Original Harlem Globetrotters entertain Soldiers, Family members with skills and tricks

By Noriko Kudo, U.S. Army Garrison Japan Public AffairsNovember 15, 2017

Original Harlem Globetrotters entertain Soldiers, Family members with skills and tricks
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Original Harlem Globetrotters entertain Soldiers, Family members with skills and tricks
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Original Harlem Globetrotters entertain Soldiers, Family members with skills and tricks
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Original Harlem Globetrotters entertain Soldiers, Family members with skills and tricks
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Original Harlem Globetrotters entertain Soldiers, Family members with skills and tricks
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Original Harlem Globetrotters entertain Soldiers, Family members with skills and tricks
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Original Harlem Globetrotters entertain Soldiers, Family members with skills and tricks
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CAMP ZAMA, Japan (Nov. 15, 2017) -- Camp Zama's Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation hosted The Original Harlem Globetrotters presented by Navy Entertainment and Armed Forces Entertainment Nov. 8, 2017 at the Yano Fitness Center to boost morale of Camp Zama's Soldiers, Civilians and Family members and to ensure their quality of life.

According to TOHGs' official website (http://www.harlemglobetrotters.com/), the team was founded more than 90 years ago. They played their first road game in 1927 and have entertained more than 144 million fans in 122 countries and territories worldwide.

"Bull" Bullard, member of TOHG, said he has done four military tours for the past 10 years.

"Every time I come to any military base, I love it," said Bullard.

Bullard said he especially enjoys to engage with the families.

"I love the family aspect," said Bullard.

Bullard said this is his first time being in Japan.

"Everything about it is great," said Bullard.

Prior to the show, members of TOHG visited Soldiers of the U.S. Army Aviation Battalion Japan.

Sgt. Alexander Roth, assigned to USAABJ, gave TOHG a command briefing and showed them a UH-60 Blackhawk Helicopter in the hangar.

Afterward, members of TOHG had an opportunity to get a hands-on experience, sitting inside the helicopter.

At the end of their visit, Soldiers of the USAABJ were invited to take photos with members of TOHG and to get their autographs.

The community members started to form a line before the door opened at the Yano Fitness Center.

The bleachers were quickly filled, some overflowing, and spectators had to sit on the floor or stand to wait for the show to start.

The show started with loud music and announcements, and TOHG entered very energetically, constantly bouncing the ball around from a payer to a player.

TOHG performance kept the spectators on feet from the beginning until the end.

Volunteers from the audience were given the opportunity to go onto the court with TOHG.

TOHG played games and tricks on the volunteers that continuously made the crowd laugh.

After the show, Maj. Christopher Alferez, assigned to U.S. Army MEDDAC-Japan, said TOHG are very funny and he didn't know what to expect.

"I thought it was very fun and hilarious event," said Alferez.

Alferez said it was a great deal to have entertainers from the states come so far to interact with Soldiers and Family members.

"It shows their support for the troops and brings up the moral," said Alferez.

Journey Taylor, 11, Arnn Elementary School student, said her favorite part of the show was when one of the players got up on the basketball hoop and started dancing.

"It was just wow," said Journey.

Brianna Webb, 12, AES student, said she really liked the show.

"They couldn't have done better," said Brianna.

TOHG put a smile on Camp Zama's community members' faces.

The Original Harlem Globetrotters 2017 World Tour

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Related Links:

USAG Japan Facebook

USAG Japan Flickr

USAG Japan Pinterest

USAG Japan Twitter

USAG Japan Vimeo

USAG Japan YouTube Channel

USAG Japan Google+