NAKAGUSUKU, OKINAWA, Japan -- The Marine Corps has long held unselfishness as a prized virtue and lists this quality as one of 14 leadership traits expected to be possessed by all Marines.
Service members demonstrated this trait June 15 when they helped clean the grounds of the World Mission Christian School in Nakagusuku.
The volunteer service was an effort to strengthen the ties between service members and the surrounding community, according to Navy Lt. Wesley E. Scholtz, the chaplain with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Marine Corps Installations Pacific.
“Our goal is to show our host country that we can be a blessing to them, and by extending that blessing to them our relationship is infinitely better,” said Scholtz.
The good will demonstrated by participating in events like this serves as proof of the true nature of the U.S. military, according to Scholtz.
“These community relations projects show that the Marines and sailors are caring, good neighbors,” said Scholtz. “This is the true, accurate representation of our armed services.”
Throughout the day, volunteers pulled weeds, cut grass, trimmed hedges, and picked up litter to beautify the school area.
“It’s great that we came out here to get dirty and clean up the school,” said Cpl. Kandice Barney, a motor transport operator with H&HS. “Even though this is hard work, I feel good about it. It’s a good thing to do, and the people’s positive attitudes make it enjoyable.”
The volunteer event displayed that service members enjoy coming out and giving back to the community that has supported them, according to Staff Sgt. John P. McCrandall, a wire chief with H&HS.
“I’m out here with my son because we enjoy contributing to our community,” said McCrandall.
Along with demonstrating virtue, getting out into the community and helping has many positive effects on everyone involved, added McCrandall.
“We came out here for many reasons,” said McCrandall. “There is one fact that cannot be disputed, and that is helping someone in need, like this school for instance, is simply the right thing to do.”