Marine Headline News
Single
Marines find fun, relaxation at
Okuma
OKUMA JOINT SERVICE
RECREATION AREA — The 90 degree temperature was accompanied
by 80 percent humidity. Despite the heat, a few enterprising
Marines dared to leave the barracks and venture out into the
steamy conditions May 14-16.
More than 90 Marines
from Camp Kinser attended a three-day Single Marine Program
camping trip here. Although the retreat offered swimming,
snorkeling and other activities, some Marines just preferred
to lean against a railing and gaze out over the crystal-clear
ocean water. No matter what the Marines decided to do during
the trip, the intent of the organizers was obvious.
“The purpose of
this trip was to get everyone away from the everyday base
lifestyle and show that there is a lot more to do while being
stationed here,” said Cpl. Nanette Lugo, Camp Kinser SMP
representative. “Okuma opened a lot of eyes to the
beauty of Okinawa.”
When the opportunity
to get away from the rat race came, some SMP members signed on
immediately.
“I wanted to go on
the trip the moment I heard about it from my unit’s SMP
representative,” said Derrick J. Hall. “Any time I can get
out of the barracks, hang out with Marines and take a break
from the stresses of work, I jump at it.”
There was no
shortage of leaps into the water as the Marines took advantage
of the multitude of water sports Okuma provides.
“My plan was to go
jet skiing, ride a banana boat and go parasailing,” Hall
said. “I did the first two, but I found myself relaxing in
the sun most of the time.”
Many of the Marines
on the trip said the camping trip was great despite the hot,
humid weather. A strong, cool breeze blowing in off the ocean
all day and night improved the conditions.
“Besides the
unbelievable environment we are in, the best thing is how
everything on the trip was inexpensive,” the Cambridge,
N.Y., native, said. “I paid $10 and, throughout the weekend,
received food, drinks, a tent and a ride up here. You can’t
beat it.”
Marine Corps
Community Services subsidized much of the cost for SMP.
“In order for a
trip this extensive to be a success we had to receive plenty
of support from MCCS and the unit representatives,” said
Lugo, a Kona, Hawaii, native. “The unit representatives
passed word out to the Marines about the trip, but not all
units are as involved as others and many Marines missed
out.”
Marines must take
the initiative to seek out the SMP so SMP sponsored trips can
continue through the summer months, said Lugo.
“This particular
trip was at capacity, but I worked at it so everyone could
go,” Lugo said. “The time and effort put into Okuma wore
me out, but the smiles on the faces here made the effort worth
it.”
On more than one
occasion, the Marines expressed how lucky they were to have
the SMP because it provides so many great opportunities to go
to exotic locations and meet interesting people.
“I have been on
Okinawa for a year now and have been to several SMP events,
but this trip was the most fun I have had yet,” Hall said.
“This program should be promoted tirelessly because there
are not enough Marines taking advantage of the possibilities
it provides.”
OKUMA JOINT SERVICE
RECREATION AREA, Okinawa, Japan - Mark A. Smith jumps off a
banana boat during the Single Marine Program trip to Okuma
Joint Service Recreation Area May 14-16. (U.S. Marine Corps
photo by Lance Cpl. Jonathan K. Teslevich) (Released)
