We were able to interview two Air Force officers who worked with us! This is what they had to say about their experience with OGAforAID.
What can I not say about this amazing organization that has completely renewed my desire to serve my community? It was my first time doing any kind of work in another country, let alone my first time to even be in one! I sought out OGAforAID in August 2012 through the Misawa First Four group, a service group of young Airmen who wanted to build community relations. The work was fun yet arduous, and equally impressive to me. Angela’s team was very professional and worked around the language barrier flawlessly. I had the time of my life overlooking a shimmering North Pacific and clearing tomato fields for more crops to be planted later. I enjoyed myself so much I volunteered a second time about a year later planting chrysanthemums. The group I brought with me was two-people strong, yet we were able to plant almost an acre of flowers! Everyone on the team was amiable and I could see in their eyes their desire to make a positive change through their work. The Air Force takes of most of my time with its work demands, but they provided a pleasant and wonderful change to my ordinary. I cannot wait to work with them again!
Joseph Campbell, United States Air force
During the time of the devastating earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan on March 11, 2011 our family was living in Misawa, Japan. My husband, Robert Ensley Jr, who is stationed with the United States Air Force, and myself knew we wanted to help our host nation in anyway we could. Our friend Simon Bernard informed us about OGA for Aid and the town of MinamiSanriku. We knew immediately that we wanted to push all of our efforts with this group to help the community with relief efforts.
We got together with Angela Ortiz of OGAforAID to find out the direct needs of the people of MinamiSanriku. Once we knew what was needed to gather for distribution or money that needed to be raised we organized different fundraisers with the military community of Misawa Air Base, Team Misawa, to raise those funds.
We have helped with food, water, clothing and money for the learning center, two Christmas parties and a bus for the town. We are hoping to help with a third Christmas party this year and remind the people of MinamiSanriku that we are still here for them.
Robert and Erin Ensley, United States Air Force
Amazing people like them is what keeps us going and their kind words encourage us EVERYDAY!
