MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- "Beauty is brought by judgment of the eye," said William Shakespeare. And for each of the thousands of pairs of eyes on Station, Japan holds different sorts of beauty.
For some Marines, Japan means a chance to spend quality time with their video games. For others, it is a place to see unique sights, to meet new people and to take advantage of the myriad of opportunities available to them.
Staff Sgt. Andrew James and Sgt. Andre Smith greatly enjoy exploring Japan. However, being deployed here holds additional allure.
James and Smith, who are more widely known by the names of their radio personalities "Big Papa" and "Young Dre," host a five-hour radio show Tuesday and Thursday evenings.
"It's fun," said Smith, flashing a brilliant grin. James, valiantly struggling to maintain a straight face, nods his agreement.
The pair plays "R&B and rap music," said James, an aviation electronics supervisor. Although they make an effort to satisfy the diverse needs of their audience, they're not afraid to say no to music outside the genre. "During our show, we've received requests for country music," said James.
The twosome feed off of each other's energy and humor to develop a variety of characters for the show. "We created helicopter pilot Capt. Tagfield, to be our 'eye in the sky,'" said Smith, a radar technician. "Capt. Tagfield handles the weather reports directly from his chopper."
"Dr. Love gives relationship advice," said James, adding, "Some people don't realize the characters are fictional. We've actually received a serious call requesting relationship advice!"
The show's roots developed in 2002, during James' first overseas tour. "I called in to request a song," the Buffalo, N.Y., native explained. "The disc jockey invited me to stop by the station, and before I knew it, I was on the air."
James quickly learned how to manipulate the control board, and two weeks later was running the show single-handedly. James was joined by Smith, his buddy of eight years, during his second and most recent tour.
Although neither Marine had experience as a radio personality during their civilian years, both feel comfortable running the show.
"We haven't really had any embarrassing moments," said James. "If we say we're going to play the newest song by Nelly, and end up with something from Aerosmith, we're generally able to cover it up."
"We're prepared for anything," agreed Smith.
The pair's enthusiasm is catching, and their listening audience is rapidly increasing. "We had someone call in the other day to tell us that he turns off his TV just to listen to our show," noted a very pleased James.
When James joined the Marine Corps 13 years ago, he didn't imagine he would get the chance to adopt a radio show. "I'm just taking advantage of opportunities as they present themselves," he said.
Such a statement is characteristic of James, who will complete 20 years in the Corps before opening a restaurant. Plans for the restaurant, which "will serve soul-food," are ongoing.
Food is important to 'Young Dre,' too. Smith, a Detroit native, recalls "shoveling my way to the grill so my mamma could make some steaks or ribs," and has plans to work at James' restaurant.
However, until the restaurant opens, the pair will keep their day jobs with the Marine Corps, and continue to troll the airwaves at night.