Misawa Helps partners with Focus 5/6 to feed evacuation shelter residents

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Rachel Martinez
  • 35th Fighter Wing public Affairs
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  Since the March 11 earthquake and tsunami struck northern Japan the Misawa Helps volunteer program has been assisting nearby communities recover from the devastation. Much of the volunteer work has consisted of cleaning up debris from affected areas, but recently Misawa Helps teamed up with Focus 5/6 members and the Misawa International Club for a volunteer mission of a different sort.

On April 23, more than a dozen members and supporters from Focus 5/6, a base organization for E-5 and E-6 servicemembers, partnered with representatives from the Misawa International Club to provide lunch and entertainment for 65 Miyako City residents currently living in an evacuation shelter.

"When we heard the MIC was planning on entertaining the residents, we said we could feed them," said Staff Sgt. Clarence Armas, Focus 5/6 Community Relations Committee Chairperson. "We fed them hot dogs, hamburgers and lots of dessert."

"The volunteers really liked it," Sergeant Armas added. "A lot of them have been volunteering picking up debris, but this was something different. They were able to interact with the Japanese and put faces to those affected by the devastation. It was definitely an eye-opening experience."

Sergeant Armas said Focus 5/6 is hoping to team up with Misawa Helps for similar events in the future.

To learn more about Misawa Helps volunteer opportunities, call 226-3757 or visit the Misawa Helps Facebook page.

Focus 5/6 is open to E-5 and E-6 servicemembers in all services, including members of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force. Membership in Focus 5/6 offers opportunities for base and community involvement, mentorship, and a venue to network with peers. Meetings are held monthly. The next meeting is scheduled for 11:15 a.m. May 13 in the Collocated Club Faultline.