URASOE, OKINAWA, Japan -- Service members from Camp Kinser served a Thanksgiving meal to Okinawa residents at Promise Keepers homeless shelter Nov. 24 in Urasoe City.
The lunch provided volunteers with the opportunity to make a positive impact on the community through food, friendship and holiday celebration.
“We have so much to be thankful for being stationed here on Okinawa,” said Reginald Polexi, the Camp Kinser deputy camp commander. “Bringing our Thanksgiving traditions here serves as a great opportunity to bring a piece of our culture and interact with the residents here on Okinawa.”
The event was a rewarding experience for all the volunteers who set up, served and ate with the Okinawa residents, according to Petty Officer Second Class Kenneth Lee, a hospital corpsman with Supply Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 35, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force.
“The patrons today are really happy that Americans are taking time to give back to the community,” said Lee, a Los Angeles, California, native. “Everyone is taking this opportunity to talk, and enjoy time together. It’s an awesome feeling to be able to serve the patrons as well as exchange cultures and values.”
As patrons filed into the dining area, volunteers served the delicious dishes and joined them to enjoy the meal together.
“We are guests here on Okinawa,” said Lee. “Giving back to the community is incredibly important because it not only allows us to show our gratitude for the things we have, but it also teaches us how to be good guests and better friends.”
After the service members and patrons finished their main meals, they enjoyed miso soup and various pies.
“We encourage service members to come out and experience Okinawa person-to-person, because that is how we keep our community strong,” said Polexi, an Orlando, Florida, native. “We are looking forward to hosting events like this in the following years and strengthening our friendships with our Okinawa family.”
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