MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- A group of 12 U.S. Navy Electronic Attack Squadron 141 sailors were recognized for their volunteer efforts while cleaning up the Nishiki riverbank after the 40th Annual Nishiki River Water Festival Friday.
The sailors received a letter of appreciation from an Iwakuni City official on behalf of the 40th Annual Nishiki River Festival executive committee chairwoman to thank them for clearing the riverbank of litter on Aug. 26.
“You took special interest in the significance and spirit underlying the festival,” expressed the festival’s committee, thanking the sailor’s for their positive role in the community.
“It was good (for us) to help out because it keeps us motivated,” said Petty Officer 1st Class Milton C. Ramos, VAQ-141 aviation machinist mate chief-select, volunteer and native of Providence, R.I. “It gives us a chance to show our colors and let the community know we care.”
To participate in the city’s clean-up the sailors made their way to the riverbed at 4:30 a.m. and teamed up with other volunteers to start the morning’s work.
Petty Officer 3rd Class Russell L. Burke, VAQ-141 air frame technician and Dallas native, said the sailors filled bags with debris then separated combustible trash and noncombustible. Working together made the job go by much faster than expected.
Burke explained volunteering was rewarding because he looks forward to time stationed here and enjoys the area. Most sailors, including himself, didn’t expect to receive any recognition.
“It brought members of the U.S. military and the locals together for a good cause,” said Petty Officer 3rd Class Justin W. Tewell, VAQ-141 airframe technician and Cortez, Colo., native.
While the sailors’ cleanup effort was awarded by the City of Iwakuni, volunteer cleanups are nothing new for VAQ-141 according to Senior Chief Petty Officer Alicia Koval, Expeditionary Logistics Unit leading chief petty officer and coordinator of the Nishiki River cleanup effort.
“Back at Whidbey Island Washington (where VAQ-141 is based out of) I’ve set up a few beach adoptions. I guess I’m a neat freak; I like to pick up trash,” added Koval.