374th SFS visits orphanage

TACHIKAWA, Japan -- A child from the Shisei Gakusha children's home retrieves a ball during a kickball game at Tachikawa, Japan, Aug. 16, 2011. 374th SFS Airmen from Yokota Air Base, Japan, donated toys, clothing and food for the children, in an act of good will towards their off-base neighbors. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Krystal M. Garrett)

374th SFS visits orphanage

TACHIKAWA, Japan -- A child from the Shisei Gakusha children's home kicks a ball to an Airman from the 374th Security Forces Squadron in Tachikawa, Japan, Aug. 16, 2011. 374th SFS Airmen from Yokota Air Base, Japan, donated toys, clothing and food for the children, in an act of good will towards their off-base neighbors. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Krystal M. Garrett)

374th SFS visits orphanage

TACHIKAWA, Japan -- An Airman from the 374th Security Forces Squadron sets up a miniature golf game for a child at the Shisei Gakusha children's home in Tachikawa, Japan, Aug. 16, 2011. 374th SFS Airmen from Yokota Air Base, Japan, donated toys, clothing and food for the children, in an act of good will towards their off-base neighbors. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Krystal M. Garrett)

374th SFS visits orphanage

TACHIKAWA, Japan -- An Airman from the 374th Security Forces Squadron plays baseball with a child from the Shisei Gakusha children's home at Tachikawa, Japan, Aug. 16, 2011. 374th SFS Airmen from Yokota Air Base, Japan, donated toys, clothing and food for the children, in an act of good will towards their off-base neighbors . (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Krystal M. Garrett)

Airmen raise children's spirits with visit

Published Aug. 19, 2011
By Airman 1st Class Desiree Economides
374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan -- Airmen from the 374th Security Forces Squadron at Yokota Air Base visited the Shisei Gakuen children's home Aug. 16, in Tachikawa, Japan.

During the visit, Airmen brought smiles to the faces of many children by delivering more than 150 pounds of sporting goods, clothing and food.

"Although we come out once or twice a year to the home, we were able to raise $475 and fill an entire truck for this visit," said Staff Sgt. Nathan Dooge, a base defense operations controller in the 374th SFS.

The Airmen's generosity didn't stop at just bringing the items. After eating pizza and chicken wings together, the children and security forces members played with the new toys in the courtyard.

"It's great to come out and spend time with the children," said Tech. Sgt. Ann Schenck, 374th SFS flight chief. "Though we don't all speak the same language, everyone likes playing games and having fun."

The Shisei Gakuen children's home provides residential care services to children between ages 2 and 18 who were orphaned, abandoned, abused or deprived of parental care.

Other children are often able to visit friends and family during the summer vacation, said Gou Shimizu, a clinical psychologist and counselor at Shisei Gakuen. Unfortunately, these children aren't able to get away from their normal surroundings, which can lead to boredom, depression and anger, so having new faces and new experiences is a big help to these children.

"The children really enjoy having new people come and visit them," said Shimizu. "Keeping them active, playing and having fun is really good for them mentally and physically."

Visiting the home did more than lift the children's spirits -- it also strengthened the bond between Yokota and the community.

"We are here as guests in this country, and part of that requires us to be good neighbors," said Sergeant Dooge. "Coming out to the home is a great way for us to be out and support the community."