Uruma City, Camp Courtney clean up Tengan River

Photo By Sgt. Daniel Jean-Paul | Members of the Camp Courtney and Uruma City communities remove debris during the annual Tengan River Cleanup March 5 in Uruma City, Okinawa, Japan. According to Col. George G. Malkasian, the camp commander, 20 years of working with the local community has made Camp Courtney and its residents feel more like part of the local community.  

URUMA CITY, OKINAWA, JAPAN

03.05.2017

Story by Cpl. Daniel Jean-Paul 

Marine Corps Installations Pacific

Members of the Camp Courtney community participated in the Tengan River Cleanup March 5 in Uruma City.

Marines, sailors, the local Young Marines and Boy Scouts came out in full effect to support the local community during the annual clean up. The cleanup committee approached the camp leadership 20 years ago requesting assistance and have taken part in the event every year since.

According to Col. George G. Malkasian, the camp commander, 20 years of working with the local community has made Camp Courtney and its residents feel more like part of the local community.

“Over the years this event has brought the Uruma and Courtney communities together, making our relationship stronger,” said Malkasian. “Both communities coming together to practice environmental stewardship helps prove that despite coming from different cultures, we share many of the same values.”

Okinawan and American volunteers worked hand in hand, removing litter and debris from the river while also sharing a few laughs and at the end of the day developed a keen partnership and friendship.

According to Uruma City Mayor Toshio Shimabukuro, this clean up was not a typical volunteer opportunity.

“The Tengan River runs through Camp Courtney,” said Shimabukuro. “Camp Courtney is a part of the Tengan River community. They are a part of our community.”

The Tengan River Cleanup is one of many environmental events that Camp Courtney participates alongside its Okinawan neighbors.
According to Malkasian, Camp Courtney hopes to continue participating events.

“Camp Courtney is looking forward to working with our Tengan neighors in the future to look after, and take care of our environment,” said Malkasian.

• Date Taken: 03.05.2017
• Date Posted: 03.09.2017 20:48
• Story ID: 226401
• Location: URUMA CITY, OKINAWA, JP