MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Approximately 25 Station residents and service members participated in a volunteer cleanup at the Kintai Bridge area Saturday.
Marine Aircraft Group 12 and Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 12 service members organize the cleanup every month to strengthen the station’s bonds with the city and give service members an opportunity to interact with the community.
“We want the community to see us as welcomed friends and not invaders of their space,” said Lt. j.g. Travis Coffey, MAG-12 deputy chaplain and MALS-12 chaplain. “This is a positive way (for the service members) to get out and see the culture, be a part of the culture, learn from the culture and let the community see that we care about them.”
Cpl. Michael A. Clemens, a MAG-12 Headquarters Section 2 system administrator, participated in the cleanup.
“This is a great chance to come out and see the community,” said Clemens. “There is no downside to doing this.”
Clemens participates regularly on various MAG-12 and MALS- 12 sponsored community relations projects with the hope of strengthening bonds between the station and Iwakuni community.
“Every little thing counts,” said Clemens. “Slowly we’ll make a better impression.”
MAG-12 and MALS-12 hosts approximately four community relations projects every month. The projects include visits to local orphanages, schools and monthly cleanups at the Kintai Bridge area.
“These (projects) are something the command puts on for Marines and sailors to be able to go out and experience the culture while giving back to the community,” said Coffey.
Volunteering in these projects is a great opportunity to be seen by the community in positive light, he added.