NAF’s “Doraemon” a big success with the Japanese children Published Feb. 26, 2007 By Naval Air Facility public affairs NAF Misawa MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan -- For the past 23 years a snow-carving team from Naval Air Facility Misawa has attended to the Sapporo Snow Festival representing not only NAF Misawa, but the United States Navy as a whole. The festival was held Feb. 6-12. The snow carving team hosted by the Camp Sapporo So-Yu-Kai, which is Japan's Ground Self-Defense Force version of the Chief's Petty Officer's Association. "The President, Sergeant Major Ohse and his team were very gracious hosts," said this year's team leader, Senior Chief Aviation Boatswain Mate Equipment Richard Villarreal. "They not only gave us a place to stay, but once our carving was done, they took us on a sight-seeing tour of Sapporo, which hosted the 1972 Winter Olympics." This year's team consisted of five members from various commands throughout Navy Misawa. "Having a returning team member from last year's team provided us with a lot of guidance and the expertise we needed to complete our snow carving on time," said Senior Chief Petty Officer Villarreal. The team carved "Doraemon" a very famous Japanese cartoon character the local children would be able to appreciate, but with a U.S. Navy theme. They were able to complete the carving within the three day deadline making Doraemon ready for the start of the festival. The warm weather was the biggest obstacle on all the snow carvings this year; however, the snow festival was a huge success, according to the team. "I hope whoever returns next year will take advantage of this once in a life time opportunity," Senior Chief Petty Officer Villarreal said. Other team members were: Petty Officer First Class Aaron Walrod, Petty Officer Second Class Terry King, who was a member last year, Petty Officer Second Class Kip Miller, and Seaman Theresa Williams.