Okinawa, Japan: United States Marines Screen Outdoor Movies on the Lawn of Military Base in Japan
Service members and families from Okinawa bases in Japan laid out blankets and set up lawn chairs at Camp Kinser's Roberts Field to watch a free triple-feature outdoor movie, compliments of the Single Marine Program.
The outdoor movie night was the first run of SMP's "Movies on the Lawn," an event meant to attract single Marines and families to a relaxed environment that appeals to all ages, according to Marika Takayama, the administrative support assistant with Camp Foster SMP.
SMP's movie lineup featured "Finding Nemo," "The Benchwarmer" and "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest."
"We did a family movie first so children could enjoy their time," Takayama said. "The second movie was aimed at teenagers, and the third was for the adult crowd."
SMP organizers set up an inflatable 20-by-20-foot movie screen and four speakers, which they positioned to give the viewers the full theatre experience.
"Back home we called this a dive-in," said Lance Cpl. Mark Parker, a small arms technician with 3rd Materiel Readiness Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, who came up with the idea for the event. "We would hold it at the lake, and people would pay admission. They could pull their boats up and watch the movie. We did it to raise money for school."
Parker said the outdoor movie night was a test run. If response is strong enough, the Camp Kinser SMP could hold Movies on the Lawn on a regular basis.
"We would love to do this again; it was a great event." Takayama said. "It turned out well, and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves."
SMP volunteers used the event to raise funds for the program by running a concession stand with hot dogs, popcorn, chips, water and sodas.
"I really enjoyed it," said Pfc. Thomas Divittore, a Marine with 3rd MRB, 3rd MLG, who came to watch "The Benchwarmers." "The weather was nice. There weren't any bugs. And the sound was great."
Single and unaccompanied Marines and sailors on all camps can participate in SMP events. Camp Kinser SMP coordinators try to hold at least two events per month and have scheduled their next event for Aug. 18, said Lance Cpl. Ebony E. Rhodes, president of the Camp Kinser SMP.
Read full article at: http://www.okinawa.usmc.mil/public%20affairs%20info/Archive%20News%20Pages/2006/060811-smp.html