MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Service members from Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, volunteered with the Single Marine Program to visit the Kaihoku-en Children’s Home in Hofu City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan, Nov. 14, 2015.
The children and 18 volunteers played ping pong, racquetball, monkey in the middle, arm wrestled, colored books, played house and played the piano.
“It feels wonderful visiting the children,” said Oana Ivanoff, Marine Lounge manager at the SMP. “We see the kids smiling and how happy they are. I enjoy everything about this visit and seeing the kids with no more energy to keep playing.”
The children interacted and built relationships with the 18 service members during the visit.
“I wanted to put smiles on faces and have fun,” said Lance Cpl. Billy McNair, aviation ordnance technician with Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 12. “I’m chasing after kids and throwing balls all over the place. We’re having fun.”
This is approximately the 16th time in the last four years station service members volunteered their time and visited the children.
Kawasumi Mitsuyo, children’s home director at Kaihoku-En Children’s Home, said the children are excited and have fun with the volunteers when they visit.
“Even though we have a lot of volunteer opportunities through the SMP, the children’s home is the most wanted and successful one,” said Ivanoff. “Everyone can make a difference. They can volunteer at the SMP anytime and get involved.”
For future SMP volunteer opportunities, call 253-4656.