Chuo-Ikusei-En is a home for Okinawa community members with mental and physical disabilities. The facility houses Okinawans of all ages.

During the visit, the Marines washed walls, cleaned windows and performed yard maintenance.

The Marines all volunteered for the cleanup, said Lt. Cmdr. Kobena K. Arthur, the command chaplain for MCAS Futenma.

“This is a great opportunity for the Marines to get off base and help out the local community,” said Arthur. “They are doing something that makes a difference. This kind of work shows the other side of Marines; it shows we are not all just fighting.”

When the Marines first arrived, the residents of the home were hesitant around the group of new faces, but it did not take long for them to warm up.

“The people here are very thankful of the help from the Marines,” said Ritsuko Higa, the office manager for Chuo-Ikusei-En. “The interaction between the Marines and residents is really appreciated.”

As the Marines cleaned, residents started opening up to them. They even started to lend a hand.

The community members were not the only ones to benefit from the event, the Marines did too.

“It feels great to help out the people from the home,” said Cpl. Mario Morales, a weather forecaster with the squadron. “Playing with the kids while cleaning was just a bonus.”

This was the first time that Marines came to the home, according to Elena Takaho, a community relations specialist with MCAS Futenma.

“This is the start of a better relationship with the home,” said Takaho. “We will continue to come out here and help them.”

This work for the community is very important for the Marines, said Col. James G. Flynn, commanding officer of MCAS Futenma.

“Developing trust and friendship with the community is always a good thing,” said Flynn. “We as Marines operate around the community and if cleaning buildings is what it takes to build a better relationship, then we will continue to do it.”