Marine’s childhood talent makes lasting impact

Photo By Cpl. Brianna Christensen | Sgt. Chase V. Morrison, a meteorological and oceanographic forecaster with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, presents a child from the Okinawa Children Development Center with a balloon July 9.  

AWASE, OKINAWA, JAPAN

07.15.2011

Story by Pfc. Brianna Christensen 

III Marine Expeditionary Force   

AWASE, Okinawa, Japan - The streets filled with music and the children’s faces lit up with joy when 15 Marines from Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron walked into the Okinawa Children Development Center in Awase, Okinawa, July 9.

The unit, a part of Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, visited the center, which takes care of children and adults with disabilities, to strengthen their relationship with the community by entertaining residents with games and balloons.

“All these Marines have unique gifts and talents, and to see them used in the local community is awesome,” said U.S. Navy Lt. Ken R. Espinosa, a chaplain with the squadron.

Among the volunteers was Sgt. Chase V. Morrison, a meteorological and oceanographic forecaster with the squadron, or as the children know him, Tino the Balloon Man.

“I’m hoping that by showcasing Sgt. Morrison, other Marines and sailors will see that their talents outside of the military can affect the community,” said Espinosa.

The Marines helped entertain the children by playing games with them. Activities included bowling and singing songs while Morrison made balloon animals.

Morrison has been tying balloon animals since he was 12 years old.

“I saw a man making balloon animals on the street, and he told me he would give me a job if I could make 25 animals, so I stayed up all night teaching myself how to make them,” said Morrison.

Morrison continued with balloon art from that point.

“Whenever I needed money, I would stand in front of [stores] and make animals for tips,” said Morrison.”When I joined the military, I saw how many kids there were on base and I thought it would be a good way to make an impact.”

While Morrison was living in Havelock, N.C., he began his own business called “The Balloon Clown” and began performing at hundreds of events such as weddings, birthdays and fairs. He performs as two different characters, Tino the Balloon Man, and Pocki the Clown.

Morrison brought the business with him to Biloxi, Miss., and now to Okinawa, Japan.

“I volunteer in the local community at least twice a month. I love what I do; I like seeing kids smile and making them happy,” said Morrison.
Many Okinawa community members do not often have much interaction with Americans, so when they see Marines coming out to help, even with little things, it makes an impact, said Morrison.

“It’s incredible the effect something simple can have. These kids have unfortunate circumstances, but they are so happy just watching someone make balloon animals,” said Espinosa.

• Date Taken: 07.15.2011
• Date Posted: 07.14.2011 22:41
• Story ID: 73760
• Location: AWASE, OKINAWA, JP