Calabash golf for earthquake victims: Japanese-American friendship group donate for disaster

Photo By Sgt. Michael Iams | Capt. Matthew C. Frazier, company commander, Electronics Maintenance Company, 3rd Maintenance Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 35, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force, putts a birdie on hole nine during the Calabash Japanese-American Friendship Group golf charity event here Sept. 23. The Calabash golf charity event helps support the victims of the Great East Japan Earthquake.  

TAIYO GOLF CLUB, OKINAWA, JAPAN

09.26.2011

Story by Lance Cpl. Michael Iams 

III Marine Expeditionary Force   

OKINAWA, Japan - The Calabash Japanese-American friendship group held its first charity golf event here Sept. 23 to donate money for the victims of the Great East Japan Earthquake.

The charity group invited Japanese and Americans golfers to build camaraderie as they donated money to help the victims of the Great East Japan Earthquake.

“The Calabash is an American-Japanese friendship organization,” said James P. Hopkins, Regional Coordinator for the College of Distance Education and Training. “The purpose of Calabash is friendship, to understand the other person's culture, and to create a better understanding between the two countries at a local level.”

Approximately 125 people attended the charity event and played golf.

“I was pleasantly surprised at the large volume that participated,” said Hopkins. “Even more surprising was the speed at which people signed up and donated.”

Approximately $4000 was raised for the Japanese and American Red Cross organizations.

“It was great to be able to raise money for those affected by the tsunami and to further develop relations with the Japanese community at the same time,” said Capt. Matthew C. Frazier, company commander, Electronics Maintenance Company, 3rd Maintenance Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 35, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

“Despite the fact that the tsunami occurred six months ago, many portions of mainland Japan are still in ruins, and that problem has been compounded by this summer's parade of typhoons and tropical storms - bottom line, it's never too late to extend a helping hand,” said Fraizer.

People hailing from the disaster affected areas also participated in the charity event.

The Calabash group received a letter from Aiko Shimajiri, a member of the House of Councilors in National Parliament of Japan, expressing her gratitude for the support of U.S. forces in Operation Tomodachi, explained Ric Lucas, an English teacher at Okinawa Shogaku Senior High School.

The Calabash spent six months planning and implementing the charity event.

“It took the efforts of 20 people to plan and execute this event,” said Hopkins. “It took hours of planning. I extend my thanks to the Calabash members and the Taiyo staff for their efforts.”

The participants smiled and laughed as they played golf together and helped raise money for the victims of the Great East Japan Earthquake.

“This is a really meaningful project, and I am very proud of it,” said Lucas.“I am glad I am able to do something to help out … and it is through the cooperation within the Calabash, the Japanese and Americans together.”

• Date Taken: 09.26.2011
• Date Posted: 09.27.2011 02:13
• Story ID: 77621
• Location: TAIYO GOLF CLUB, OKINAWA, JP