CAMP KINSER, OKINAWA, Japan -- Members of the local and U.S. communities participated in the 17th annual Tedako Walk Feb. 3 throughout Urasoe City and aboard Camp Kinser.
The Tedako Walk has promoted a healthy lifestyle and going out with friends and family to enjoy the city for almost two decades.
“I think it’s good for us to open the camp for the community to come on,” said Cpl. Jacob Barnett, a supply and administration operations specialist with 3rd Supply Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 35 and a security guard for the event. “It give us a chance to interact with each other by exchanging smiles and waves.”
The two-day event took participants on different paths through the scenic areas of Okinawa. One of the many courses, the 20-kilometer walk, also invited participants through the gates of Camp Kinser. This year about 450 participants walked through Camp Kinser. Marines, who volunteered as road guards, guided them through the base.
“I have done this walk three times,” said Shiko Uyeamada, a participant in this year’s Tedako Walk. “This is a nice course and I like walking through the base so I can see the beach view.”
Every year, Camp Kinser opens its gates and allows the participants to take a walk through base.
"The Tedako Walk went great this year with many members of the local and military communities participating,” said 1st Lt. Hannah Crawford, a camp services officer with Headquarters Regiment. “Being a part of events like this one enables us to show that we are one big community. We enjoyed opening up our gates and we hope to participate in the event next year."