Okinawan elderly receive a visit from PME students

  • Published
  • By Tech Sgt. Phillip Butterfield
  • 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
OKINAWA, Japan --  A group of U.S. Air Force Airmen armed with racks and lawn mowers descended on Ichijoen Elders Home to render some well deserved lawn care June 16, 2012.

Twenty seven noncommissioned officers from Class 12-05 at the Henry E. Erwin Professional Military Education Center spent the day assisting those in need with lawn care, weeding and trimming. Besides yard work, the Class 12-05 also lifted the spirits of those living there.

"I appreciate all the help the Airmen brought us," said Youko Sakiyama, Ichijoen Elders Home director. "The home doesn't receive many volunteers and after the elders see what you [Airmen] have done, they will be so happy."

After removing approximately 40 20-gallon bags of grass trimmings and bush clippings and more than 500 pounds of garbage, the members of Class 12-05 were invited to enjoy some local Okinawan cuisine.

"Sharing some tempura sweet potatoes and fish was our way of saying thank you," said Sakiyama. "The Airmen are always welcome to come back and help."

Class 12-05 has several other community assistance projects planned for the near future and the Erwin PMEC has made community outreach a part of their curriculum.

"I'm so glad that I had the opportunity to take part in making the lives of a few Okinawan residents better," said Tech. Sgt. Ashley Dukes, Henry E. Erwin Professional Military Education Center Class 12-05 student stationed Kadena Air Base, Japan. "I hope that more Airmen get to experience the same feeling of joy that I got to experience today."