Members of Camp Zama’s Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers program, or BOSS, pose for a group photo with a local volunteer team June 8 at Yatoyama Park near Camp Zama, Japan, after working together there to help pull weeds and cultivate the soil for flower planting. (Noriko Kudo) ()
CAMP ZAMA, Japan – Ten members from Camp Zama’s Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers program, or BOSS, joined a local senior volunteer team to help pull weeds and cultivate the soil for flower planting June 8 at Yatoyama Park near the installation.
Sgt. Yezre’el Askew, assigned to the U.S. Army Band Japan and the BOSS vice president, said he really enjoyed getting to volunteer for the first time with the program, and felt their efforts did a lot to help out the Japanese community.
When he first saw the area they’d be working on, Askew said it seemed like a lot needed to be done. But with both the BOSS members and the volunteer team working together, they were able to finish quickly and with great results, he said.
“I’m very proud to have worked with the Japanese community to get this done,” Askew said.
The BOSS program participates in volunteer activities on a monthly basis. Askew said this helps to build a sense of cooperation and familiarity with the local community, and gets everyone more accustomed to working together.
“I look forward to cooperating more in the future,” Askew said.
U.S. Army Garrison Japan Command Sgt. Maj Justin Turner, who joined the volunteer effort, said the Soldiers he worked alongside displayed qualities of professionalism, hard work and selfless service.
“I’m extremely proud of our BOSS members; they represented our U.S. Army extremely well,” Turner said. “I’m happy that I could be a part of this community event.
“Volunteering is living the Army Value of ‘Selfless Service’ because you are donating your most precious asset—your time,” Turner added. “And that shows the community that you care. Helping out with even the smallest task can make a big impact in the lives of neighboring community members and organizations in need.”
Hitoshi Tsutsumi, who has regularly volunteered at the park for 30 years, said he appreciated the time, effort and teamwork of the Soldiers. Their contribution was particularly helpful on this occasion because of the usual number of senior volunteer members who come out, only a third of them were available that day.
Tsutsumi said he has sensed a growing camaraderie with the Soldiers by regularly working side by side with them.
“The Soldiers were very hard workers and finished all the work in half the time we estimated.” Tsutsumi said. “We need them back next week again.”
