Marines and sailors from Okinawa interact with Hokkaido residents

Photo By Cpl. Eric Arndt | Jetso Horikomi, the principal of the Kashi no Migakuen Rehabilitation Center for the Intellectually Challenged, pulls with the aid of his students against Marines and sailors of 3rd Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, at the center here Dec 1. The Marines and sailors conducted a community relations project at the center near Yausubetsu Maneuver Area to promote friendship with local residents.  

HOKKAIDO, JAPAN

12.01.2008

Story by Lance Cpl. Thomas Provost 

III Marine Expeditionary Force   

By Thomas Provost
III Marine Expeditionary Force Public Affairs

HOKKAIDO, Japan -- Marines and sailors with 3rd Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, received a unique opportunity to interact with the local community here when they visited the Kashi no Migakuen Rehabilitation Center for the intellectually challenged near Yausubetsu Maneuver Area, Dec. 1.

The purpose of the visit was for the Marines and sailors to help out in the community and to experience the local culture.

The Marines and sailors hoped to instill an understanding that the Marine Corps cares about the local community, according to Navy Capt. Conrad A. Targonski, the chaplain of 3rd Marine Division.

"The students responded very well to the Marines," Targonski said. "Coming to the center put a [human face] on the Marines for the community."

The day began with the Marines and sailors meeting Jetso Horikomi, the principal of the center, and doing some maintenance work on the campus.

The Marines cleaned windows in the main building and in an adjacent arts and crafts building before joining the center's students for lunch in the cafeteria.

Following lunch, all of the students gathered in the main hall, where the Marines and sailors shared a bit of American culture by singing Christmas carols for the student audience.

After the caroling was over, a large spool of thick rope was wheeled into the room and a riveting 'tsunahiki' -- a tug-of-war tournament -- began between the service members and the students. The students won the event with a 3-to-1 win/loss record over the Marines.

"We definitely made a positive impact, the students clapped along as we sang Christmas carols, they seemed to really enjoy our songs," said Lance Cpl. Matthew A. Roenneburg, a field wireman with Headquarters Battery, 3rd Bn., 12 Marines. "It made me feel good knowing they appreciated our time and getting to talk to us."

• Date Taken: 12.01.2008
• Date Posted: 12.12.2008 01:35
• Story ID: 27560
• Location: HOKKAIDO, JP