Team Kadena goes "green" for EarthFest

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Justin Veazie
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  More than 115 people attended the second annual EarthFest on Kadena Air Base, April 14.

Several on and off-base agencies were on-hand to ensure participants were educated, informed and entertained at the event.

During an Ultimate Game Show, youth had to eat celery with wasabi, sea grapes and goya in order to win prizes. Other prizes were also given throughout the day at EarthFest.

For a Family Feud "team green edition" game, people were tested on their knowledge of different ideas to help conserve power and different ways we can save the Earth.

"I thought it was fun, I gained a lot of new knowledge about different ways that I can help save this planet," said Airman 1st Class Brandy Allen, 18th Aerospace Medicine Squadron public health technician.

Different Kadena youth program teams, such as the Twisters Gymnastics Team, Eagles All-Star cheerleaders, Kids Zumbatonic, and the Taiko drummers from Amelia Earhart Intermediate School performed for everyone in attendance. Brandon the Magician also made an appearance, while 18th Security Forces Squadron members held a K-9 demonstration.

By playing Earth-friendly games, participants found that preserving the planet is not just a boring task but it also can be fun.

Volunteers from different organizations also came to help out and enjoy the festivities as well.

"I felt that today would be a great day to reach out to the community and help out with the Schilling Community Center booth and with the children," said Erica Durham, 18th Medical Group commander's support staff technician.

EarthFest is a community collaborative event, celebrating all the things that the month of April has to offer; such as the Month of the Military Child and National Child Abuse Prevention, Alcohol Awareness, and Sexual Assault Awareness Month. EarthFest was also the kick-off for Earth Week. The event also spread the word on how to help the environment, and showed children how they can make a difference here in Okinawa.

"It starts with our kids, on how they can make a difference just by recycling a bottle or simply turning off a light switch," said Michele Bean, 18th Force Support Squadron programs director.