Kadena Marine unit celebrates its service's anniversary

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Nestor Cruz
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  As Marines worldwide observed the 232nd birthday of the Corps Nov. 10, Kadena-based Marines took time to celebrate this tradition and reflect on their mission in the Pacific. 

Unit members from Marine Wing Liaison Kadena celebrated the birthday with a formal ball Nov. 8 and also explained their role here. 

"[The Marine Corps birthday is] a lot of tradition," said Lance Cpl. William Munoz, MWLK operations clerk. "Coming from a Mexican family, I'm all about tradition and the traditions found within the Corps means a lot to me and my fellow Marines." 

The Marine Corps birthday is a time when today's Marines remember their brothers and sisters who helped shape the Corps. 

"When we celebrate the Marine Corps birthday with the annual Marine ball, it's a night when we all reflect on our current mission and remember those who paved the way for us," said Gunnery Sgt. Charles Williams, MWLK operations chief. "I'm very proud to wear the uniform and after 14 years of service, I still enjoy coming to work." 

Marines attached to MWLK support Marine units and Navy squadrons coming to Kadena for training. 

"It is very beneficial for our Marines and Sailors to be able to come to Okinawa and use Kadena's ranges for training," said Gunnery Sgt. Williams about Kadena's vast airspace. 

Some of the support the unit provides includes billeting, maintenance, refueling and scheduling time on Kadena's ranges. 

"We coordinate between the visiting units and the 18th Wing as far as locking on the ranges here," said Gunnery Sgt. Williams. "Prior to arriving at Kadena, these units will send us a transient aircraft personnel support request, which lets us know what types of support will be needed." 

Gunnery Sgt. Williams said the training Marines and Sailors gain here will enable them to accomplish their mission in the Pacific if they are called upon to do so. 

"We do our mission here so our fellow Marines and Sailors can get the proper training to do what they have to do for our country," he said. 

The work done here by Gunnery Sgt. Williams and his fellow Marines would not be possible without support from the 18th WG. 

"We have a great working relationship with the wing and we can't do what we do without the wing's support," Gunnery Sgt. Williams said. "We work with Kadena Airmen on a daily basis and many of our Marines are working in various places around the base, including customs and base operations." 

Corporal Munoz agreed that the relationship between Marines and Airmen here is very strong. 

"I often talk with Airmen from base ops and wing scheduling and anytime I need something they are willing to help me get the information I need," said Corporal Munoz. "Everyone here is very polite and it makes things go smoother." 

As the oldest and the youngest Marines cut the ceremonial cake during the ceremony, the members of MWLK remember the Marines of the past who brought them to where they are now. They also remember the Airmen, Soldiers and Sailors of today who are working with them for America's future.