Marines Play Santa for a Day

KIN TOWN, OKINAWA, JAPAN

12.19.2015

Courtesy Story

III Marine Expeditionary Force   

KIN TOWN, OKINAWA, JAPAN - Presents slowly fill the room under a board display saying “3rd Intel 2015 Toys Drive.” Empty desks await the children, and soon, they will notice that Santa Claus came dressed a little different this year. He came dressed as a U.S. Marine.

Marines with 3rd Intelligence Battalion, III Marine Headquarters Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force visited the Kin Town Social Warfare Center to hand out present to Okinawan children part of Kin Town Single Parent Association Dec. 19, 2015.

The children flooded in with big smiles and bright eyes, they were just as eager as the Marines wanting to hand out the gifts. One by one the Marines called up the kids and smiles never failed to show.

“The kids were all so happy, it definitely made their day,” said Lance Cpl. Tony McCandless, a radio maintainer with 3rd Intel. “It feels great to give someone joy like this, it’s priceless.”

The event was volunteer-based and reminder of the level of care Marines have for their local community.

“We’re not only a force of readiness, but we genuinely care about the community that we are in and were here to give back,” said Sgt. Brian Daly, a rifleman with 3rd Intel.

Community relations happen year round on Okinawa and as the holidays approach Marines away from home continue to stay faithful to their community and host nation by giving back.

• Date Taken: 12.19.2015
• Date Posted: 12.22.2015 00:43
• Story ID: 185025
• Location: KIN TOWN, OKINAWA, JP
• Hometown: FERNDALE, WA, US
• Hometown: TYLER, TX, US