Marines, sailors volunteer, clean up Uruma City beach

Photo By Sgt. Tyler Vernaza | Marines and sailors with 3rd Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, pick up debris at Konbu Beach Sept. 2. The Marines often volunteer their time in the local community as this is the second beach cleanup performed by the Marines in three weeks.  

URUMA CITY, OKINAWA, JAPAN

09.09.2011

Story by Lance Cpl. Tyler Vernaza 

III Marine Expeditionary Force   

URUMA CITY, Japan - More than 30 Marines and sailors with 3rd Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, participated in a beach cleanup on Konbu Beach in Uruma City Sept. 2.

The Marines and sailors with 3rd Bn., 12th Marines, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, spent almost half a day removing trash and debris from the beach. It was an all-volunteer effort.

“This cleanup was not organized by the unit and certainly not mandatory. The Marines and corpsmen we have out here are here by their own personal prerogative,” said Navy Lt. Matthew Fore, chaplain for 3rd Bn., 12th Marines. “They just have a heart for volunteering.”

The volunteers removed 30 bags of trash, separated into plastics, metals, burnable materials and recyclables along with washed-up buoys, tires, furniture, ropes and nets.

“Although the beach is small in size, the Marines chose this beach specifically for its natural beauty and its proximity to the Mihara Horse Stables,” said Fore.

“Marines go down to the Mihara Horse Stables every Sunday to volunteer their time for the local community,” said Cpl. Eric Black, a radio operator with 3rd Bn., 12th Marines.

Doing anything and everything from cleaning to feeding and grooming, the volunteers are always willing to put in time and effort, he said.

While at the stables, the Marines noticed the horses use the nearby beaches to run around and stretch their legs. But the beaches were overrun by piles of displaced garbage, which caused a hazard to the horses and their riders.

The Marines volunteer to help because they are part of the community.

“Hopefully, when we do these beach cleanups we’re not just picking up trash but making a positive impact on the (local community members),” said Fore.

However, the local community members are not the only ones enjoying Okinawa’s many beaches. Konbu Beach is located five minutes from Camp Courtney’s main gate and visited by many military members and spouses.

“I think it’s great the Marines are taking time out of their day to come out here and pick up trash,” said Kassandra Calderon, a military spouse and resident of Uruma City.

Coincidentally, the day the Marines came to clean the beach was Calderon’s first visit.

Calderon said Konbu is a beautiful spot to relax and plans on returning with her family.

• Date Taken: 09.09.2011
• Date Posted: 09.08.2011 20:42
• Story ID: 76698
• Location: URUMA CITY, OKINAWA, JP