Marine Corps Bases Japan - Ginowan hosts annual Traffic Safety Campaign relay

OFF THE WIRE

http://www.marines.mil/unit/mcbjapan/Pages/2011/110128-tsc.aspx
Ginowan hosts annual Traffic Safety Campaign relay
1/28/2011 By Lance Cpl. Jovane M. Holland, Marine Corps Bases Japan

GINOWAN CITY, Okinawa, Japan — A team of 14 Marines from various units within III Marine Expeditionary Force participated in Ginowan City’s 34th annual Traffic Safety Campaign relay race at the Ginowan Civic Park Jan. 22.

The purpose of the event was to raise awareness and promote traffic safety with a run around the perimeter of Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, according to Mayor Takeshi Asato, mayor of Ginowan City.

The safety campaign focused on four “pillars” of awareness: eliminating driving under the influence of alcohol, protecting children and senior citizens from traffic accidents, preventing motorcycle accidents and preventing traffic accidents at intersections.

The relay race was comprised of 61 teams of approximately 14 runners for nearly 900 runners. Participants ranged from school-aged children to senior citizens.

The Marine Corps team represented the sole foreign team competing in the race.

Runners ran relays of 700 - 1,500 meters during the eight-mile race, passing off a sash to teammates at checkpoints. Marines have been participating in the annual event for the last seven years, according to Elena Takaho, the community relations specialist for Futenma.

“Participating in this event every year gives Okinawans a chance to see Marines interacting and being involved in community matters,” Takaho said. “It shows they consider themselves part of this community as well.”

The Marine team consisted of 14 members ranging in rank from lance corporal to captain.

For Master Gunnery Sgt. Pete De La Rosa, G-1 chief, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III MEF, participating in the event afforded him an excellent opportunity to interact with the community and get a workout in the process.

“Coming out and showing our support for the community lets (the Okinawan citizens) know we care about what goes on in our host country,” De La Rosa said.

“Regardless of rank, it’s our job as Marines to interact with the community and set a good example.”

Having the Marines present at the relay race was a great way to begin interaction in the new year, Asato said.

“Working together for a good cause leads to a friendly relationship, so I am very glad the Marines have come out today,” he said.

At the end of the day, the Marine team finished fourth out of 61 teams in the 14,000-meter run. First place went to Ginowan City’s fire department.

“Even if they didn’t take first place, the goal of working together with the community and having fun in the process was realized,” Takaho said. “I can’t wait for next year.”

Marines interested in participating in next year’s relay race should contact their unit’s community relations specialist.