Photo By Maj. Joel Seppala | Ikebana instructor Masako Zamami, left, and Capt. Christopher Renoll the intelligence...... read more read more
KADENA AIR BASE, Okinawa Japan – There are a few soldiers who spend their off-duty time on overseas tours in barracks or housing units playing video games. Most take advantage of their off-duty time to experience some of the cultural highlights. And then there are those like Capt. Christopher Renoll, the intelligence officer assigned to 1st Battalion Air Defense Artillery. As Renoll prepares to depart Okinawa for a consecutive overseas tour in Korea, there is little he can say that he has not experienced on Okinawa. He is the First Battalion, First Air Defense Artillery “Snake Eyes” Battalion’s foremost cultural ambassador. Throughout his tour which extended over three years, Renoll immersed himself in the Japanese culture, embracing everything from the local Okinawan cuisine to the language, authentic dress, calligraphy, and his favorite ikebana.
Renoll became interested in ikebana, or Japanese traditional flower arrangement, within the first year of his tour and since became a regular member of a group which shared his interest. Renoll, met every Tuesday night to share in floral fellowship offered at the Camp Foster Community Center building for three years. Ikebana is a source of tranquility for those that practice the art. One of the group participants, Hiromi Magleby commented that ikebana “creates a gentle heart and appreciation for nature.” The sensei, or instructor, is a recognized master of the art.
Masako Zamami has been practicing ikebana for 40 years and has taught the art for more than 20 years. She is a past president of the Ikebana International Okinawa chapter. The Ikebana International organization has chapters in over 45 countries. Ms. Zamami praised Renoll in saying that “he makes people smile.” Indeed as the only male in the group, Renoll brought a welcomed dynamic to the group which the ladies looked forward to. However, he was more than a novelty. Renoll achieved a level II ikebana certification while pursuing the art form. Following each session, Renoll brought in one of his designs to the unit to brighten the day of those around him.
Renoll set the example for those around him in terms of embracing the culture of the host nation. To enter his office one had to pass through a traditional Japanese curtain. He attended his farewell celebration from the unit in traditional Japanese yukata robe garb. The unabashed fervor with which Renoll devoted himself to cultural enlightenment brought credit to the 1-1 ADA among joint and bilateral partners alike.
Renoll plans to work as diligently in learning the Korean culture as he has the Japanese culture. As Renoll prepared to depart for Korea, he offered this advice for those who wish to embrace the culture with the same passion, “Learn the language first, reading, writing, and speaking. That allows you to use what you learn right away.”
| Date Taken: | 11.27.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 01.22.2014 22:00 |
| Story ID: | 119511 |
| Location: | KADENA AIR BASE, OKINAWA, JP |
| Web Views: | 117 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Capt. “Renoll-saince” Man embraces Ikebana, by MAJ Joel Seppala, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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