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CAMP SCHWAB, Japan - Okinawa residents and service members poured into Camp Schwab’s gate for the ninth annual Schwab Fest, May 23-24, on Camp Schwab, Okinawa.
The festival reinforced the relationship between service members and Okinawa residents through games, food, musical performances and carnival rides, according to Col. David L. Odom, the commanding officer of Headquarters Command, 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force.
“This event helps us demystify ideas of what happens on a (military installation) and reminds community members that beyond being Marines, we are people,” said Odom, a Parksville, S.C., native. “It’s a great opportunity to share great food, great music and great camaraderie.”
Service members, families and Okinawa residents entered the festival and rode carnival rides, took photos with service members and explored static displays of Marine reconnaissance tactical vehicles, weaponry and equipment.
The two-day event garnered more than 7,500 guests, according to Ashley Fahrenbach, an event coordinator with Marine Corps Community Services, and a Denver, Colorado, native.
“It’s been raining all day, and yet the number of Marines, sailors, soldiers, families and (Okinawa residents) that are in attendance right now is indicative of the power of the relationship between the U.S. and Japan,” said Sgt. Major Mario P. Fields, the sergeant major of Headquarters Command, 4th Marine regiment, 3rd MarDiv, III MEF and an Auburn Hills, Mich., native. “A good relationship makes all the difference in the morale of (service members) and interactions with (Okinawa residents).”
The Henoko Friendship Committee, along with the local news outlets, ensured that Okinawa residents were aware they had an open invitation to the festival, according to Odom.
The festival provided Okinawa residents with the opportunity to gain a better understanding of service members as individuals, according to Cpl. Daniel D. Hinga, with 3rd Combat Assault Battalion, 3rd MarDiv, III MEF.
As the live musical performances began, the audience around the stage grew steadily as the rain continued to pour. American and Japanese bands were included in a lineup headlined by the Canadian band, Theory of a Deadman, who played late into the night.
“Events like these are good reminders of what we can do to grow ourselves, as well as in our relationship with those around us, regardless of cultural boundaries,” said Odom. “The (festival) can serve as a great reminder of our similarities as well as our differences.”
As Theory of a Deadman wrapped up their final song, service members and Okinawa residents filed backstage and met the band members, took photos and received autographs.
“The American and Japanese bands’ performances really brought everyone together,” said Hinga. “This event gives everyone the opportunity to connect through (universal) interests. The activities are really great tools to bridge the gaps between (Okinawa residents) and Americans.”
| Date Taken: | 05.23.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 06.05.2015 01:36 |
| Story ID: | 165430 |
| Location: | CAMP SCHWAB, OKINAWA, JP |
| Hometown: | AUBURN HILLS, MI, US |
| Hometown: | DENVER, CO, US |
| Hometown: | LAS VEGAS, NV, US |
| Hometown: | PARKSVILLE, SC, US |
| Web Views: | 77 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Schwab Fest brings service members, Okinawa residents together, by SSgt Janessa Dugan, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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