EFMP entertained families with 2nd annual Reach Out event

Photo By Sgt. Nicole Rogge | CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, Japan – Cpl. Joshua Pitter poses for a photo during the 2nd annual Reach Out event at the Butler Officers’ Club June 2 aboard Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan. The event brought families of the local and U.S. communities with special needs together for a day of fun and music. Pitter is a construction wireman with Headquarters and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Installations Pacific-Marine Corps Base Camp Butler, Japan. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Nicole Rogge)  

CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, JAPAN

06.02.2018

Story by Pfc. Nicole Rogge 

Marine Corps Installations Pacific

Families gathered around the dance floor as the Zumba instructors pumped up the crowd for the beginning of the annual Reach Out event at the Butler Officers’ Club June 2 aboard Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan.

The event brought families of the local and U.S. communities with special needs together for a day of fun and music.

“This event is a terrific opportunity to visibly demonstrate support for exceptional family members,” said Brig. Gen. Paul Rock Jr., the commanding general of Marine Corps Installations Pacific and Marine Corps Base Camp Butler.

Marine Corps Community Services along with the Exceptional Family Member Program provided families with sensory activities including arts and crafts, dancing, and musical instruments to play.

All family members’ needs were met to include a quiet room for children who did not enjoy the loud music.

“This is a good experience for the children,” said Vehara Nanami, a parent from Okinawa City. “They rarely have the opportunity to participate in the friendship exchanges.”

Over 350 people attended the event from the local and U.S. communities, which was double the number of attendants from last year. Happiness Day Care, Wa-I Development Center, Ashitomo Egao Ki-No-Ouchi, Fureai Kids, Co-Co, and Yui were the schools from the local area invited to this years event.

“Every family is just looking to live and enjoy their family,” said Rock. “Creating those bonds by coming to an event like this is very special and I’m very proud of the MCCS team who put this all together.”

• Date Taken: 06.02.2018
• Date Posted: 06.05.2018 03:19
• Story ID: 279557
• Location: CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, JP