Community News
Kadena airmen supply hope in July
By
18th Wing Public Affairs July 29, 2024
ech. Sgt. Soo Kim and Airman 1st Class Catherine Daniel
18th Wing Public Affairs July 29, 2024
U.S. Air Force Airmen with the 18th Wing and 353rd Special Operations Wing and children’s support facility staff members pose for a group photo during a Christmas in July event at a child support facility outside Kadena Air Base, Japan, July 23, 2024.The program is a volunteer and donation-based event initiated to provide aid to the local Okinawan children’s support facilities. (Photo by Airman 1st Class Catherine Daniel)
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- Christmas came early in Okinawa as 18th Wing Airmen delivered toys to the local children in need on July 23, 2024.
It’s aptly called Christmas in July - a volunteer and donation-based event, initiated by the 18th Wing Safety office which has now spread to multiple units across Kadena Air Base, and it’s been going on strong for four years.
“Christmas in July is an opportunity for members of Kadena Air Base to give back to those in need,” said Tech. Sgt. Adam Tallman, 18th SEG Occupational Safety noncommissioned officer in charge. “I joined the program on the second iteration, and I knew right away that this is bigger than just collecting toys.”
U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Brittany Sampson, 353rd Special Operations Wing, occupational safety manager plays with a toddler during a Christmas in July event at a child support facility outside Kadena Air Base, Japan, July 23, 2024. Christmas in July is an annual volunteer donation event initiated by the 18th Wing Safety, and has been going on for the past four years. (Photo by Airman 1st Class Catherine Daniel)
The team, composed of many Airmen from units such as the 18th Logistics Readiness Squadron, 18th Maintenance Group, and even the 353rd Special Operations Wing, collected donations from across the base. Their main collection point, which was located at the Kadena Base Exchange, had to be emptied three times due to the overwhelming support from base residents.
“I’ve never heard of such a program before, and (Christmas in July) is a wonderful opportunity for the children,” said Ayano Kaneshima, a manager at a local children’s support facility with an emphasis on aiding single parents with low income. “Our facility operates on a limited budget from the city, and donations such as this help us sustain our operations.” A total of 3,200 items were donated, valued at around $24,000. The team believes they were able to achieve this impressive number thanks to the connections they made in the Air Force.
“Networking is one of the strongest tools an Airman can have. Being in Safety, I am in constant communication with members all over Kadena,” Tallman said. “Having the right contact, or just simply asking the BX manager to place a donation box, allowed for this event to take place and exceed the intended goal.”
Three different support facilities were selected this year. Hundreds of toys and clothing items were delivered directly to the hands of the children, and they promptly replied with smiles and laughter.
“The purpose of Christmas in July is to help provide for people in need, as well as to experience the excitement and delight from the children,” said Staff Sgt. Tamilet Coleman, 18th LRS resource and training advisor. “Upon learning that we were contributing to the community, I was immediately drawn in. There is something about seeing the look of joy and contentment on the little ones’ faces. Seeing that always brings a sense of joy and fulfillment.”