1st Battalion, 1st Air Defense Artillery, Kadena Air Base Provides Holiday Cheer

By Chip Steitz, Public Affairs Officer, 10th Support Group, Torii Station, Okinawa, Japan.

SSG Romil Olandez planned and coordinated this event with the Kirameki Special Needs School. Ms. Matayoshi served as the community outreach coordinator. On December 23rd, Echo Company sponsored 16 children ages three to 15. According to the 1LT Roger Sun, Executive Officer, the intent was to represent the Army by building positive relations with their local community and setting a good example of who they are and represent as a whole.

"The families of the special needs were overwhelmed to tears at the love generously poured out to them and their children. They were very emotional when they discovered that we brought at least three presents for each special needs child; they were expecting just one. Hopefully, this becomes a tradition for Echo Company in the coming years to celebrate Christmas with the Kirameki Special Needs School. Also, I hope they take part in the upcoming Kadena Special Olympics," explained Sun.