Marines on Okinawa volunteer at local leprosarium

Photo By Lance Cpl. Andrew Avitt | Pfc. Johnathan Perez, left, a heavy equipment operator with Combat Assault Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Lance Cpl. Robert Erisman, middle, an intelligence specialist with 4th Marine Regiment, III MEF, and Lance Cpl. Daniel Comparetto, a heavy equipment operator with CAB, clean up debris on the beach at the Airakuen Leprosarium on Okinawa, Oct. 30.  

10.30.2009

Story by Lance Cpl. Andrew Avitt 

III Marine Expeditionary Force   

Marines and sailors from 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, undertook beautification volunteer work at the Airakuen Leprosarium in Sumuide, Nago City, Oct. 30.

"We show we care by what we do," said Navy Lt. Jeff Parks, chaplain for 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III MEF. "Although not many of us speak Japanese, everyone can speak the international language of love."

This is the first time 3rd Marine Division has come out, said Parks, the organizer of the volunteer event. He said he hopes to visit the leprosarium five to six times a year.

The Airakuen Leprosarium is a national sanitarium for the treatment of those with leprosy, a contagious skin disease that can cause permanent damage such as loss of fingers or nose.

"It is a great opportunity to give back to the Okinawa community, and it builds good character in our Marines and sailors. It's always nice to see them put their foot in the right direction, like helping out the community," said Parks.

The service members cleaned the grounds, removing leaves and other debris from the leprosarium's park and nearby beach.

"When we first arrived there was a lot of trash on the beach, different plastics and glass, but working together, it didn't take long," said Lance Cpl. Jonathan Caughey, an optics technician with Combat Assault Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III MEF, about the cleanup.

After service members finished removing trash from their respective areas, they gathered with the leprosarium's staff to eat lunch, take pictures and receive words of thanks from the establishment's vice chairman of the residential council, Shinei Isa.

"Thanks to you all, the beach and park look beautiful again," Isa said. "I would like for you all to come again, not only for beautification, but for a more personal interaction and maybe a game of cricket," he said with a smile.

Many of the 18 volunteers said they would love to come back and look forward to meeting and playing cricket with the staff.

• Date Taken: 10.30.2009
• Date Posted: 11.18.2009 22:16
• Story ID: 41757