Airmen bring joy to Misato children

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Nestor Cruz
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  A team of Airmen, led by one of the base's own, has worked tirelessly to bring joy to children from the Misato Children's Home for the past ten years.

Chiemi Karimata, 18th Force Support Squadron executive assistant, has been gathering volunteers to help the children throughout her employment at the base.

"I helped out with the squadron booster club when I started working on base," said Ms. Karimata. "We always had some leftover food after events, so I asked around trying to find out where I can donate the food. That's when someone told me about the Misato Children's Home."

Because funding for the home covers the necessities and not luxury items, Ms. Karimata collects donations and volunteers to help improve the lives of the children.

"After I was told about the Misato Children's Home, I started bringing clothes, canned food and whatever items people donated," said Ms. Karimata. "I also collect donations every year for Christmas."

Ms. Karimata said the home accepts donations of school supplies, towels, shoes, umbrellas and used clothing if they are still in good condition. She advises people to send her an e-mail first before making a donation since storage space is very limited at the home.

Various base organizations and squadrons have also teamed up with Ms. Karimata to help the children.

"Many organizations volunteer their time for the Misato home, including the 18th Communications Squadron, 18th Civil Engineer Group, 525th Electronic Maintenance Squadron and the 961st Airborne Air Control Squadron," the executive assistant said. "They often ask me to come with them to the home and help translate. The Airmen will bring donations for the children or help beautify the home by doing yard work or painting."
The children of Misato have developed such strong bonds with Ms. Karimata and her cadre of volunteers that two events are planned every year, bringing the children to Kadena to spend time with their "big brothers and sisters."

"The 18th FSS hosts two big events every year for the children," Ms. Karimata said. "The first event is a day of bowling at Emery Lanes, games at the teen center and lunch at the beach. We schedule it during Children's Day week in May."

The second event for the Misato children is an annual Christmas party. One volunteer made an impression with the children by filling a pair of large boots.

"I got the chance to play Santa-san for the kids during the holidays," said Ed Fitzhenry, 18th FSS bowling facilities manager. "Although the kids loved seeing Santa, I have to say this was a great time for me and I really look forward to doing it again next year if I get the opportunity."

The Misato children recently celebrated a special occasion and Ms. Karimata was on-hand to help.

"The children won a soccer tournament and it was their seventh year in a row to do that," said Ms. Karimata. "When the Misato staff asked the children what they wanted to do as a reward, they quickly asked to go bowling on Kadena!"

Mr. Fitzhenry and his staff sponsored the day of bowling, donating funds for the children to bowl at no cost to them or the Misato staff.

"Our off-duty folks came in and helped the children with shoes and bowling," said Mr. Fitzhenry. "We love supporting the Misato home; and Paula Cota and Mie Nishiuchi are the real pillars of support at Emery Lanes."

Many of Ms. Karimata's volunteers are regular visitors to the Misato home.

"I really enjoy visiting with the children and playing with the younger kids," said Master Sgt. Ouida Daniels, 554th Red Horse Squadron. "I love seeing the smiles on their faces when we show up."