Photo By Sgt. Abbey Perria | Marines dance the night away April 12 during a masquerade ball at The Palms on Camp...... read more read more
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CAMP HANSEN, OKINAWA, Japan — Without the camouflage utilities and requisite grime from days spent in the field, Marines were virtually unrecognizable in gowns, formal attire and eccentric masks during a night of dining, dancing and camaraderie.
More than 150 Marines and 30 local Okinawa residents attended the Single Marine Program’s masquerade ball April 12 at The Palms on Camp Hansen.
Leaders of the Camp Hansen SMP organized the formal masquerade ball, which featured dancing, theatrical performances and a slideshow highlighting Marines participating in various aspects of Okinawa culture.
The ball helped Marines interact and connect with other service members from different units, which is important for the development of junior Marines, according to Cpl. Courtney L. Bauer, the Camp Hansen SMP vice president and intelligence specialist with 3rd Intelligence Battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, III MEF.
The Okinawa SMP strives to improve Marine’s quality of life while stationed on the island by organizing fun and diverse events like the masquerade ball.
“The masquerade takes tradition from a community of the arts,” said Cpl. Michael S. Williamson, the Camp Hansen SMP president and field artillery radar operator with 1st Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III MEF. “I wanted to emphasize elegance, beauty and the arts to expose Marines to something they’re not used to.”
Six Marines, led by Williamson, performed “Be Our Guest,” a musical number from Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” to begin the night’s events. Along with the musical number, The Pacific Okinawa Players performed a one-act play during the dinner hour at the ball.
The atmosphere was stress free and fun, according to Tryson Brakefield, the POP director.
“Marines are more relaxed at these events,” said Brakefield. “Half the time we don’t even know (their) rank. We get to know you as you, without the military side of life.”
Local residents were invited to the event to build and improve positive relationships between them and the Marines stationed at Camp Hansen.
“We come to these events to let our friends know the importance of the Marine Corps presence in Okinawa,” said Masahide Oomine, an attendee. “At the same time, we have a great time with nice people.”
Masahide and his wife, Sachino Oomine, took part in the dancing and festivities.
“People are afraid of language barriers that they may encounter during the event, but Marines will approach you,” said Masahide. “(It’s easy), especially with dancing because you are using body language to communicate.”
As attendees danced until midnight, the Camp Hansen SMP members realized that this masquerade ball could become an annual event, so Marines and their neighbors on Okinawa can continue to dress up and enjoy a relaxing evening together.
“I hope participants enjoy themselves tonight and would want to come again,” said Williamson. “I hope enough attention is drawn to the event that we can (continue next year).”
| Date Taken: | 04.12.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 04.19.2014 05:43 |
| Story ID: | 126718 |
| Location: | OKINAWA, JP |
| Web Views: | 203 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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