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# Okinawa White Beach cleanup

By Elizabeth StoeckmannDLA Energy Public Affairs

*Editor’s note: Earth Day is an annual event, celebrated on April 22, on which events are held worldwide to demonstrate support for environmental protection and sustainability. In recognition of Earth Day 2018, this article is an opportunity to share the importance of taking care and giving back to the environment and the community.*

Defense Logistics Agency Energy Okinawa employees and the local community collected trash littering White Beach and the pier during a cleanup event March 30. 

Sarah Covarrubias, fuel distribution systems operator, spearheaded the effort, leading a team of 71 volunteers from a multinational, joint service team including DLA Energy personnel, local national employees, U.S. Army Garrison Torii Station and U.S. Marine Corps’ 9th Engineer Support Battalion. 

“I am so amazed by all the local support and generosity,” Covarrubias said. “I am so glad this event has been this successful ... we look forward to doing it again.”

The effort demonstrated DLA Energy Okinawa’s commitment to environmental stewardship and benefits the U.S, and Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force personnel, she said.

After the volunteers spent the day collectively filling a dumpster full of debris, they were treated to a family day potluck luncheon.

“We have developed a great rapport with our Okinawan counterparts on the island,” Covarrubias said. “What better way to kindle the relations with our U.S. and Japanese coworkers, than to bring the two cultures together for lunch and show mutual respect for the island by cleaning her magnificent beach.”

She said the event shows respect for the host nation and helps prepare the beach for the White Beach festival in April, which is hosted by the Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force and the U.S. Navy Commander Fleet Activities Okinawa to showcase the military relationship with the local national populace.

“What a great day to come together,” said DLA Energy Okinawa Deputy Director Kirk Moats. “This event allowed the team of volunteers to unite and contribute to our community by cleaning up the beaches.” 

The efforts of Covarrubias, the White Beach cleanup crew and the DLA Energy Okinawa team enabled the beautification of the beach and solidified our fellowship with our DLA Energy local national employees while further enhancing our bilateral and joint working relationships, Moats said.

“This was an incredible opportunity to come together as a DLA Energy Okinawa family and show our support to clean up the beautiful beach of Okinawa,” Covarrubias said.

DLA Energy Okinawa provides bulk petroleum support to U.S. military and other Department of Defense agencies on the island of Okinawa to sustain operational effectiveness of the warfighter while being vigilant stewards of the Okinawan environment and good ambassadors to its hosts.

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