New center caters to Kadena youth

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Kevin Nichols
  • Det. 11, Air Force News Agency
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan (AFNEWS) --  The new Nakoyoshi Youth Complex opened up on Kadena Air Base for teens and offers a place for other base community youth services. 

The original teen center was used not only as a place for teens to hang out, but the younger school-age kids used it too, so base officials renovated the old Falcon Gym with a look and feel of a real teen center

"It didn't really feel like a teen center," said Fletcher Wooden, the teen center manager. 

"I walked in here and my jaw dropped," said Alaura Panlaque, a Kadena High School senior. "They've improved the teen center a lot since the last building and the way the military has funded this is amazing. I'm glad we have this facility."

The new complex allows teens like Alaura to use the extra space and facilities for clubs and other after-school programs. 

While on a site visit of the base, the director of Air Force Services told 18th Services members how pleased he is with Kadena AB. 

"Kadena has the best programs in the Air Force," said Arthur Myers. "We use this as a test base for many of our programs and activities." 

The new larger Nakoyoshi Complex still allows the younger youth programs to use the new building, but not at the expense of crowding the teens. 

"It allowed the school-age program to expand their program, and allowed the Child Development Center to expand their programs," the teen center manager said. "So moving into this facility had a huge impact on Kadena's youth." 

"It's a great place," Alaura said. "It's a safe, fun environment for kids to hang out with others their own age." 

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