MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- The Station's Branch Medical Clinic was selected as the 2002 Project Good Neighbor Flagship Award winner in the small overseas command category for its dedication to the Akebono-Ryo Orphanage.
The BMC is being recognized for its continued support of the orphanage over the past 16 years.
The clinic staff sponsors children from the orphanage twice a year to participate in activities. During the summer, the children join their friends aboard the Station for a barbeque and a trip to the swimming pool, and during the Christmas season, the BMC coordinates between the orphanage and Santa Claus, to make sure the children have an enjoyable holiday.
The BMC staff donates time throughout the year to raise money and coordinate logistics and planning for the visits.
"There is a lot of hard work and planning that goes into these visits," said Navy Lt. Gino Narte. "The award has given us a lot of motivation to keep going, but it is nothing compared to the satisfaction we get from bringing smiles to the children's faces."
Although everyone involved with the volunteer program is proud of the award, according to Cmdr. Don Albia, BMC officer-in-charge, said the real reward is being with the kids.
"It is nice to be recognized for all the hard work a lot of people have put into this, but the fact that we won does not change anything," said Albia. "We will still continue being a good neighbor and promoting our community relations, because the real joy is getting together and spending time with the kids."