MARINE CORPS AIR STATION, IWAKUNI -- For many people the holiday season means buying gifts for loved ones, but for the Marines and Sailors of Marine Wing Support Squadron 171 who volunteered to sponsor Japanese orphans, it means giving the gift of love and friendship to those less fortunate.
For 55 children from the nearby Yahata Orphanage, the memories of a day spent with Sailors and Marines will last a lifetime, and the gathering was not only beneficial for the children, but also for those spending time with them.
"We wanted to sponsor the orphans and bring them onto the base so they could see what we do here and experience some American culture," said Navy Lt. Robert Jones, MWSS-171 squadron chaplain. "It's really designed for single Marines and Sailors to show how much we care about these children."
Every year MWSS-171 sponsors the orphans by pairing each child with a Marine or Sailor and bringing them aboard the Station. The orphans then get an opportunity to go bowling, see a basketball game, try some American food or just spend time with a new friend. For some of the children, the simple things made their day.
"It's really neat to be with the kids because they are so fascinated by the littlest things," said Pfc. Rachel Jung, MWSS-171 field wireman. "We went to the see the fountain and climb on some rocks, and to him it was the coolest thing in the world."
The children, whose ages ranged from 4 to 19, could speak little or no English, but that didn't stop them from communicating in their own way.
"What I believe they will learn is the international language of love," Jones said. "Once that international language begins to be spoken, you can actually feel the love and giving."
For many of the service members who participated, it was a love for children that made the day worthwhile.
"It was a great opportunity to spend time with these wonderful children," said Sgt. Ian Moore, MWSS-171 communications electronic technician. "I have two children of my own and since I'm here unaccompanied this is an chance for these children to experience what my kids get to go through all the time."
According to Jones, everyone who participated comes away with something positive.
"I believe what they will get out of this is the holiday spirit," he noted. "The Marines and Sailors of 171 have the biggest hearts that I have ever seen."
Some of the single and unaccompanied Marines who are without family here felt a similarity to the orphans and understood what it's like to be alone.
"I'm overseas, all by myself, and a lot of these children are by themselves," said Cpl. Joshua Schank, MWSS-171 motor transport operator. "I thought it would be a good opportunity to interact."
Although the children only spent a few hours with the service members, the day allowed them to experience a way of life many of them may have never known.
"It gives them an up-close look at United States Marines and Sailors in an environment where they are out of their uniform, but are still representing the service," Jones said. "It gives them the opportunity to remember something that will hopefully have a positive impact on them for the rest of their lives."