CAMP HANSEN, OKINAWA, Japan – The feeling on the Camp Hansen Parade Field was amped up as the Japanese band, “As Alliance,” warmed up for their performance. Excitement arose when the lead vocalist shouted, “How are we doing Camp Hansen!” Then the show began.
The base’s gates were open to the public as multiple artists entertained service members, their families and members of the community Sept. 13-14 during Hansen Fest. The goal of the festival was to provide service members a chance to let off some steam and enjoy free entertainment, according to Jennifer Dowd, the Marine Corps Community Services Okinawa entertainment coordinator.
“I believe that entertainment is the escape from the stresses of everyday life,” said Dowd. “I think it is a great opportunity for the service members to get out and enjoy the moment.”
Events like this provide an additional venue for service members to interact with the community and learn about their unique culture, according to Stephen Hatfield, the MCCS Okinawa coordinator for Camp Hansen.
“We’re here for friendship, and we give (Okinawa bands) a chance to come out here and entertain,” said Hatfield, from Boston, Massachusetts.
The goal of MCCS Okinawa entertainment is to find the right bands and the right genre of music based on the preference of the service members on that particular camp, according to Hatfield.
“A lot of Marines on this camp like Rock n’ Roll, so that’s what we brought here,” said Hatfield.
The crowd swelled in numbers as rock band P.O.D. took to the main stage. The excitement exploded as the headliner band warmed up for their performance.
“We talked to Marines out here earlier that were so excited we are here,” said Sonny Sandoval, the vocalist for P.O.D. “We are all fired up and ready to play.”
The band performed for two hours. Throughout their performance, the crowd sang along, particularly to the hit single, “Youth of the Nation.”
The band put on a great show and the crowd really enjoyed the performance, according to Dowd.
“(Marines’ sacrifices) give me the opportunity to do what I love, and that is playing music,” said Sandoval, from San Diego, California. “I’m grateful for every single service member out here.”