Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni volunteers beautify Futashika Umezu Falls

Photo By Sgt. Aaron Henson | Station Volunteers look for trash at Futashika Umezu Falls, in Futashika, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan, Oct. 16, 2015. The Single Marine Program at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, provides residents volunteer opportunities to build relations with Japanese locals and experience part of the foreign culture. Volunteers enjoyed the scenery of the forest, river and waterfalls, as they picked up trash and debris along the river. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Aaron Henson/Released)  

FUTASHIKA, YAMAGUCHI, JAPAN

10.16.2015

Story by Pfc. Aaron Henson 

Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni

FUTASHIKA, Japan - Volunteers enjoyed the scenery of the forest, river and waterfalls, as they picked up trash and debris along the river's main pathway.

“It doesn’t matter if it’s a river cleanup, a regular cleanup, a children’s home visit or a school visit, they all love it ... everyone enjoys volunteering,” said Oana Ivanoff, a Marine Lounge manager with Marine Corps Community Services.

By cleaning the area and collecting trash, volunteers recognize their contributions and how they’re helping the Japanese locals.

“While walking back carrying a hefty load of trash, we realize how much we’re helping the community with all of the trash we bring out,” said Lance Cpl. Christopher Fill, an aviation ordnance Marine with Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 12.

The event affords volunteers the opportunity to connect with other station residents.

“Volunteering makes me feel pretty good,” said Lance Cpl. Adam Miller, an administrative specialist with MALS-12. “It’s something fun to do, you get to meet other people and it’s a fun adventure.”

These volunteer opportunities also provide station residents a chance to build relations with Japanese locals and experience part of the foreign culture.

The SMP provides numerous opportunities to volunteer and interact with the community. For upcoming events or more information, call 253-4656.

• Date Taken: 10.16.2015
• Date Posted: 10.19.2015 21:53
• Story ID: 179332
• Location: FUTASHIKA, YAMAGUCHI, JP