thedrifter
07-02-09, 05:56 AM
Celebrating Independence Day far away from comforts of home
Pfc. Aaron Hostutler
CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa (July 1, 2009) -- When members of the Continental Congress signed the Declaration of Independence 233 years ago, they probably never imagined their actions would become commonly associated with fireworks, parades, barbecues, picnics and concerts.
Despite being thousands of miles from home, several organizations, to include Marine Corps Community Services, the Single Marine Program and Okuma Recreation Facility, are providing entertainment for service members and their families island-wide during the July 4th weekend.
"My theory is that when Marines are off, we are working," said R. Dureil Farnell, the entertainment manager with MCCS. "It's our job to provide them with entertainment for the weekend."
As part of this year's celebration of Independence Day, many service
members here have been authorized a four-day weekend.
Among the entertainment available throughout those days is a Pacific-Wide softball-tournament at the softball fields on Camp Foster. Spectators are welcome to watch competitors from around the Pacific play. Also available throughout the weekend is dance parties, disc jockeys at the on-base clubs and live music at the Foster Community Center.
The "Lt. Dan Band," whose lead singer, actor Gary Sinise, the investigator on the network series "CSI: New York" and Melida Doolittle, are scheduled to headline this year's Americafest 2009, Friday and Saturday at Kadena Air Base. Americafest 2009 will also include static displays, fireworks, kiddie land and vendors.
"Celebrating the Fourth of July is one of the only times for Marines on Okinawa to feel at home," Farnell said.
For beach-goers looking for some fun in the sun, Okuma Recreation Facility is offering a sand sculpting contest, beach volleyball contest, live entertainment, a dodge ball tournament, fireworks scheduled to begin at 9 p.m. on Saturday, and many other fun events.
"Entertainment is our job," said Air Force Master Sgt. Adonis Martinez, the services operation superintendent at Okuma. "We strive to give people the best entertainment they can have. There are so many things going on that what you can do is unlimited."
If Okuma's distance is a problem, SMP is offering transportation to and from the location. The first bus leaves Camp Kinser at 9:30 a.m. Thursday and returns Sunday. Contact the Single Marine Program Office at 645-3681 for the full bus schedule.
While this weekend is a time for celebration it is also important to keep safety in mind, according to Shawn Curtis, the supervisory occupational safety and health specialist with the Marine Corps Base, Camp Smedley Butler Safety Office.
He stressed the importance of proper water, barbecue and driving safety, as well as staying properly hydrated throughout the weekend.
"The key for the Fourth of July weekend is to have a great time but be sure to return to work the next day to talk about it," Curtis said.
Ellie
Pfc. Aaron Hostutler
CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa (July 1, 2009) -- When members of the Continental Congress signed the Declaration of Independence 233 years ago, they probably never imagined their actions would become commonly associated with fireworks, parades, barbecues, picnics and concerts.
Despite being thousands of miles from home, several organizations, to include Marine Corps Community Services, the Single Marine Program and Okuma Recreation Facility, are providing entertainment for service members and their families island-wide during the July 4th weekend.
"My theory is that when Marines are off, we are working," said R. Dureil Farnell, the entertainment manager with MCCS. "It's our job to provide them with entertainment for the weekend."
As part of this year's celebration of Independence Day, many service
members here have been authorized a four-day weekend.
Among the entertainment available throughout those days is a Pacific-Wide softball-tournament at the softball fields on Camp Foster. Spectators are welcome to watch competitors from around the Pacific play. Also available throughout the weekend is dance parties, disc jockeys at the on-base clubs and live music at the Foster Community Center.
The "Lt. Dan Band," whose lead singer, actor Gary Sinise, the investigator on the network series "CSI: New York" and Melida Doolittle, are scheduled to headline this year's Americafest 2009, Friday and Saturday at Kadena Air Base. Americafest 2009 will also include static displays, fireworks, kiddie land and vendors.
"Celebrating the Fourth of July is one of the only times for Marines on Okinawa to feel at home," Farnell said.
For beach-goers looking for some fun in the sun, Okuma Recreation Facility is offering a sand sculpting contest, beach volleyball contest, live entertainment, a dodge ball tournament, fireworks scheduled to begin at 9 p.m. on Saturday, and many other fun events.
"Entertainment is our job," said Air Force Master Sgt. Adonis Martinez, the services operation superintendent at Okuma. "We strive to give people the best entertainment they can have. There are so many things going on that what you can do is unlimited."
If Okuma's distance is a problem, SMP is offering transportation to and from the location. The first bus leaves Camp Kinser at 9:30 a.m. Thursday and returns Sunday. Contact the Single Marine Program Office at 645-3681 for the full bus schedule.
While this weekend is a time for celebration it is also important to keep safety in mind, according to Shawn Curtis, the supervisory occupational safety and health specialist with the Marine Corps Base, Camp Smedley Butler Safety Office.
He stressed the importance of proper water, barbecue and driving safety, as well as staying properly hydrated throughout the weekend.
"The key for the Fourth of July weekend is to have a great time but be sure to return to work the next day to talk about it," Curtis said.
Ellie