, JP