MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- The Marine Memorial Chapel at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, hosted a community relations event where thirteen service members taught a different culture and new games to children from Ekimae Hoikuen Pre-School in Iwakuni City, Oct. 27, 2015.
The visit gave service members the opportunity to interact with the Japanese youth and teach them about Halloween.
“Most cultures don’t trick-or-treat,” said Lance Cpl. Darnell Bennett, aviation operation specialist with Marine Aircraft Group 12. “It’s been really good to bond with and teach the children how to trick-or-treat.”
Yasuko Matsumura, principle of Ekimae Hoikuen Pre-School, said this is a good opportunity for kids to experience a different culture.
Interaction with the school and community helps continue an important relationship between the U.S. and Japan.
“We’re forming a bond between American and Japanese cultures,” said Lance Cpl. Caleb Colvin, air terminal operations center control with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron. “It shows the Japanese locals that we’re here to help out.”
Service members are afforded an opportunity to explore Iwakuni and experience the Japanese culture by volunteering for these events.
“I want to explore and see how beautiful Iwakuni is,” said Bennett. “These events are really fun and you will most likely see me at every event unless I have to work.”
Service members, teachers and the children visited the Vita Nursing Home in Iwakuni to trick-or-treat with the senior citizens. The children also recited the American and Japanese alphabet while at the nursing home.
The Marine Memorial Chapel provides numerous opportunities to volunteer and interact with the community. For upcoming events or more information, call 253-6460.