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By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Nathan Burke
YOKOSUKA, Japan – Fourteen Sailors from the U.S. Navy’s only forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) visited the Shunko Gakuen Children Home (SGCH) in Yokosuka, Japan, Dec. 22.
The visit brought together Sailors from the U.S. Navy, SGCH children and members of the local community, and was highlighted by the delivery of more than 150 Christmas gifts donated by Ronald Reagan Sailors.
“I think the kids would agree that one of the best parts of life is sharing what we have,” said Capt. Chris Bolt, Ronald Reagan’s commanding officer.
SGCH, dedicated to protecting, raising and mentoring children to grow up as good members of society, currently supports 69 children. Nineteen were present to receive gifts during the visit.
“Since the kids are away from their parents and families, when U.S. service members visit them it makes their lives richer,” said Shuichi Koyama, deputy director of SGCH. “It makes them feel richer as well, so they will feel positive in their life.”
The visit allowed Sailors the opportunity to interact with SGCH children while they opened and played with the donated toys and gifts.
“Seeing how excited the kids were to get the toys was pretty cool,” said Interior Communications Electrician 1st Class Sade Forman, from Bronx, New York. “It’s important for us to interact with the community to show we are here and we want to be a part of them. It creates a bond. They are a part of our family.”
Fifty-five junior and senior Ronald Reagan Sailors purchased and donated the gifts for the children.
“I liked seeing Ronald Reagan Sailors donate the gifts,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate 1st Class, from Seattle, Washington. “For them to take their time to buy a toy or two for these kids, I thought was pretty cool."
According to Fire Controlman 1st Class Frank Ware, from Jacksonville, North Carolina, the visit wasn’t solely about the gifts.
“My favorite part was the kids reaction to people who weren’t from the home because when you’re in that kind of situation, anything positive will brighten your day,” said Ware. “I could tell as soon as we walked in, there was a change in their demeanor. Because I don’t know how many visits they get.”
After Sailors spent time with the children assembling the new gifts and playing with them for the first time, the children thanked the Sailors in unison.
“Arigato Gozaimasu,” said the children, which translates to “thank you very much.”
“You are so very, very welcome,” said Bolt. “It was our honor. I hope Ronald Reagan’s crew can be a part of this orphanage and we can do this each year, regularly. It’s a big partnership in the community.”
According to Shuuji Koboayashi, director of SGCH, the history of friendship and interaction with the U.S. Navy dates back to the year the orphanage was established in 1946.
“I would very much appreciate if you could come back and take more time in playing with the kids,” said Koyama. “The kids would be very excited.”
Ronald Reagan provides a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interests of the U.S. and its allies and partners in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.
| Date Taken: | 12.22.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 12.23.2015 05:59 |
| Story ID: | 185208 |
| Location: | YOKOSUKA, KANAGAWA, JP |
| Hometown: | BRONX, NY, US |
| Hometown: | JACKSONVILLE, NC, US |
| Hometown: | SEATTLE, WA, US |
| Web Views: | 75 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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