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Home : Media : News : News Article View

# Soldiers Escort Santa to Special Needs School

By Rick Rzepka

                OKINAWA CITY, Okinawa  –              
Santa made a special appearance at Tsukushi-En, a localspecial needs school, Dec. 17 to spread holiday cheer to dozens of children,but instead of his usual entourage of elves and reindeer, St. Nick was flankedby U.S. Soldiers for this special mission. 
 
The U.S. Army Garrison -- Okinawa Better Opportunitiesfor Single Soldiers program received donations to purchase toys for 31 childrenwhose reaction to Father Christmas ranged from delight to fright, but when thegifts came out, all were excited.  
 
"Out of all my volunteer events that I have donewhile serving in the U.S. Army, I would have to say that this was the bestvolunteer experience ever," said Staff Sgt. Kristian A. Rubio, who servesas a Dental Specialist at Torii Station. "Being able to see the children'seyes light up and smiles glow was an incredible feeling ... The children were theones that filled my heart with Christmas Spirit," he said.
 
The BOSS program at U.S. Army Garrison -- Okinawa servesto enhance the quality of life and morale of single Soldiers who make up nearly35 percent of the Army according to Human Resources Command. A core componentof the BOSS program is making a difference by volunteering in communityprojects and events, according to www.armymwr.com.
 
"These events are great for BOSS soldiers becauseit's a great way for us to show that single soldiers care about the communityand are here to make a difference," said Sgt. Matthew Jewell, a signalSoldier with 10th Regional Support Group. "No matter how small or big itis we are able to make a difference to those that need us ... It's a greatreminder and a great feeling."
 
Though they are stationed overseas, BOSS programvolunteers find a way to navigate the language and cultural obstacles to getout into the community to make a difference and give back to their neighbors,said Rubio. 
 
"When you are kind to someone, you hope that they'llremember and be kind to someone else," he said.
 
For the children of the Tsukushi-En special needs school,a visit from Santa and his helpers was a welcomed event.
 
"I hope their appreciation could reach [the]volunteer's heart," said Katsue Teruya, who works at the school. "Toexperience and learn different culture are very good for their emotionaldevelopment. Again, we'd like to extend our sincere appreciation for Army'ssupport," she said.**                    SHARE                **                    PRINT                USPACOMOkinawaSanta