Ghostly Traditions passed on

[thedrifter]

Submitted by: MCAS Iwakuni
Story Identification Number: 2003103018513
Story by Cpl. Anthony D. Pike



MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- "Trick-or-treat!"

Most American kids know the saying, and more importantly, know what the sweet reward will be.

As Halloween approaches several Marines and Sailors of Marine Wing Support Squadron 171 went to a local Japanese elementary school and taught its students about today's holiday. A group of six MWSS-171 visited Otake Elementary School in Otake, Japan, Oct. 22, and taught the kids about Halloween costumes and trick-or-treating.

"I talked about Halloween and taught the kids how to trick-or-treat," said Pfc. Jessi Warthen, MWSS-171, motor transportation operator. Warthen and the other volunteers put on costumes and demonstrated the proper procedure of going door-to-door in search of candy.

After the demonstration, the third graders put on the masks and where given a chance to practice the new-learned skill. Each successful trick-or-treater was treated to several small candies passed out by the '171 Marines and Sailors.

Halloween and holidays weren't the only things on the minds of the students. American sports and Japanese art were used as a chance for the two groups to interact. First the Marines and Sailors showed the students how to play hackey sack. Then the kids returned the favor by teaching MWSS-171 how to make origami.

The lack of being able to speak each other?s language did not keep the two groups from coming together and learning something new.

"We are able to find a way to communicate," said Warthen. "It is neat to be able to overcome the language barrier. We were able to communicate through games and origami."

Putting together events like these is more than just a chance to learn origami, or teach American holidays, according to Navy Lt. Tim Gault, MWSS-171 chaplain.

"We're here to build relationships with the folks of the local schools and with those of the local communities," said Gault. "We are very grateful to the schools for allowing us to come in here and have this cultural interchange with the children. I think that whatever time we have here is going to be an investment in future relationships between the people, not the governments. That's why we are real excited to be here."

The school staff also enjoys the time the Marines and sailors spend coming to the school to help teach about American culture.

"The kids are anxious to meet the Marines," said Tatsumi Urae, Otake Elementary school principal. "For the kids to be able to interact with this many Americans, for this much time, the kids enjoy it."

Gault has one more trip to the elementary school planned for this year. If interested in participating in community service, contact the Station Chaplain's Office for information on planned projects.


http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf/main5/2AEE2A5661ACB87285256DCF00830489?opendocument

Sempers,

Roger
:marine:

[thedrifter]

Marines, Sailors spook Halloween fun
Submitted by: MCB Camp Butler
Story Identification Number: 20031029212314
Story by Sgt. Chris Eriksen



CHATAN, Okinawa, Japan(October 22, 2003) -- Visions of mysterious creatures stirred in her imagination. Tales of the unnatural generated excitement and anticipation. Myths and legends about the night would soon be dispelled for her.

Kaori Yoshida, a Chatan Junior High School student, along with her classmates, was treated to a celebration of Halloween, American style, by servicemembers recently.

Yoshimi Arakaki, English teacher, Chatan Junior High School coordinated the visit for the students as a way to better understand what Halloween was about.

"I wanted the students to see the costumes and experience the culture of Halloween," Arakaki said. "The students wanted to see how Halloween was celebrated, so we asked for volunteers to come in costume and show Halloween customs."

The volunteers came out for many reasons, but most said they came to help share in the cultural exchange, according to Pfc. Daniel Martinez, generator mechanic, Marine Wing Support Squadron-172, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing.

"I volunteered because I wanted to see what and how the Japanese children were being taught about the way Americans celebrate holidays," Martinez said. "I got to personally express my feelings to young Japanese children and felt honored to give back to the children."

This was the first visit by several servicemembers to help teach English. Many saw it as a rewarding way to give back to the community, according to Cherrelle Shropshir, operations clerk, Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron-1, 1st MAW.

"This is the first time I've taught at a school," Shropshir said. "I feel as though I've helped and have made an impact on some of the children in a way."

This was the first time the students at Chatan Junior High School had American visitors to help them learn English. According to Hiroko Tomimura, community relation specialist, Marine Corps Base, this gives the students a better understanding of what they are learning.

"When I was going to school we had nothing like this," Tomimura said. "We learned from a Japanese teacher and from a plain book. Having Americans to interact with helps the students to learn more and makes learning more exciting."

According to Arakaki, the students were excited to learn about Halloween from the servicemembers.

"The students were all excited and looking forward to today," Arakaki said. "They wanted to learn about Halloween and how it was celebrated and have games."

Many of the students welcomed the visit by the servicemembers. They also said the servicemembers made learning about Halloween fun, according to Yoshida.

"I've learned how fun Halloween is and meanings of different words," Yoshida said. "I want them (American volunteers) to come again because they make the class fun and we enjoy learning."

The servicemembers shared their experiences of Halloween as well as a few traditions and customs.

"I have participated in five different schools teaching them English," said Pfc. Melissa K Peru, electrician, MWSS-172, 1st MAW. "But this is the first time where I get to do this type of event where I dress up and show them what Halloween is all about. I'm happy that they get to learn what Americans do in certain holidays that Japanese people don't have."

The students first learned a few terms associated with Halloween, such as witches, ghosts and black cats.

The students and servicemembers played ghost Bingo to help the students learn the English words associated with Halloween.

"The students wanted to learn the English words and learning with games is easier," Arakaki said. "Bingo is a simple game we use with new words to help the students learn. They have to both spell the word and be able to understand it when it's spoken."

All the servicemembers expressed that they had a good time and enjoyed the opportunity to help the students learn some American culture.

"I volunteer because it is fun and the time you get to spend with the kids teaching them is a good reflection on who you are," said Lance Cpl. Berry Eli, MWSS-172, 1st MAW. "It's an enjoyable experience and it just feels good knowing you are contributing to the community even though you may not live in it."

http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf/main5/2825AC56F184169D85256DCF000D1D0F?opendocument


Sempers,

Roger
:marine:

[thedrifter]

Marines and Sailors get into Halloween Spirit aboard Peleliu
Submitted by: 13th MEU
Story Identification Number: 2003111132156
Story by Sgt. Mark P. Ledesma



ABOARD USS PELELIU(Oct. 31, 2003) -- Marines and Sailors aboard the USS Peleliu got into the Halloween spirit during a 5k Halloween Fun Run on the ship's flight deck during the Fighting 13th's transit through the Arabian Gulf Oct. 31.

Service members dressed up in costumes during the run to compete for the best costume and $25 prize. At the sound of the ship's loud horn, participants began their 10 laps around the flight deck.

Although runners had to struggle against the wind, which blew against them, many were still able to enjoy the fun and relaxed atmosphere of the event, according to Todd R. DeJulius, fitness boss, Morale, Welfare and Recreation, USS Peleliu.

"A lot of people showed up and everyone seemed to have a good time," said DeJulius.

Many of the costume participants created their innovative costumes from materials they borrowed, found or brought on board.

Sgt. Jodi L. Dube, Air Combat Element embark chief, Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 163 (Reinforced), of North Haverhill, N.H., created her beer can costume from an extra sheet she brought along with her for the long deployment.

"Creating the costume gave me something to do at night," said Dube, who spent three nights designing and painting her costume. "I wanted to participate in the Halloween festivity to keep myself from getting bored."

"You make the float," she said. "If you want to make it fun it's up to you. That's why I did this, to make the float enjoyable for me."

http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/image1.nsf/Lookup/2003111133237/$file/HalloweenRunL.jpg

Marines and Sailors aboard the USS Peleliu get into the Halloween spirit during a 5k Halloween Fun Run on the ship's flight deck Oct. 31. Service members dressed up in costumes during the run to compete for the best costume and $25 prize. At the sound of the ship's loud horn, participants began their 10 laps around the flight deck.
Photo by: Lance Cpl. Chad H. Leddy


Sempers,

Roger
:marine: