Photo By Sgt. Randall Whiteman | U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Amanda Moreno, left, a food service specialist, and Sgt....... read more read more
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MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan — Being stationed far from home, especially in a foreign country, can be daunting for some service members. Volunteer events offer Marines and Sailors a meaningful way to adjust to life in Japan while building friendships and engaging with their community.
“The main focus is always the quality of life of the Marines and Sailors here,” said Arturo Duque, the Single Marine Program Coordinator at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni.
At MCAS Iwakuni, Marines and Sailors frequently participate in volunteer efforts such as cleanup projects both on base and in the surrounding Japanese community.
“To get Marines and Sailors to think about more than themselves, you're helping the community.” said Duque. “They gain a different perspective, a chance to meet other Marines and Sailors on this installation that you wouldn't normally interact with.”
Volunteering allows service members to develop their character. By dedicating their personal time, they not only strengthen their bonds with one another but also with their local community and host nation.
“Volunteering is a fantastic way to make new friends,” said Duque. “It also shows the Marine Corps that you care about more than just yourself.”
These volunteering events go beyond building camaraderie; they also promote cultural understanding and mutual respect, the Japanese community has responded warmly to the Marines and Sailors participating in public cleanup projects, with many Japanese residents inspired to join in and help out.
“Japan is known for its cleanliness, but when locals see us out there picking up trash, many will stop what they’re doing and help too,” said Duque.
Duque notes that in Japan, community members often join in volunteering efforts like cleaning, which fosters social skills and a sense of belonging. These opportunities highlight how volunteering helps build community and personal growth.
“There are so many opportunities here,” said Duque. “Some of the biggest benefits include developing social skills and realizing you’re not alone on the air station.”
Cpl. Moreno is one such Marine that embodies the spirit of initiative and service that defines what it means to be a Marine. She uses volunteer opportunities as a way to grow personally while also making a positive impact in the community.
“I enjoy helping the Japanese community,” said Cpl. Amanda Moreno, an assistant mess hall manager with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni and a native of Cuba. “I like keeping the environment clean and making a noticeable difference.”
Moreno finds a sense of purpose and connects with the community through volunteering. Stepping outside of her usual responsibilities gives her a breath of fresh air, both physically and emotionally.
“Work can get stressful and sometimes boring, so volunteering gives you a chance to take a break while still doing something meaningful.” Moreno said. “It helps relieve stress, and it’s nice being outside, sharing the experience with others.”
Whether she’s picking up litter in the streets of Iwakuni or planting flowers with local residents, for Moreno the impact goes far beyond what meets the eye. It’s the shared smiles, small conversations, and quiet moments of teamwork that leave the deepest impression.
“My favorite event is working with kids, whenever we visit local schools we read to them, help them with English, and they teach us some Japanese in return.” Moreno added. “I love how happy they get when we show up.”
These kinds of moments reflect more than just volunteering; they show how simple acts of connection can build trust and joy across cultures.
“You’ll see pictures of us smiling and working alongside the Japanese,” Moreno added. “It shows we’re actively building something positive with the community.”
Through volunteer events like these, Marines, Sailors, and Japanese residents work together to strengthen community ties one event at a time.
“Volunteering a few hours may not seem like much,” Duque concluded. “But when you dedicate your time to something beyond yourself, that’s how you make a real difference.”
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| Date Taken: | 08.25.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 08.25.2025 20:10 |
| Story ID: | 546350 |
| Location: | IWAKUNI, YAMAGUCHI, JP |
| Web Views: | 42 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, MCAS Iwakuni SMP Kintaikyo Bridge Clean-up, by LCpl David Getz, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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