USO holds 2nd annual car show

Photo By Lance Cpl. Kindo Go | A car show attendee dressed as popular superhero, Iron Man, poses for a photo during the 2nd annual United Service Organizations Okinawa car show on Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, September 14, 2019. The car show helped strengthen relationships between local residents and members of the U.S. community through a public automobile exhibition. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Kindo Go)  

CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, JAPAN

09.14.2019

Story by Lance Cpl. Kindo Go  

Marine Corps Installations Pacific

CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, Japan -- Members of the local and U.S. communicates, young and old, lined the Camp Foster flea market parking lot with over 100 cars, September 14, to share their love for cars and car culture.
They gathered as part of the United Service Organizations' 2nd annual car show.
The car show started with participants locating the perfect spot to park their car for display. It didn’t take long before the air was filled with a symphony of revving engines.
The USO hosts events such as this to foster relationships between the local and U.S. communities.
“A lot of service members who come to the island tend to want to buy a Japanese car, because they’re awesome,” said Amber Craig, a field programs coordinator with USO Okinawa. “I wanted to make this an open base event so we could have locals bring their Japanese cars and have both the service members and locals interact with each other through a fun event, and their love for cars.”
Japanese Domestic Market cars have built a reputation among car enthusiasts and in car culture. For Michael Patrick, Okinawa is the best place to be show his admiration for JDMs and the people who build them.
“I love cars, and I love car people,” said Patrick, a jet engine mechanic with 961st Aircraft Maintenance Unit on Kadena Air Base. “I love being around people who like to build and modify fast cars. Those people include the locals here on Okinawa and this event lets us reach out and interact with them. We may not always understand what we say to each other, but I believe we can old build bonds over things we like.”
The 2nd annual car show was a success, according to Craig. The event had a larger turnout than last year, featuring over 50 additional cars.
“We always want to have more interactions with locals like this. We did a lot of marketing for this event, and we always encourage everyone to come. This is an excellent event where everyone can mingle and have with each other, while sharing their love for cars.”
The USO strengthens America’s military service members by keeping them connected to family, home and country, throughout their service to the nation.

• Date Taken: 09.14.2019
• Date Posted: 09.14.2019 22:16
• Story ID: 340887
• Location: CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, JP