CAMP SENDAI, Japan - As children sit and watch, soldiers teach the U.S. Army lifestyle during a cultural exchange at Sumiyoshi Junior High School, Japan, April 27.
"The JGSDF [Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force] requested this, and we always love to help out," Sgt. Albeiro Florez, a Miramar, Fla., native with the 10th Support Group, United States Army Japan, said. "Teaching class is what the Army does."
During the lesson soldiers explained to the room full of children what the U.S. Army does.
"We are trying to get the kids to understand the mission and purpose with hands on exercises," Spc. Rufo Lujan- Espinosa, a unit supply specialist with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 10th Support Group, USAR-J and Talofofo, Guam native, said.
The soldiers showed off Army equipment, food, shelters and explained what they have done to help the people of Japan, and even let them enjoy a meal ready-to-eat.
"The children loved the Army equipment," Spc. Kyle McNary, a parachute rigger with the 87th Quartermaster Detachment, 10th SG, USAR-J, said. "We showed them night vision goggles, the Army patrol cap, and let them see through slideshows what the Army has done in Japan for them. To me, the smiles on their faces made all of this hard work worthwhile."
As the Army begins to reposition their support for the displaced citizens, they are continuing to work hand-in-hand with the Japanese Self-Defense Force to provide what is required. The children all received backpacks filled with supplies after they learned how the U.S. Army helped in a time of great need.
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