MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- The Branch Medical Clinic hosted the Akebono Orphanage during a fun-filled day here, June 19.
Visits from the orphanage are annual, sometimes semiannual, events that have been going on for more than 20 years, said Navy Lt. Andy Hayes, BMC recreation committee chairman.
"We always see and recognize their faces," said Hayes. "They are pretty much like an extended family to the Branch Medical Clinic."
The 27 children, ages 5 to 15, traveled from Oshima Island, an hour and a half away from the Station. The children were first greeted by more than 30 smiling service members from the clinic.
The day started with the children being taken to the Sakura Theater to watch an animated "Tom and Jerry" movie.
After an hour of laughs, the children were then taken to the Main Outdoor Pool, where they enjoyed a swim under the warm sun. Located next to the pool, at the Friendship Park, a barbecue was set up for the youths to enjoy some "wholesome American food," said Hayes.
"In Japan, food such as meat and fruit like watermelons are expensive," said Hayes. "Here on the Station, it's not. So we want the children to have a chance to experience eating like we do."
The feast was also in honor of Yukihiro Haikata and Kenta Kusayanagi. The two 15 year-olds were honored for passing the admission requirement for a local Japanese high school.
"Unlike education in the United States, Japanese high school students have to prove they are academically worthy of a high school education. Just like our colleges and universities require American College Tests or Scholastic Aptitude Tests scores for admission, Japanese children face admission challenges at an earlier age," Hayes said.
The two teenagers were presented with gifts from the BMC to acknowledge their academic accomplishment.
"I wasn't expecting to be recognized for my accomplishments,' said Haikata, "But I was very surprised and extremely happy."
"This honor was all of a sudden and I didn't expect it. I am very grateful to the clinic, " said Kusayanagi.
The day's festivities concluded with both service members from the BMC and the orphanage children extending their appreciation and promises to continue their long-standing relationship.
"This annual goodwill event helps to maintain good relations with our Japanese neighbors and the BMC's community involvement in Iwakuni," said Hayes.