CAMP ZAMA, Japan (Feb. 11, 2022) -- Clutching bags full of goodies, Army Community Service specialists surprised offices here Friday to spread joy ahead of Valentine’s Day.
Dubbed "Operation Good Cheer," the event has become a routine of sorts to celebrate many U.S. holidays.
Lucinda Ward, who wore a mask and hair tie covered in hearts, said she initially helped start the operation in December 2020 to boost morale during the pandemic.
“ACS loves the community and we’re here for them,” she said. “So that’s why we keep doing what we’re doing.”
About 215 sets of candies, such as the traditional conversation hearts, and other goodies were handed out, along with motivational messages taped onto them.
The bags also included a handwritten letter from ACS that shared a reminder to find something good to reflect on and to stay positive, resilient and safe.
Brad Morgan, who visited nearly a dozen offices to pass out the bags with Ward, said it was nice to have the opportunity to brighten up someone’s day.
“It’s a good feeling for me personally to see them and maybe give them a little surprise," he said. "Anybody likes candy."
One of their stops was to Zama Middle High School to show gratitude to the staff there.
“We’re so excited that they really think of us and they appreciate our teachers, our students and our connection with each other,” said Latasha Tita, the ZMHS assistant principal.
Tita said ACS is always there for her team, especially helping staff get acquainted to living in Japan through its newcomer’s orientation.
The act reminded Tita of the strong ties that continue to be strengthened in the community.
“I tell people the one thing that I love about the Zama community is that it is really connected,” Tita said. “Although we may miss our American families and our American connections, people at the ACS, when they come here and they give us these gifts, it really makes us feel connected and makes us feel welcomed.”
ACS holds various events to help community members better transition to life in Japan. One of its upcoming events is a walking tour to Zama Shrine for the Doll’s Festival on March 1 at 10 a.m. It also offers employment and financial readiness classes, family programs and more. For additional details, contact ACS at 263-HELP or 046-407-4357.
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