U.S. Marines clean the Okinawan environment

OKINAWA, Japan – U.S. Marines gathered Nov. 7 to clean up trash along Gushikawa Beach, Okinawa, Japan.

More than 40 Marines from Alpha Company, Headquarters and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Base Camp Smedley D. Butler participated in the cleanup.

“It’s always touching to see all of these people come out to help sustain and beautify Okinawa,” said Capt. Nicholas Mueller, the Alpha Company Commander at H&S Bn. “It’s a great experience and allows us to get to know each other.”

The volunteers collected more than 10 bags of trash and multiple large items including kids’ toys, fishing equipment and electronics.

“We live here just like the local population does, so it’s important that we take care of what we have because it’s a representation of us,” said 1st. Sgt. Alejandro Lazcano, the Alpha company first sergeant. “It helps us keep that great relationship with the local population, showing them that we have the same interests.

Status of Forces Agreement personnel on the island routinely help local beaches and towns throughout the year; the purpose of these events is to create, foster, and develop sustained positive relationships between the military and the local Okinawan population.