Photo By Sgt. Alyssa N. Gunton | Okinawan college students and U.S. Marines dance during the Midnight Masquerade at the...... read more read more
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MARINE CORPS AIR STATION FUTENMA, Japan – Okinawan college students and Marines with Marine Corps Air Station Futenma danced the night away in an effort to experience one another's culture.
The single Marine program hosted a midnight masquerade for the single Marines and students of Naha Nikkei Business School at the Futenma United Services Organizations Oct. 5.
As the result of a positive turnout at previous events, SMP Marines and the students wanted to hold another event, but this time with a different venue.
“The bowling event was small and packed,” said Sgt. Michael Janvier, a representative for the single Marine program. “We knew the dance would provide social interaction in a relaxed atmosphere where people would be able to hang out and meet some members of the community.”
The masquerade presented an opportunity for more than 100 Marines and students to bond with one another in a fun, safe and alcohol-free environment.
“This is a great time for all,” said Jiei Oshiro, a student at the college. “I'm able to meet a lot of people here. I can enjoy the music and dance and make new friends.”
The masquerade proved to be a hit, with more masked people arriving than anticipated.
“When I first heard about it, I thought many would think it was not fun, but then when I started getting the word out to Marines, most seemed excited,” said Janvier. “The turnout was much more than I expected.”
The masquerade not only provided an opportunity to meet new people, but also helped the college students practice their English skills.
“I love that we come together because I think my students can learn a lot about the American culture and English language,” said Ellie Himmelsbach, an English professor at the college. “My students looked forward to tonight; many even bought new outfits.”
The Marines of the SMP plan to schedule more events like this in the future, and the students of the business school have talked about taking the Marines around Okinawa.
“We will hopefully be going down to Shuri Castle with some of the students,” said Cpl. Jermaine C. Ferguson, the president of Futenma SMP. “Doing things like this gives Marines the chance to see more than the American side of Okinawa. I'm hoping that this blossoms into a strong relationship with the school.”
| Date Taken: | 10.08.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 10.26.2012 05:09 |
| Story ID: | 96802 |
| Location: | MARINE CORPS AIR STATION FUTENMA, OKINAWA, JP |
| Web Views: | 112 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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