Photo By Lance Cpl. Mike Granahan | Seaman Christophe L. McCullick greets Yoshi Higa, a nursing home member, during the...... read more read more
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OKINAWA, Japan - Cold refreshments, a hot meal and music played by the III Marine Expeditionary Force Band were some of the many treats provided during the 20th anniversary ceremony and festival at Hikarigaoka nursing home in Kin Town, Okinawa, Japan, Sept. 8.
Service members with 7th Communication Battalion, residents, members and staff of the nursing home celebrated the anniversary with a variety of events.
Marines and sailors with the battalion are part of III MEF Headquarters Group, III MEF.
The ceremony was held as a way to celebrate the long-lasting relationship that began two decades ago and is maintained during many outreach events between the battalion and nursing home.
The Marines and sailors are family in the hearts of their nursing home members because of the volunteer work, according to Kiyo Tomimori, a nursing home resident.
“The service members came together at the ceremony to commemorate and enjoy the relationship between the home and our unit,” said Navy Lt. Stephen F. Brown, the battalion chaplain. “The warm welcome, gratefulness and the cultural exchange the (members and staff) offered is something we hold very close.”
During the ceremony, members of the nursing home and III MEF Band played music. Nursing home and staff members also provided assorted foods and dance performances.
“(They) are hospitable, and I take pleasure in eating and laughing with them while getting to know more of their culture,” said Lance Cpl. Carolina Figueroasotomayor, a volunteer at the home and an automotive maintenance technician with the battalion.
The bond between the service members and the Okinawan community continues to grow, according to Haruo Ginoza, the owner of the nursing home.
“Everyone’s efforts toward building this relationship in the past have not only made our friendship a success, but it has brought us closer,” said Ginoza.
| Date Taken: | 09.08.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 09.12.2012 23:48 |
| Story ID: | 94629 |
| Location: | OKINAWA, JP |
| Web Views: | 48 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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