Camp Schwab, OKINAWA, Japan – ‘Be part of the solution, not the pollution.’ That was USO Schwab’s mission on Saturday, March 21, 2020. USO Schwab conducted a beach cleanup at one of the Henoko, Okinawa local beaches. Eight of USO Schwab’s active volunteers and staff donated their time and service to help build community relations with the local community of Henoko.

“I think doing clean ups out in town is important.” HM3(FMF/SW) Corey Boyd said. “It shows the Japanese community that we care about their country as if it were our own. For some of us this is home for a year, two, or even three.”

Boyd, is an active duty Navy corpsman that is deployed to Camp Schwab with 1st Battalion, 25th Marines. Being on a Unit Deployment Program (UDP) to another country and volunteering gives these service members the opportunity to connect with the communities and the Japanese culture, just like Henoko.

“The best part of being a Field Program Manager at USO Camp Schwab, is coordinating programs that not only give the volunteers the opportunity to give back to the community but to be part of a community relations project that will continue to make a lasting impression for the Okinawan people,” Bridgette Sanchez said. “It was such a remarkable success! We are planning to continue our efforts to help make the Okinawa beaches remain beautiful and leave a lasting footprint!”

The beaches near Camp Schwab are used by several units aboard Camp Schwab for morning physically training, a gathering area, and a relaxing get a way.

“By doing a beach clean-up, disposing and recycling scattered trash, we are giving back to the community and showing the residents that we appreciate their gorgeous home,” Sanchez said.

The efforts of this day did not stop when the job was completed. The service members continued to spread the beautification project when returning to Camp Schwab. Camp Schwab is under a lot of change and new construction. Our volunteers continued through the weekend with trash detail to all the surrounding areas on base. This project is something that has inspired others to get involved – resulting in the removal of approximately 200 lbs. of trash and recyclables that were properly disposed. The USO Camp Schwab staff and volunteers said they hope that their joint efforts are beneficial to Camp Schwab and the residents of the Henoko community.