CAMP SCHWAB, Japan – More than 220 Status of Forces Agreement personnel and Henoko residents came together to celebrate the 26th Annual United Service Organizations' Camp Schwab-Henoko Children's Christmas Day, Dec. 8, at the Camp Schwab USO.
"Camp Schwab has a much closer relationship with the community than any other base on Okinawa because it is the only base that is considered a residential district of its' neighboring town," said Fumio Iha, the Camp Schwab liaison and community relations specialist. "Everyone on base is considered as part of the Henoko community."
Because of their relationship, Henoko officials regularly invite Camp Schwab Marines to community events, such as Henoko Sports Day and Dragon Boat races.
The Marines reciprocate with their own kindness and share American traditions at the Henoko residents to the Children's Christmas Day.
"It is essential for us to maintain a good working and friendly relationship with our neighbors," said Lt. Col. Scott Fosdal, the Camp Schwab commander. "Christmas is a tradition that brings friends and family together. It's important that we don't forget our friends from Henoko."
With help from the USO, the Marine Corps Bases Japan Fire Department and the Henoko
Young Men's Association, Schwab Marines put together a three-hour celebration that included food, gifts and a visit from Santa Claus.
"I had a great time," said Cpl. Joshua J. Henderson, a Light Armored Vehicle operator, who is currently deployed to Okinawa with 3rd Assault Amphibious Battalion, 1st Marine Division. "I loved playing with the kids and spending time with the locals. Showing them a good time and sharing our traditions with their kids is the least we can do for everything they do for us."
In 1981, Katsuko Epperson, an Okinawan and retired sergeant major's wife, initiated the celebration, with the help of the USO, as a means to bring both groups together in friendship, Iha explained.
Since then, the event is one of many functions held by the people of Henoko and Camp Schwab to help maintain the strong relationship the two groups have fostered since the camp was built more than 46 years ago, Iha said.
For many of the attendees, the event is something that brings back memories from their childhood.
"This is probably one of the largest groups we've had in a while," said retired Chief Warrant Officer Lee Kramvik, a USO employee. "A lot of the mothers and fathers who brought their kids here today came to the Children's Christmas Day when they were kids. It shows that the people of Henoko enjoy it, and they want their kids to have the same great experience with the Marines they've had their whole lives."