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Eleven Sailors, three spouses and eight
children of the USS Cowpens (CG 63) volunteered their time on Dec.
20 to help bring the spirit of the Holidays to the Misono Children’s
Orphanage in Fujisawa City, Japan. The ship conducted a toy drive,
combined with funding from C7F, and was able to deliver a toy to
each of the 141 children who are cared for by the home.
One of the most interesting parts of the event was the inclusion and
participation of the families of the Sailors. “After hearing about
the COMRELs the ship has conducted in other ports, it was fun and
interesting for them to experience such an event, first hand” said
Cowpens Command Chaplain Lt. Kermit Jones.
The Misono Orphanage, located in Fujisawa City, Japan, is about a 70
minute drive from the Yokosuka Naval Base and is home to 141
Japanese children, ranging from ages 3 to 18. The Cowpens adopted
the orphanage and has returned each year around Christmas time to
bring toys to all of the children who live there.
“This was a wonderful time, and I know my kids enjoyed interacting
with the children at the orphanage. Fun is fun in any language”
commented Kristy Chester, the wife of Fire Controlman First Class
Jeffrey Chester, who also was in attendance.
Upon arrival, Sailors and family members scattered to different
tables and helped the children ranging from age six to nine craft
ornaments to hang on three Christmas trees. Paper chains, snowflakes
and drawings were crafted and discussed in spite of language
barriers. “Sometimes words just aren’t needed,” said Alex Marseille,
a Cowpens spouse. “There was an understanding of why we were there
and what we were doing.”
The final event was when Santa himself came to visit and distributed
the toys that were wrapped for each child by name. The Cowpens First
Class Petty Officer Association provided the suit and Petty Officer
First Class James Durrance acted as the jolly representative of the
North Pole.
“The kids were so amazingly cute,” said STG3 Monique Feelin. “It was
awesome to see the smiles on their faces as they each received a
gift… I can’t wait to go back next year.”
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