Misawa Sailors Volunteer at Orphanage

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Matthew M. Bradley, Naval Air Facility Misawa Public Affairs

SHICHINOHE, Japan (NNS) -- Sailors from Naval Air Facility Misawa (NAFM) built a fence for the Bikou-en Children's Home July 26 in Shichinohe.

The project was sponsored and paid for by the NAFM First Class Petty Officers Association (FCPOA).

"This will help to greatly improve the safety here. Children chasing balls and playing games won't have to worry about accidently ending up in the street," said Tatsuya Goto, director of the Bikou-en Children's Home. "We are very grateful for the good intentions of these Sailors."

NAFM FCPOA has had a long relationship with Bikou-en. They sponsor several events through out the year as well as various projects to help improve the facility.

"We asked them if there was anything they needed done to the building and they said they would like to have a fence built along the street," Aviation Maintenance Administrationman 1st Class (AW/SW) Jerry Gramling said.

"It was a lot of hard work but it was worth it." said Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) 1st Class (AW) Nathan Hart, FCPOA president. "The fence is really sturdy and should be around for a long time,"

"The build took most of the day, but all nine of us came together and we were able to finish it in one day," Hart said.

The fence cost around $500 for materials and around 60 man hours to complete, Gramling said.

The FCPOA was able to raise the money for this and other charitable projects through year-round fund raisers, however they've found their time with the home particularly rewarding.

"It's a long lasting relationship, which we intend to continue," Gramling said. We're planning to go back soon for a barbeque, and our next projected plan is to paint the facility's exterior."