MCAS FUTENMA, OKINAWA, Japan -- Approximately 20 Marines and Sailors with 1st Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW) spent the morning volunteering at the Ai-no-Mura Senior Citizens Home in Okinawa, Japan, June 9, 2018.

Volunteers assisted in daily activities and improved living conditions in the area while building relationships with the local community.

“It always feels good to volunteer,” said Cpl. Gunner Davis, an MV-22 crew chief with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st MAW. “It’s also rewarding for you as well to be able to help out the community you’re staying in.”

The volunteers performed tasks, such as cutting and organizing fabric and washing cars. Many said they were grateful to be able to participate in this event.

One of those volunteers was Lance Cpl. Elvis Rodriguez, a flight equipment technician with Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 36, MAG-36, 1st MAW, who said he would like to participate in more volunteer events like this one that involves helping the local community.

The Marines volunteered at the senior citizens home to give back to the community and to help make the lives of the residents there a little easier.

I’m grateful for the opportunity to help make something better, work toward a bigger cause and give back to the community, said Petty Officer 2nd Class Renita Flakes, a hospital corpsman with Marine Wing Support Squadron 172, MAG-36, 1st MAW.