MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Five gentlemen help provide entertainment for the Station. The faces of these five gentlemen are popular when attending Marine Corps Community Services events. They may be known as the group of civilian workers with the best jobs on the Station. They appear at all events held in Iwakuni, hangout, enjoy the evening and then go home.
The men from the special events section on Station do more than just sit and twirl their fingers at events. What they are seen doing for the most part, is enjoying the fruits of their labor.
"One of our responsibilities is the entertainment at the club," said John Pace, special events/entertainment manager. "What we try to do is create new events that match the demographics of the Station which is always changing. For example, we just had a Latin Fiesta today at 8 p.m. in the Club Iwakuni Ballroom."
"When entertainers come, we are the first impression of Iwakuni they get when we pick them up from Fukuoka," he said.
According to Chris Reitman, entertainment coordinator, "We put stuff out there because we feel like there's a call for it. Sometimes though when we do a new event, it flops."
The techno night is an example of how it may seem like the community is supporting a certain event, but when it comes down to it, no one shows up, said Alex Perkins, special events coordinator.
In order for the special events section to perform events that Marines want, suggestions have to be given by the Marines themselves.
"We are always looking for feedback from the community," said Sedric Stewart, special events assistant. "Once we put on an event that has been requested, it is also very important support is shown for the events we are able to schedule. Our job here is to make your stay in Iwakuni fun."
It is one thing to suggest ideas for concerts and shows and preach on how much Marines would like to see something and another when the time comes and no one shows. In order for the special event staff to do shows, they need Marines to show up and participate. To continue bringing the same shows, they need just as much participation or even more.
Information on shows that will be scheduled around the Station can be found in various places.
"One source would be on the Internet at the MCCS Web site, The Week in Preview, and flyers in the barracks along with many other advertisements which can be found throughout the Station," said Jared Blagburn, special events assistant.
To submit ideas or comments, call the special event office at 253-3727.
"We can't always guarantee we will do what you ask, you just don't know unless you talk to us," said Pace. "The group we have covers all ages from high school to grandfathers so we can do it all. We love our job and want to hear from the Marines to make Iwakuni the best possible experience."