Photo By Sgt. Erik Brooks | Members of the III Marine Expeditionary Force band perform for Marines and residents...... read more read more
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CAMP SCHWAB, Japan - Smiles and laughter filled the air as Marines and Okinawans of Henoko enjoyed each other’s company.
The attendees were entertained with food, games, static vehicle displays, inflatable bounce houses, a performance by members of the III Marine Expeditionary Force band, and Santa Claus at the 30th annual Christmas celebration with the residents of Henoko hosted by Marines at the Camp Schwab USO building Dec. 3.
“This is a long standing tradition between the residence of Henoko and Marines on Camp Schwab,” said Yasumasa Oshiro, the district mayor of Henoko. “In the past 30 years, we have brought around 4,500 people to help celebrate Christmas with the Marines.”
The Marines and Henoko residents get together every year to celebrate Christmas, said Col. Stephen M. Neary, the commanding officer of 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III MEF, and camp commander for Camp Schwab. The purpose of the gathering is to spread the joy of Christmas with the residence of Henoko, he added.
At the start of the event, both Neary and Oshiro spoke to the crowd thanking them for attending and explaining the joy, this event brings to all who attend.
“This event is about building the trust and respect between the base and residence of Henoko,” said Neary. “It is about building the community.”
After the opening ceremony, the Marines and residents played games, watched a Christmas movie and played outside in the inflatable house.
“It is always fun attending these events,” said Lance Cpl. Jaxen K. Alstrom, an assault amphibious vehicle operator with Combat Assault Battalion, 3rd MarDiv, III MEF. “I enjoy being able to celebrate Christmas with the kids.”
Following the recreation time, the Marines cooked hot dogs and hamburgers and attendees were served lunch by The Young Men’s Association of Okinawa.
“The Young Men’s Association of Okinawa served homemade soba to the guests,” said Neary. “These men are the future mayors of Okinawa.”
The USO also participated in the Christmas celebration.
“We provided the food and facility,” said William C. Stanley, manager for the Camp Schwab USO. “Along with the food and facility we made gift bags for the children to take with them.”
According to Stanley, Community Bank and the Military Officer Spouses Group both donated food and baked goods for the occasion. Volunteers worked around 50-60 hours to make the party happen, he said.
After lunch, the guests were entertained with a performance by members of the III MEF band. The band performed a variety of Christmas-themed music before; Santa Claus arrived with a red gift bag in hand.
Children surrounded him, waiting for their chance to receive gifts from jolly Saint Nick. Santa’s departure was the final act for this Christmas party.
“Gatherings like this are important to both the Marines and children,” said Neary. “It reminds us what Christmas is all about. It builds the bonds between Marines and local residents that will last for years to come.”
| Date Taken: | 12.03.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 12.13.2011 02:07 |
| Story ID: | 81266 |
| Location: | CAMP SCHWAB, AICHI, JP |
| Web Views: | 101 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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