CAMP HANSEN, Japan - Sakae Ginoza, a former member of the Kin Town Assembly, visited 7th Communication Battalion May 9 during a battalion quarterly training event to speak on the history of Camp Hansen and the positive effect of the Marine Corps’ presence on Okinawa.
Ginoza was invited to speak when the battalion commander wanted the Marines to learn the perspectives of people they share the island with, according to Maj. Matt C. Frazier, the company commander and an electronic maintenance officer with Service Company, 7th Comm. Bn., III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, III MEF.
“When the Marines do volunteer work and similar things out in town, they can wonder if they’re actually being noticed trying to help,” said Frazier, an Erie, Pa., native. “Hearing that there are people who appreciate what the Marines do can help to affirm that they’re doing something right, and can even motivate them to do more.”
With the help of volunteer translator Noriko Sharik, Ginoza recounted his own experiences during World War II, when he was treated with kindness by the Marines and received food from them. He is grateful for the Marines and encourages further interaction between the U.S. and Japan.
“I believe the key staff of Camp Hansen should interact more with the staff of Kin Town,” said Ginoza. “It can help them work together even more.”
The presence of the U.S. armed forces has been a positive influence on the people, and the interaction between the two builds an understanding of their two cultures, according to Ginoza.
“It is very important that they stay here,” said Ginoza. “We appreciate what the Marines are doing and I hope to see more interacting between us in the future.”
For the Marines in attendance, Ginoza’s visit was both informative and interesting, according to Cpl. Tawnya N. Leza, a motor vehicle operator with the battalion.
“It’s amazing to have someone visit like this,” said Leza, an Arvada, Colo., native. “He took the time out of his day to come here and speak with us, and I feel grateful for that. I had no idea Camp Hansen used to be a sugar cane field or just how much they appreciate us being here. I’ve noticed how the people are extremely kind and open to the help we offer, and I love being able to help them.”
The Marines appreciated Ginoza’s visit and hope that similar visits can happen during future events, according to Frazier.
“It’s interesting to hear firsthand about people’s experiences during the war and about the island where we are living,” said Frazier. “I also believe the Marines will be even more motivated to volunteer with the community now.”
| Date Taken: |
05.09.2014 |
| Date Posted: |
05.19.2014 00:30 |
| Story ID: |
130218 |
| Location: |
CAMP HANSEN, OKINAWA, JP |
| Hometown: |
ARVADA, COLORADO, US |
| Hometown: |
ERIE, PENNSYLVANIA, US |
| Web Views: |
140 |
| Downloads: |
0 |
PUBLIC DOMAIN
This work, Kin Town visitor shows Marine Corps gratitude, by LCpl David Hersey, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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