TORII STATION, OKINAWA, Japan -- Marines and sailors with Combat Logistics Regiment 35, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force, volunteered to spend a fun-filled afternoon with orphans and handicapped children at Torii Beach Aug. 21.
CLR-35 has volunteered with Tai Chu En Orphanage for almost 27 consecutive years, according to Lt. Dean R. Van Brunt, 3rd Supply Battalion chaplain.
After the opening ceremony with Van Brunt and Keiko Tomori, community relations specialist for Tai Chu En Orphanage, the 80 children, 35 volunteers and 15 orphanage staff members made their way to the beach.
The Marines playfully splashed around in the ocean and slid on the water slide. A few Marines became the target at the dunk tank while others taught the children how to throw the volleyball over the volleyball net.
"The children really enjoy being able to spend time with the Marines," said Tomori. "They're always looking forward to any upcoming events with them."
However, the children were not the only ones who benefitted from this event. It also gave the Marines the opportunity to interact with the local community.
"I think it's really great to interact with the Okinawans, it makes me feel like I am giving back to the community," said Lance Cpl. Anthony Garcia, motor transport mechanic with CLR-35 Maintenance Company. "I love to make them smile."
"This is a really great opportunity not only for the (children) but for the Marines as well," said Petty Officer 2nd Class John P. Wells, religious program specialist with CLR-35 Headquarters Co. "I think it really shows their good character by taking time out of their liberty to volunteer with the community. I would recommend all service members donate some of their time to volunteering."
Although this is one of the first events Garcia volunteered for while on island, he said he did not really feel out of his element because he used to volunteer in other community relations projects in his hometown, San Antonio, prior to joining the Marine Corps.
Van Brunt said that they had to turn Marines and sailors away because too many were interested in volunteering. Wells said this is because volunteering is especially important on Okinawa because it represents the service members in a positive way.
"This community relations event was a group effort from all of the commands within CLR-35," said Wells. "Marines from Kinser to Hansen all participated and worked really well together to make a positive impact on the orphans," he said.
For those interested in volunteering or participating in community relations projects, contact the base chaplain's office, Single Marine Program or Marine Corps Community Services.