MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Giggles and squeals of delight echoed over the din of Christmas music amidst a sea of toys and brightly colored wrapping paper. For the moment, it was hard to tell the kids from the adults.
Thirty children and six staff members from the Tsuta Orphanage visited the Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting building Saturday, one of two annual trips stemming from ARFF’s longstanding sponsorship of the orphanage, said Master Sgt. John A. Lupton, ARFF chief and Grand Junction, Colo., native.
“It provides Marines an opportunity to participate in volunteering their time to a good cause,” Lupton added. “I think it bridges the gap between two cultures.”
The afternoon began with service members and their families playing a variety of games with the children in the grassy area adjacent to the ARFF building. The festivities included three-legged races and relays where teams balanced an egg on a spoon.
“These kids are so energetic; they’re all over the place,” said Pfc. Mark A. Peterson, ARFF specialist and Fridley, Minn., native, after an intense tickling match with one of the youngsters.
It’s good that the children have the opportunity to come out and play with those who are just as young at heart, Peterson added.
After the games, everyone filed into the building for an American Christmas dinner that included turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce and all the traditional fixings. The children lined up for seconds and thirds, eager to try out the many interesting dishes.
The American food is a favorite part of the visit for many of the children, said Yoshihide Nishitani, Tsuta teacher and Hiroshima native. The diverse tastes and large portions differ from traditional Japanese cuisine, and everyone enjoys trying something new.
Later that afternoon, the orphans were in for one more surprise: a visit from Santa Claus, played by Lance Cpl. James M. Watkins, ARFF specialist and St. Marys, Ga., native. Much to the children’s delight, jolly old Saint Nick arrived atop a ladder truck with sirens wailing. Santa then took his seat in a wooden sled loaded to the brim with gifts and one by one passed out the presents to each child in attendance.
“It’s actually a great feeling, I like being able to interact with the kids,” said Watkins. “By doing good things for them, it shows them we’re here to help.”
After Nishitani was presented with a 100,000-yen donation to the orphanage, the remainder of the afternoon was spent opening presents, playing with new toys, munching on leftover snacks and jumping in the inflatable bounce house ARFF set up for the visit.
Nishitani agrees that the trip is a good way to strengthen community ties, but feels the overlying purpose of the trip is much simpler.
These kinds of activities help us understand America better, but more importantly it helps us realize that everyone is basically the same, Nishitani said. The children here don’t speak English, but you can see how happy they are playing with the Americans.
Lance Cpl. Daniel P. Erker, ARFF specialist, spent most of the day with several excited youngsters tugging at his sleeve, and says the visit could not have gone better.
“It’s spreading the Christmas spirit,” the Olathe, Kan., native said. “Tis’ the season to be jolly, and we’re here having all kinds of fun.”