Photo By Staff Sgt. Courtney White | Marines with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, Marine Corps Air Station Futenma,...... read more read more
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AWASE, OKINAWA, Japan — Marines from Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron volunteered at the Okinawa Child Development Center in Awase Aug. 13.
Marines with the squadron, part of Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, volunteered their Saturday morning at the center, which cares for children and adults with disabilities, to clean up after Typhoon Mufia.
“We are trying to take every opportunity available to go out into the community and do things that benefit the Okinawa community members,” said Lt. Col. Ian S. Wallace, the executive officer of MCAS Futenma.
The unit’s 18 Marine volunteers spent most of their time cleaning up the facility and ended the visit by talking with residents.
“It is important to give something back to your community every once in a while,” said Cpl. Steve A. Mundackal, a bulk fuel specialist with the squadron. “The trip was originally planned to just interact with the residents, but, after the typhoon, it seemed we could make a bigger impact if we donated our time to help clean up the center.”
The residents at the facility were not the only ones to benefit from the volunteer trip. Some Marines said this allowed them to meet with and learn more about people with challenges.
“Volunteering shows us how other cultures live and face daily challenges,” said Wallace. “Going to places like the Children Development Center helps us to realize just how lucky and fortunate we are.”
Volunteer trips build character and help Marines remember the importance of serving the less fortunate, said Wallace.
“Spending time doing things for others, I believe, is good for the soul,” said Navy Lt. Ken R. Espinosa, the squadron chaplain. “The Marines and sailors are able to go out and do something worthwhile and have their own impact on the community.”
The squadron tries to do a community volunteer project once or twice a month, said Espinosa.
“We are trying to bridge the gap between our command and the local community by having as much positive interaction as we can,” said Espinosa.
In society, there is nothing more important than helping others, said Wallace.
“We were able to see the generosity of the people at the center,” said Wallace. “They do not have a lot, and yet, they turned around and made gifts for us.”
At the end of the visit, the residents of the center presented the Marines with thank-you cards and bookmarks.
“Marines who volunteer make such a positive impact,” said Wallace. “Not only is it a growing experience, but coming out to an event like this makes very fond memories.”
Volunteering time is a great way to get to know the local culture and interact with new people, according to Mundackal.
“Marines that do not have family here are able to connect with other Marines and make new friends,” said Espinosa. “Not only are trips like this a way to meet new people, but it is productive and fun at the same time.”
| Date Taken: | 08.13.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 08.18.2011 20:01 |
| Story ID: | 75588 |
| Location: | AWASE, OKINAWA, JP |
| Web Views: | 29 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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