18th LRS recognized for community service

  • Published
  • By 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan (AFNS) --  Airmen from the 18th Logistics Readiness Squadron were honored by a Japanese non-profit organization May 22 for providing hundreds of hours of community service here.

Five representatives of the 18th LRS were among several Air Force and Navy units and individuals recognized by the Good Conduct Association of Japan, or Nippon Zenkokai, during a ceremony at Meiji Shrine in Tokyo. The association recognizes annually individuals and organizations for acts of goodwill and public service.

"More than 100 Airmen, Japanese civilians and family members took part in various service projects we conducted across Okinawa," explained Lt. Col. Douglas Dickerson, the 18th Logistics Readiness Squadron commander. "(This award) demonstrates to our hosts that Kadena (Air Base Airmen aren't) only contributing to regional security, but to the Okinawan community as well."

Colonel Dickerson said he first learned about the Zenkokai program a few years ago while serving as the 374th LRS commander at Yokota AB, Japan.

"As an Eagle Scout, doing 'good deeds' has been part of the culture ever since I was a kid," he said. "At Yokota (AB), our squadron had been a community service leader. When I joined Team Kadena, I introduced [Zenkokai] to the 18th LRS and Airmen and civilians quickly realized it was a great program to motivate our community service and improve the reputation of U.S. forces in Okinawa."

Last December, 30 Airmen and civilians from the unit provided more than 140 hours of community service to the Ishimine Children's home. The volunteers helped repair and improve recreational facilities there and donated new sports equipment for the children.

Another 25 volunteers traveled to the Ie Shima nursing home and befriended 90 elderly residents while cleaning and repairing areas in and outside the home and treated residents to a holiday party with food and gifts.

The squadron also implemented a new science curriculum and demonstration program to local elementary students.

"(18th) LRS Airmen understand that our mission in Okinawa is not just providing superior logistics, but demonstrating to our Japanese hosts that we are good neighbors and guests," Colonel Dickerson said.