Photo By Sgt. Tyler Vernaza | Marines with 7th Communication Battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters...... read more read more
Subscribe
OKINAWA, Japan - For almost two decades, Marines and sailors with 7th Communication Battalion have volunteered their time and energy at Hikarigaoka Nursing Home in Kin-Cho.
From sweeping the parking lots, to mowing the grass or just spending the holidays with the residents of the nursing home, the service members have made a lasting impression on their local community.
That tradition of service was revisited Sept. 8 when Marines and sailors with 7thCommunication Battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, III MEF, spent the morning cutting weeds and beautifying the surrounding grounds of the nursing home.
“Marines with 7th Communication Battalion have helped maintain the grounds at Hikarigaoka Nursing Home for over 16 years,” said Sachio Shimabukuro, manager of Hikarigaoka Nursing Home.
The battalion’s volunteer efforts have included more than just manual labor. In fact, their participation with the nursing home has involved celebrating with them too.
“Most of the work the Marines do is outside like window cleaning and yard work, but the Marines have a great relationship with us,” said Shimabukuro. “During our annual Hikarigaoka Nursing Home festival, the Marines bring food and we put on a show.”
During the holiday months, the Marines have also hosted parties and karaoke nights with the residents of the home and participated in annual traditional Okinawan festivals. At many of these events, the Marines serve food to the home’s residents, as well as sing and dance with them.
It means a lot to the elders that the Marines come to visit and are very respectful, added Shimabukuro.
“The Hikarigaoka Nursing Home is home to about 74 residents, recognized by the community as people who cannot live by themselves,” said Shimabukuro.
The residents living there are assisted with day-to-day activities like eating, bathing and exercise and do not see much of the outside. So, they are always happy to see the service members and the service members do a very good job of helping out when they can, Shimabukuro said.
“It’s a great opportunity to give back to the community, and we always feel better for doing it,” said Seaman Chris Burgess, religious program specialist with 7th Communication Battalion. “It’s definitely a morale booster for us, getting to help out someone else, and they’re always really happy to have us.”
Twice monthly, the Marines and sailors of 7th Communication Battalion can be found at the Hikarigaoka Nursing Home sharing fellowship and keeping the gardens around the nursing home beautiful.
| Date Taken: | 09.15.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 09.15.2011 03:13 |
| Story ID: | 77063 |
| Location: | OKINAWA, JP |
| Web Views: | 50 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Marines volunteer at local nursing home, by Sgt Tyler Vernaza, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
LEAVE A COMMENT