Annual Misawa Red Feather Campaign supports community

  • Published
  • By Airman Kenna Jackson
  • 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  The Red Feather Campaign, a program here which collects donations to help support orphanages and welfare homes in the local off-base community, has reached its halfway point.

The campaign began Jan. 20 and has already raised approximately $9,000 with the help of dedicated volunteers who ring bells and ask for contributions at several on-base locations.

"We expect a really good campaign this year, with everyone in the community helping to raise funds for the Red Feather Campaign," said Master Sgt. Shawncie Carpenter, 35th Dental Squadron dental support flight chief.

The campaign, which runs until Feb. 20, hopes to raise an additional $2,000 or more, said Carpenter.

Upon donating, contributors are given a red feather, which is a symbol of courage and good conduct.

The mission of the Red Feather Campaign is to support local social welfare programs for the elderly, handicapped, children, as well as youth development programs and human services. Misawa Air Base has been donating to the Red Feather Campaign since 1959.


The goal of this campaign is to open the eyes of the on-base community to the growing needs of individuals off-base, especially since last year's earthquake, said Carpenter.

Ninety percent of funds collected during the campaign will remain in Aomori Prefecture, Japan, with 10 percent going to national programs. Approximately 60 percent of the funds assisting Aomori Prefecture will go to Misawa specific programs, said Maj. Robin Lech, 35th Medical Group maternal ward flight commander.

Donation stations can be found in various locations on-base including, the Exchange, Commissary, post office, Potter Fitness Center, the Hospital coffee shop, Mokuteki Cafe and at Sollars and Cummings Elementary Schools.

Lech and Carpenter also scheduled a Bowl-A-Thon here, Feb. 11 to help raise money for the campaign.

"It's another opportunity to give," said Lech. "It gives people a chance to be a bit competitive and support a great cause."

For more information on the Red Feather Campaign contact Lech, 226-6464 or Carpenter, 226-6304.