NAMISATO PRESCHOOL, OKINAWA, Japan – U.S. Marines with 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division visited a Japanese preschool to teach English and volunteer here, Jan. 30, 2018.
“Community relation events improve relations with our host nation or ally that goes beyond just the individuals we work with,” said U.S. Navy Lt. Len Driskell, a La Grange, Texas native, and the chaplain for the battalion.
Marines with the battalion spent the morning at Namisato Preschool as part of a volunteer event to enhance the relationship between the local people and the U.S. military.
“It was interesting to see young Japanese children interested in learning our language and the impact that the Marines have on a younger generation,” Driskell added.
During the visit, Marines taught basic English to the children, ages 4-5, by working with them on personal introductions and basic phrases. The Marines also read the book “Where the Wild Things Are,” and played games with the children
“It was a great experience getting to work with the youth of a different country and helping them learn our language,” said Lance Cpl. Headley Hall, a Chicago native, and an administrative specialist with the battalion.
The 3/3 Marines are committed to fostering relations with the local population and building bonds with their allies, according to the battalion commander, Lt. Col. Steven J. Eastin.