Lance Cpl. Naomi Felio talks with an elderly man Dec. 15 at the Okinawa Airakuen Sanatorium in Nago, Okinawa, Japan. - Lance Cpl. Naomi Felio talks with an elderly man Dec. 15 at the Okinawa Airakuen Sanatorium in Nago, Okinawa, Japan. Since 1938, the Nago Airakuen Sanatorium has been a convalescent home for leprosy patients or ex-leprosy patients. Service members from across Okinawa joined together to travel north to share their Christmas spirit with an elderly group who lives at the sanatorium. Felio is a landing support specialist with 3rd Transportation Support Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Danielle R. Prentice)

Okinawa residents and U.S Marines stationed at Camp Schwab pose for a group photo following the completion of a fence cleaning project July 2 near Camp Schwab. During the event, participants removed ribbons and litter from the fence line. The Marines are volunteers with various units stationed at Camp Schwab. The event showcased local support for U.S. military forces stationed on the island and demonstrated the good relationship between the Okinawa community and the U.S. Marines on Camp Schwab. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Matt Myers/Released) - Okinawa residents and U.S Marines stationed at Camp Schwab pose for a group photo following the completion of a fence cleaning project July 2 near Camp Schwab. During the event, participants removed ribbons and litter from the fence line. The Marines are volunteers with various units stationed at Camp Schwab. The event showcased local support for U.S. military forces stationed on the island and demonstrated the good relationship between the Okinawa community and the U.S. Marines on Camp Schwab. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Matt Myers/Released)

Lance Cpl. Amelia Williams, left, enjoys a cookout with the children of the Nagomi Nursing Home for Children June 22 in Nago. The children experienced American culture through interaction with the Marines. Williams is a Bremerton, Washington, native and a radio operator with 3rd Marine Logistics Group currently assigned to Combat Logistics Battalion 31, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, III Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Brittany A. James/Released) - Lance Cpl. Amelia Williams, left, enjoys a cookout with the children of the Nagomi Nursing Home for Children June 22 in Nago. The children experienced American culture through interaction with the Marines. Williams is a Bremerton, Washington, native and a radio operator with 3rd Marine Logistics Group currently assigned to Combat Logistics Battalion 31, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, III Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Brittany A. James/Released)

Amy J. Hall, left, speaks with a member of the Nago Women’s Group May 16 during a brunch at Camp Foster. The brunch was one of many events in which the women’s group participates with U.S. military spouses to share unique aspects of their differing cultures with one another. Amy Hall is the wife of Col. Richard D. Hall, the commanding officer of 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force. - Amy J. Hall, left, speaks with a member of the Nago Women’s Group May 16 during a brunch at Camp Foster. The brunch was one of many events in which the women’s group participates with U.S. military spouses to share unique aspects of their differing cultures with one another. Amy Hall is the wife of Col. Richard D. Hall, the commanding officer of 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

Masked wrestlers of Ryukyu Dragon Pro Wrestling duel it out during Nago’s 52nd annual Cherry Blossom Festival Jan. 25. There were multiple vendors serving food, as well as performances by various artists, including dancers, masked wrestlers and fire breathers. The city of Nago hosts one of the first cherry blossom festivals in Japan, giving the festival its slogan, “Japan’s spring starts here.” - Masked wrestlers of Ryukyu Dragon Pro Wrestling duel it out during Nago’s 52nd annual Cherry Blossom Festival Jan. 25. There were multiple vendors serving food, as well as performances by various artists, including dancers, masked wrestlers and fire breathers. The city of Nago hosts one of the first cherry blossom festivals in Japan, giving the festival its slogan, “Japan’s spring starts here.”

Satoe Chie teaches spouses of the 4th Marine Regiment proper tea etiquette Sept. 26 during a cultural exchange in Nago. Chie is the leader of the Women’s Group of the Okinawa Defense Association. 4th Marine Regiment is part of 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Nicholas S. Ranum/Released) - Satoe Chie teaches spouses of the 4th Marine Regiment proper tea etiquette Sept. 26 during a cultural exchange in Nago. Chie is the leader of the Women’s Group of the Okinawa Defense Association. 4th Marine Regiment is part of 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Nicholas S. Ranum/Released)