MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- There are several aboard Station who have chosen to transform their short deployment to the Far East into a permanent stay after serving in the military.
The distinction in culture, which offers different customs, holidays and foods are appealing to many aboard Station, but there are some who can’t get their fill in less than three years.
“Anybody can survive and live anywhere, it all depends on your mindset and willingness,” said Terrence J. Riley, training assistant and native of Chicago, who has lived here for 11 years.
Riley first came to Station, on orders, during his third year in the Marine Corps. After separating from the Marine Corps he chose to stay in Japan. Riley obtained a job on Station and found a home for rent outside the gates. Learning the language has helped Riley better adapt to the area. It has helped him become more comfortable when exploring new places. “I find things to do, I have adapted my way of life to the new culture I’m exposed to,” said Riley. “My only issue here is not being surrounded by my family.”
To settle in a new country may be easier for a single person like Riley, but for Lalonzo T. Chambers, Station substance abuse control officer and native of Baltimore, who has lived here for over eight years, the decision to settle in the area was one he shared with his family. They wanted to stay in the community here after he retired from the Marine Corps.
“I have learned some Japanese, but maybe I’m guilty for not learning more,” said Chambers. “I have learned much about the culture which has helped me earn respect from my neighbors.”
On the other hand Paul S. Hudson, Station Environmental Protection Specialist and trainer who is a native of Midland-Odessa, Texas, was looking for an opportunity to come to Asia. He was familiar with moving around after serving ten years in the Air Force. He found a job here and moved his family from Cherry Point N.C. to Iwakuni, giving his children the opportunity to enjoy what he considers “a safer and simple environment.”
“On base I don’t worry about letting my kids walk around the Station, even in the afternoon. I can relax too when they go off base,” said Hudson. “My kids have had the opportunity to go everywhere; to visit museums, aquariums and Miyajima Island to see the maple leaves turn colors.”
Although Hudson’s wife, Silvia, who is a native of Newburn, S.C., was at first reluctant about the move, she adjusted to the culture. Hudson and she took some Japanese language courses when they first arrived and the entire family understands enough to feel comfortable when they travel. She went on to explain the advantages her children have here.
“Well a definite advantage is they (her children) are learning about a different culture,” said Silvia. “They have adjusted quickly and they love being here now.”
As the saying goes ‘home is where the heart is’ and as Riley explained, “I have done everything here just as in the states,’ if one has the desire to learn about a community and settle in, it is not an impossible feat.