Marines, sailors give children lesson in Halloween, English

Photo By 2nd Lt. Kevin Knallay | Cpl. Robert Radabaugh, an amphibious assault vehicle operator with Combat Assault Battalion, introduces himself as Minnie Mouse to the toddlers of Omiya Kindergarten in Nago Oct. 19. The service members wore costumes dressing as Batman, vampires and witches to enrich the Halloween mood.  

OKINAWA, OKINAWA, JAPAN

10.19.2006

Story by Lance Cpl. Kevin Knallay 

III Marine Expeditionary Force   

by Lance Cpl. Kevin M. Knallay
III Marine Expeditionary Force PAO

OKINAWA, Japan -- Marines and sailors used the Halloween spirit to teach local children English by throwing a costume party Oct. 19 for 130 pupils attending Omiya Kindergarten.

The event was initiated by the Nago City International Exchange and Friendship Committee in cooperation with community relations specialist at Camp Schwab.

The children's faces lit up when the Marines and sailors entered the room. It did not take long for the service members to adopt the same spirit.

"When there are eight or nine kids hooked to you and they are laughing, smiling and having a good time it's a very rewarding experience," said Pfc. Lucas Chagnon, a motor transportation operator with Combat Assault Battalion.

During the party, the costumed troops sang and danced while teaching the children English phrases associated with Halloween. The children were tested in a trick-or-treat format. The Marines and sailors set up several candy tables around the room representing homes on Halloween night. The children were rewarded as they worked their way around the tables using their newly-acquired English phrases.

"The Halloween party was great. It let us meet every child and greet them," said Cpl. Phillip Chung, a mail clerk with Combat Assault Battalion.

"The kids and teachers both look forward to (the tutoring) visits," said Kaoru Oshiro, a representative with the Board of Education of Nago. "It is a great learning experience for the kids to interact with the Americans and familiarize themselves with their culture."

It was Chung's fifth visit to the school and not likely to be his last as he always finds a source of motivation in the children. "They are so energetic and enthusiastic. They sound off louder than (many) Marines," he said.

"(The service members) are making great contributions, not only to education but to the future friendship of the United States and Japan," said Mio Iha, the community relations specialist for Camp Schwab.

The English tutoring visits have been taking place for four years and include 15 schools throughout Nago. With more than 650 students affected by the program, more volunteers are continuously sought.

"It's guaranteed to be fun," said Chung. "Being so far from home, it's a great feeling to have a community to come out and appreciate you for your actions."

• Date Taken: 10.19.2006
• Date Posted: 10.30.2006 09:18
• Story ID: 8178
• Location: OKINAWA, OKINAWA, JP