Higashi Azalea Festival 2010

This Sunday Christine, Wanda and her friend Michelle went on a tour to Nago to see the Azalea's. They were very pretty.

Samantha Violette Williams 3.17.2010

On 3.17.10 Lonnie's brother Kristian and his wife Kristine had their first child. This joy came on St. Patty's day, so I am pretty sure that she will nothing but good luck. Samantha was 9lbs 2oz and 21" long. Mom, Dad and Samantha are all doing well.

Meko Seizure #3 3.13.10

Today Kayleigh had this wonderful idea to take the dogs to the beach... I don't think that Meko has been to a beach since we have been here and I don't think that Mia has ever been to a beach.. so we went... Meko LOVES the water.. so he was in right away. Mia dived right in also which was a surprise to both of us. After a few minutes, Meko started going around in circles.. we thought that he was going to "go" in the water so we were trying to get him out, when all of a sudden he fell.. the seizure had begun. He was in the water at the time.. Kayleigh and I kept his head out of the water (away from his mouth) and tried to talk to him. He is a heavy dog so trying to get him out of the water was out of the question. When Meko was done, another dog came up to him and while Kayleigh was trying to keep him away.. she punched me in the mouth. I now have a fat lip. Came home and called the Vet. left a message and they still have not called back. So, we gave both dogs a bath to get the sand off and now they are laying around. Although I still think Meko is a little freaked out. I'm just glad he is ok.

Butter Fish 3.12.10

Today I took a "Mental Health Day" from work. But I really needed it because of the day before... ANYWAY... we went to the great restaurant that everyone has been talking about. Its out gate 3 right past the Family Mart on the left. We had the Butter Yaki a wonderful fish baked in butter and garlic. YUMMMM!!!!! Cant wait to take Lonnie there when he gets back.

Article of the DB Womens Team 2010

Dragon BoatPhoto and Cutline by Chip Steitz, Public Affairs Officer, 10th Support Group, Torii Station, Okinawa, Japan.
The Army Women’s Dragon Boat team on Okinawa, Japan starts their season in early to mid February every year. The team consists of 32 rowers, one gonger, an assistant coach, and a head coach.
They practice three times a week for 12 weeks to get ready for the big race held every year on May 5th. The first two weeks consists of teaching techniques and developing their skills. The Team practices in the cold, rain, wind, and sunshine to get ready for the big day. It is a huge commitment to join the team and equally crucial to their training that everyone comes to practice ready to give there all over three months.
"Spending so much time together forms a very strong bond for everyone involved." said Tonja Wadsworth Army Women's Dragon Boat Coach. "We learn to work together through the good and the bad and grow from each other's weaknesses. It is an amazing experience and an honor to be a part of such a big event. This is my fourth year being involved with the dragon boat team. I can’t imagine anything else I would rather be doing.
These ladies work so hard for such a short race and to see the team grow every week is just amazing! We definitely form friendships that last a life time." The Army had a winning streak in 2004, 2005, and 2006. The Navy was hungry for a victory and took the title from us in 2007. This year our Army Women’s Dragon Boat Team is ready to bring a victory home this season. GO ARMY ! ! ! ! !
10th Support Group Japan News Archives

USMC Drum & Bugle Corps/Silent Drill Team 3.4.10

Nick and I went to Camp Foster to watch the USMC Drum and Bugle Corps AND Silent Drill Team perform... They were amazing !! They had gone to Iwo Jima for an Anniversary and then came here to preform.. we had a few Vets. here from Iwo Jima and got to honor them. The last time they were here on Okinawa was in 1996, so we were very lucky to see them.

Nick+Football=Cast 3.2.2010

After the Battle of Okinawa Tour I came home to my neighbor telling me that my kids were in the ER. I called Kayleigh and she said that Nick had hurt his arm playing football at the middle school with his friends. I got to the ER and they said that he had sprained it. At first they said I needed to go to get a splint or cast on it Monday AM, but then came in and said that the ace wrap was fine. Well.... Today Tuesday, we were back at the hospital and Nick got a cast. He broke his wrist...again. Now he gets to wear the full cast for three weeks, then we go back to see how it is and maybe get a short cast. At any rate... he is done with track for this year. :(

Battle of Okinawa Tour 2.28.2010

I went on this tour finally .. Christine and I went on Sunday. I am glad that I went, learned things I didn't know. Our tour guide was a survivor of the battle. She told us how her and her family lived in caves hiding. We got to go through some of the underground tunnels, went to a cave where 87 people died, and Peace Prayer Park. It was a nice day.

Nick Winter Dance 2.27.2010

This year at the high school they had a winter dance.. Nick went with his friends Reed and Thomas. They everyone else at the school and took the bus to the dance.. He said he had a great time.