AFSA Chapter 1553 partners with Promise Keepers assisting locals in need

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Lynette M. Rolen
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  Kadena's Air Force Sergeants Association Chapter 1553 assisted a local non-profit organization, Promise Keepers, with an outreach project here June 2. 

Promise Keepers is part of the Two Fish Project, which is dedicated to ensuring families in poverty are cared for and motivationally encouraged. They were arriving to pick up a very special delivery courtesy of AFSA.

Nearly 3,000 pounds of clothes and shoes from Kadena members was donated to those in need from the surrounding community.

These clothes go to Okinawa's single parent families, children's shelters, homeless, and those seeking job employment.

"We try to have good engagement and good involvement with the local community," said Tech. Sgt. Jamie Smith, AFSA vice president and 31st Rescue Squadron resource advisor. "I know every time we have one of these drives, I've always seen a good turnout with AFSA, and with people who are a part of AFSA, to make sure they can support the local community."

This opportunity to give back makes this project an invaluable resource for Kadena and the local community. 

"There's a lot of low-income families here," said Yoshihiko Nishime, pastor of Yugafu Church, a partner of Promise Keepers. "Most of the kids going to school have very little, so that's why we try to clothe them."

These are donations that can be delivered to a specific location or the families can come and pick up the clothes, Nishime commented. 

AFSA advertised the clothing drive throughout many of the organizations across base. This particular clothing drive marked the third year in a row AFSA has partnered with Peace Keepers. The generous amount of clothing was donated over the course of one month.

"Team Kadena really got together to support our local community," said Tech. Sgt. Kahlila Mutidi, AFSA outreach committee lead and 18th Civil Engineer Group group safety manager. "We accumulated more clothes than ever before. It truly was a Team Kadena effort."

Volunteers loaded the clothes onto a truck which would bring them to people in need.

"I have clothes I haven't worn for years, so I was able to give some pants, and some sweatshirts," said Smith. "I know some homeless people could be outside or in the elements where they're not always warm; they might need some warmer clothes, so that was something I thought would be beneficial."

This clothing drive is just one of many projects AFSA does for the local community.

"I am very thankful for what Kadena does for the children in Okinawa," said Nishime. "I really appreciate all of the Americans coming to help with this project."