Logisticians come together for charity

  • Published
  • By 18th Logistics Readiness Squadron
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  Logistics personnel from the 18th Logistics Readiness Squadron, Japan Air Self Defense Force and American and Japanese logistics companies donated $800 in cash and food to the Gajumaru Family Home Jul. 19.

Earlier that day, the 18th LRS and the National Defense Logistics and Transportation Association hosted a charity golf tournament that included 58 participants from the JASDF, Japanese logistics companies and Kadena Air Base personnel.

After playing through hours of heavy rains, the group gathered as the president of the Okinawa Chapter of NDTA, Master Sgt. Kyle Reesman, presented the proceeds to Ms. Sayoko Gima, the secretary general of Gajumaru.

"NDTA, 18th LRS, JASDF, and U.S. and Japanese companies in the transportation business all wanted to gather together for a social event such as golf, so we decided to donate the tournament proceeds to Family Home Gajumaru, which is a very worthy program that supports the Okinawan people," said Lt. Col. Doug Dickerson, 18th LRS commander.

Gajumaru is a non-profit organization that provides a place for families to stay when their children are receiving medical treatment at the adjacent Okinawan hospital. The facility is similar to the Ronald McDonald House in the United States, or the Fisher Houses that are near U.S. military medical treatment facilities.

Children from Okinawa's outlying islands may come to the main island of Okinawa for medical care, yet their families may not be able to afford to accompany them. Family Home Gajumaru helps reduce the cost to the families by providing almost free lodging while the children are at the nearby hospital. Guests pay only about $10 a night.

Children need the comfort and care of their families when undergoing medical care, and Family Home Gajumaru makes that possible. In the two years since Gajumaru was established, more than 7,000 people have stayed at the home.

"They are really making a big difference for thousands of locals from this island and the smaller islands around Okinawa," said Colonel Dickerson.