Pfc. Katrina L. Kaleta paints a picture on Selena Lucas' face at the Shachah Café while Clarissa Mirasato waits for a second turn. Kaleta is a volunteer with 3rd Materiel Readiness Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group.

*View/download a high res copy of this image.

CAMP KINSER, Okinawa (Jun 16, 2006) -- Pupils from the AmerAsian School in Okinawa attended a field trip party June 8 at the Shachah Café and Camp Kinser Bowling Center.

The 3rd Materiel Readiness Battalion Chaplain's Office planned the party to provide ways for the pupils to bond with Marine and sailor volunteers in an environment of fun and lightheartedness.

The children played board games and indoor sports, watched a movie inside the café and bowled. Marines from the 3rd MRB, 3rd Marine Logistics Group motor pool also showcased a 7-ton truck and a humvee for the children.

The event exceeded expectations, according to Petty Officer 1st Class Robert R. Buxton, the event's coordinator.

"I didn't expect it to be this big," Buxton said. "We have so many volunteers. It was overwhelming, especially just to see the kids so happy. That's all that matters to me. This day will stay with them for a long time."

The pupils arrived on a bus and separated into two groups inside the café One group participated in dances such as the hokey pokey and the other group went to the bowling alley. Halfway through the field trip, the children switched buildings and activities.

Kinser Marines visit the off-base school about two times a week to help with homework and play with the pupils.

The school's staff and children appreciate the Marine volunteers' help because the school has a limited budget, according to Michael T. Fad, the principal and middle-grades teacher for the AmerAsian School in Okinawa.

"The school is really grateful," Fad said. "When someone comes through and says they've got (a field trip planned and paid for) it's better than anyone could have expected."

The children had such a good time that it left some of the volunteers feeling exhausted, according to Pfc. Katrina L. Kaleta. She painted faces for a seemingly endless line of children.

"It's fabulous," Kaleta said. "They're wearing me out, and I'm sitting in a chair. Some of them will mess (the face painting) up, so they can wash it off and come back and get another one."

Although the field trip may have seemed like only one fun day to the children, the experience held more than just entertainment for the pupils, Buxton said.

"This event will affect the kids forever because they'll have a positive outlook on the military," Buxton said. "I think once the kids go back home and the parents see their expressions, they'll know that this was a positive experience for their children."