ZUSHI, Japan (NNS) -- Sailors, civilian employees, and family members from
more than 16 commands in the Kanagawa Prefecture joined forces with local
Japanese residents to spruce up the Tagoe River here, June 18.
The river has an abundance of tall grass filled with natural wildlife.
Helping clean up the Tagoe River is an annual tradition every spring for
Americans living in the area. Roughly 200 volunteers armed with plastic
gloves, walked knee deep in the river and helped each other step over the
slippery river stones to collect 50 gallons of trash.
This year, participants were treated to a large population of black, white
and multicolored koi fishes swimming freely in the river.
Seaman Logan Colwell, from U.S. 7th Fleet, said he felt the need to give
back to the community, despite only being stationed here three weeks,
emphasizing "he wanted to do his part to show that we respect the people
of Japan and maintain the good relationship between two countries."
Chief Interior Communications Electrician Courtney Tillman told a crowd of
Japanese residents at an impromptu opening ceremony, "as good neighbors
living in the same community we are looking forward to promoting the
Japan-America Friendship Exchange while working together to clean the
river."
Vice Mayor of Zushi Atsushi Kashiwamura and committee members of the Tagoe
River Project also welcomed and thanked all volunteers for their role in
beautifying the city of Zushi and helping the community. Surrounded by rich
green nature and low hills, Zushi, which also means crossroad in Japanese,
is built on a sedimentary plain formed by the Tagoe River.
"Zushi is a very beautiful city," said Michiko Kamioka, community relations
specialist for Ikego Heights, a U.S. Navy family housing community nearby.
"While we are working, we also further deepen Japan and U.S. relationships
and friendships."
For more news from U.S. 7th Fleet, please visit
http://www.c7f.navy.mil/