Photo By Sgt. Jessica Collins | Okinawa residents and Status of Forces Agreement personnel enjoy a Polynesian dance...... read more read more
Subscribe
Okinawa residents and Status of Forces Agreement personnel alike flocked through the gates of Camp Schwab, May 14-15 to attend Schwab Fest 2016.
The festival celebrated the rich historical culture of Okinawa brought the local residents and SOFA personnel together.
“This is a great way to foster the good relationships between local residents out in town and Marines here on Camp Schwab,” said Alex Demitras, a Schwab Fest volunteer. “Being able to blend our two different cultures and have them interact over food, entertainment, beverages and fun is a great opportunity. It’s the best way to get to know someone.”
The festival was a great way for SOFA personnel who are new to the island to learn a little bit more about the culture of their host nation.
“My favorite part of Schwab Fest is seeing what Okinawa has to offer,” said Lance Cpl. Joshua Hamby, an administration specialist with 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment; currently assigned to 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force under the unit deployment program. “It’s my first time being here so I haven’t had a chance to see the culture in person.”
Schwab Fest featured entertainment, local cuisine from Okinawa vendors and games for kids and Marines, of all ages.
“We’ve got kiddie land which is great for families,” said Demitras. “We even had some Marines try jumping on the trampolines and riding the spinny-go-round. A lot of our vendors, bands and dancers were Okinawa residents. It’s an annual chance for us to experience the local culture here on base.”
Schwab Fest and other open-gate events like it are crucial to strengthening the spirit of friendship between the local Okinawa culture and Marines on bases island-wide.
“You forget that it’s a local resident or Marine,” said Demitras. “We’re all just people hanging out together.
| Date Taken: | 05.15.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 05.16.2016 21:13 |
| Story ID: | 198280 |
| Location: | CAMP SCHWAB, OKINAWA, JP |
| Web Views: | 85 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
This work, Schwab Fest: food, friendship, culture, by Sgt Jessica Collins, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
