U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Sarah Taber, 35th Medical Group Family Health Clinic NCO in charge, writes down her donation for the Red Feather Bowlathon as Airman 1st Class Michael Blocker, 35 MDG Public Health technician, explains the significance of the Red Feather Campaign at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Feb. 6, 2013. The bowlathon is a fun way for people to participate and help raise money for the Misawa community. The Red Feather Campaign is a Japanese charitable program that supports local social welfare programs. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Phillip Butterfield)
U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class James Bradley, 35th Maintenance Squadron aerospace ground equipment technician, places a donation into a can at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Feb. 6, 2013. Red Feather Campaign donation sites are placed in high traffic areas around base. A Japanese charitable program, the Red Feather Campaign supports local social welfare programs. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Phillip Butterfield)
by Tech. Sgt. Phillip Butterfield
35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
2/11/2013 - MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan -- Residents of the land of the rising sun can rest assured that if they fall into hard times, they will land in a nest lined with red feathers. The Red Feather Campaign is scheduled to run from Jan. 20 to Feb. 20 and with locations and activities around base, contributing has never been easier.
The campaign, established in 1947, was modeled after the Community Chest Program in the United States. Campaign funds support social services for the elderly and orphaned in the Japanese community.
Last year, the campaign raised more than $12,000, and this year's goal is $15,000 to $20,000.
However, for the Airmen of Misawa it's not about when the campaign started or how much money they raise; it's about helping people.
"I love the Japanese people, and I think they're amazing," said Master Sgt. Michael Grice, 35th Security Forces Squadron police services NCO in charge. "Programs like the Red Feather Campaign help to build relations between the U.S. and Japan. We're bilateral partners and this shows that we're also a part of this community."
It's important that people give back to their community, and this campaign is a very worthy venue for this, Grice added.
Moreover, giving back can have a more spiritual basis, and Airman 1st Class Mario Romero-Sheran, 35th Maintenance Squadron armament technician, believes that helping someone now will pay off later.
"This was the first time I have donated to a campaign such as this," said Romero-Sheran. "I'm a firm believer in karma and you never know, your donation may go to save someone's life and it's good to give a helping hand when you can."
If you are interested in contributing, contact your unit representative or visit collection areas inside the Exchange or base hospital.
