MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Robert M. Casey Medical and Dental Clinic corpsmen and Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force service members spent time with Akibono Foster Home orphanage children from Oshima Island at the Branch Health Clinic here Saturday.
The purpose of the visit was for the children to see the camaraderie Japan and the U.S. have with one another.
Madelyn I. Santiago, Education and Developmental Intervention Services office administrator, said making the holidays accessible to children and showing the true purpose of the holidays was important for them, so they could see the less advertised aspect of Christmas.
“The holiday season is about giving and sharing, not only about shopping,” said Santiago. “There are a lot of things to do here that can make a difference. This is something we take wholeheartedly.”
All 28 children were given a scarf at the start of the event to get them into the holiday spirit of gift giving. BHC service members spent several weeks knitting and crocheting the scarves. For some, this was their first attempt at performing such an activity.
The children then made ornaments and decorations for the Christmas tree and also decorated cookies. Once finished with decorations, the children and personnel sang Christmas carols. Santa Claus closed out the event by taking time to visit and interact with the children.
The BHC and EDIS staff and personnel have orchestrated this long-standing tradition of inviting orphanages here for more than 20 years.
American service members have not been alone in providing this opportunity to the children.
The chance to interact with not just American military but Japanese service members as well was something the children will think back on fondly, said Leading Seaman Tsuyoshi Miyauchi, JMSDF crash fire rescue fire fighter.
“It’s not so easy for the JMSDF to do such events, but when we get together with the American service members, it becomes easier for such events,” said Miyauchi. “I hope we are able to do such events like this. I want everyone to know about these types of events.”
Miyauchi also said whether interacting with American service members or JMSDF, this is a good experience for the children and something they can enjoy from time to time.
Holidays can have a somber effect on those less fortunate, from service members who are thousands of miles from home to little ones with no true home of their own to go to. It is in these times when the need to smile and be thankful is strongest.
“During the holiday season, it’s important to be positive about everything in your life and also that sense of camaraderie,” said Kendal C. Johnson, Medical Association Recreational Committee president. “One of the best things you can see is a smile on a child’s face, especially during the holidays.”
The event also focused on helping children to become more accustomed to seeing and interacting with American and JMSDF service members.
“When they see American service members, they won’t be so (nervous),”said Johnson.
This is one of two events NHC and EDIS put together for the children throughout the year. Organizers hope these visits will continue to provide opportunities and that they will occur more frequently during the following year.