Photo By Gunnery Sgt. Courtney Glen White | Marines and sailors participate in a tug-of-war competition during the Single Marine...... read more read more
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CAMP FOSTER, Japan - Marines will be dressed in their finest attire, ready for an evening of dancing and fine dining, when the Single Marine Program hosts their annual Black and White Holiday Dinner Formal at a resort hotel on Okinawa Dec. 21. The formal is one of many events aimed at getting single service members on Marine Corps bases out of their rooms and exploring what Okinawa has to offer.
SMP contributes to the improvement of total force readiness, job performance and retention by helping enhance the quality-of-life for all single or unaccompanied Marines and sailors.
“The SMP is intended to enhance the morale and well-being of single Marines by identifying quality-of-life concerns and by providing recommendations for improvements,” said Kallie C. Kinchen, a coordinator with SMP Okinawa.
Beyond focusing on quality-of-life, the SMP works to provide recreational opportunities for positive use of leisure time.
“The SMP hosts several events each year that include the SMP Hardhitters Softball Tournament, Thanksgiving Dinner, SMP Black and White Holiday Dinner, Duck and Cover Golf Tournament and the Toys for Tots Golf Tournament,” said Kinchen.
SMP also offers regular trips for golfing, skiing and snowboarding in Fuji, camping and to community tourist attractions, said Sergio Morales, a coordinator with SMP Okinawa.
“Through SMP, I have gone on a trip to Mina Jima, various trips to Okuma and done volunteer work with the USO, the Marine Thrift Shop and Earth Day clean up on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma,” said Cpl. Caitlin M. Martin, the MCAS Futenma SMP president. “I participate in events and activities through SMP because it is inexpensive and provides an opportunity for adventure in Okinawa and a chance for me and my Marines to see the island.”
The SMP also provides opportunities for Marines and sailors to interact and compete with the local Okinawan community with the SMP Dragon Boat team in May and the Naha Tug-of-War in October, said Kinchen.
The SMP also offers community involvement opportunities which contribute to the communities both on and off base.
“Each month, SMP receives several volunteer requests for the Marines and sailors,” said Kinchen. “The opportunities include the Kadena Special Olympics, Toys for Tots, Marine Thrift Shop, the American Red Cross and Family Night at Marine Corps Community Services clubs.”
Being part of the SMP gives Marines the opportunity to see parts of Okinawa that they would not experience otherwise, said Sgt. Joshua M. Petellat, SMP representative and a data chief with Marine Corps Air Station Futenma Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron.
“You get to see other Marines and sailors outside of a working environment and get to know them as individuals,” said Petellat.
I hope through participating in the SMP they have a chance to enjoy and experience Okinawa and the different things that come with living here, said Kinchen.
| Date Taken: | 12.01.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 12.08.2011 04:02 |
| Story ID: | 81065 |
| Location: | CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, JP |
| Web Views: | 274 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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