Misawa Airmen help elderly battle heavy snow

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. April Quintanilla
  • 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  For many people living in Misawa, shoveling a sidewalk or driveway after a heavy snowfall is part of their daily routine.

But for others, the labor of clearing several feet of snow is nearly impossible. This year, the community has already received 96.9 inches of snow, and winter is not over yet.

After a weekend snow storm blanketed Misawa with 14 inches of snow, a small team of Airmen and members of the Misawa Social Welfare Center came together Feb. 11 to remove snow around the homes of three elderly community members.

"There was so much snow it was hard getting out of the house. Thank you so much for coming to help," said Kohei Majima, Misawa resident. "I have worked with Americans since 1947, and they have always been very nice."

This outreach project conveyed to the community how much American service members care, despite the cold temperature.

"I'm glad I had the opportunity to support the local community," said Senior Airman James Lord, 35th Medical Group diagnostic imaging technician. "I am from Florida, so I don't have much experience with snow."