Marines reclaim beach from trash, debris

Photo By Cpl. Anthony Ward Jr | Marines don plastic gloves and fill trash bags full of debris during a beach cleanup at Kin Red beach Aug. 13. Countless bags of trash and other debris were collected during the cleanup effort.  

KIN RED BEACH, OKINAWA, JAPAN

08.13.2011

Story by Cpl. Anthony Ward Jr 

III Marine Expeditionary Force   

OKINAWA, Japan - Retrieving one piece of misplaced trash at a time, Marines from bases throughout Okinawa helped beautify local beaches during a beach cleanup at Kin Red beach Aug. 13.

Foregoing the usual Saturday morning ritual, more than 50 Marines made the trek from their barracks rooms to Kin Red and a neighboring beach to donate time and energy to the beautification cause.

The huge group of Marines who turned out for the Single Marine Program-sponsored event made quick work of the beach cleanup and impressed the SMP staff.

“Every time there is a volunteer opportunity, these guys step up,” said Corey L. Carter, a SMP coordinator for the northern camps.

The majority of the Marines who volunteered were from 12th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, and 3rd Medical Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 35, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III MEF, with a smaller number of Marines representing other units from the northern camps, said Carter.

The Marines gathered at Kin Red where they filled countless bags of trash and debris, and then moved to another location further down the beach.

“Volunteering is something I have been doing since I came in the Marine Corps,” said Gunnery Sgt. Jaworski K. Cherry, a Marine involved in the cleanup effort.

A lot of the Marines from Cherry’s shop helped in the cleanup, working together built unit camaraderie and gave Cherry an opportunity to display his dedication to leadership, he said.
Cherry and the Marines displayed a positive side of Marines to their local Okinawan neighbors.

It reflects well on the Marines to come out and clean up, said Lance Cpl. Nestor D. Flores, SMP representative for 7th Communication Battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, III MEF.

“A lot of these guys come here and go snorkeling or swimming,” said Carter, adding that it makes sense that the Marines would serve in an area where they live and play.

After a few hours in the sun and a few boxes of trash bags later, the Marines achieved their goal of a clean beach.

• Date Taken: 08.13.2011
• Date Posted: 08.18.2011 20:47
• Story ID: 75593
• Location: KIN RED BEACH, OKINAWA, JP