MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Matthew C. Perry High School’s Parent Teacher Organization sponsored their first Butterfly Kisses Daddy-Daughter Dance inside the Club Iwakuni Ballroom aboard Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Feb. 21, 2015.
The dance presented fathers aboard station with the opportunity to spend an evening dancing and building lasting memories with their daughters.
“This is definitely a unique experience for some of the fathers,” said Sgt. Maj. G. V. Tunnell, sergeant major of Marine Wing Support Squadron 171. “For some, like me this is the first time taking part in an event of this nature. I enjoyed being here, having the opportunity to dance with my little girl and being able to be part of memories that we can both reminisce for years to come.”
Along with the dance the high school PTO held raffles and games like musical chairs in which attendees could win Marine Corps Exchange gift cardd and pedicures and manicures at the Head-to-Toe Salon aboard station.
“We wanted to host something that will bring the families together,” said Johanna Gilbert, a coordinator of the dance. “For me, a daddy-daughter dance like this one has a special place in my heart. My husband used to take my daughter to dances like this one, so I wanted families here in Iwakuni to have something special too.”
Gilbert added that the PTO was a bit nervous as the event date came closer and closer, but after seeing the tremendous support from the station, the PTO plans to continue this event each year making every dance bigger and better.
“I loved being here tonight,” said Valerie Tunnell, 10, a fourth Grader at Matthew C. Perry Elementary. “I loved having the opportunity to spend the night dancing with my dad, and being able to see my friends dressed up and having fun.”
Valerie Tunnell added that she hopes to continue to come to dances like this one during the remainder of her time in Iwakuni and saying that she would highly encourage others to take part in the event.