7th Communication Battalion celebrates enduring friendship at Moon Festival

CAMP HANSEN, Okinawa, Japan — U.S. Marines with 7th Communication Battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, joined residents, staff and community members for the annual Moon Festival at Hikarigaoka Nursing Home, Oct. 31, 2026, continuing a friendship spanning more than three decades.

Guests shared food at tables across the courtyard, joined in karaoke and posed for photographs with costumed performers. The celebration also included certificates of appreciation for volunteers who supported the community throughout the year.

For Satoshi Ginoza, manager of Hikarigaoka Nursing Home, the gathering reflected a partnership that continues to grow.

“We exchange cultural events, and we serve as a bridge between U.S. and the Okinawan community,” Ginoza said.

Ginoza said the relationship between the nursing home and 7th Communication Battalion has lasted more than 30 years. Marines now also support an English program at the preschool.

“Now they come to our preschool and do the English program, and so that’s expanding,” Ginoza said. “We are always thankful.”

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. William J. Dooley, Headquarters Company commander with 7th Communication Battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, and a native of Ohio, attended the festival for the second time. He said the relationship extends to monthly volunteer opportunities and invitations to each other’s celebrations.

“We don’t just invite the members of the Ginoza family to our change of command ceremonies or our Marine Corps Birthday Ball, but they also extend the favor and invite us to the Moon Viewing Festival like today,” Dooley said.

Marines also receive invitations to a New Year’s mochi pounding ceremony. Dooley said the family’s continued welcome helps sustain the partnership as Marines and battalion leaders change assignments.

“They always invite us, even though the Marines are changing every single year,” Dooley said.

Dooley received a letter of appreciation after volunteering at the nursing home and preschool approximately six or seven times during 2026.

U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Joseph Seifert, a chaplain with 7th Communication Battalion, III MIG, and a native of Minnesota, attended for his third year.

“We get to experience that because they invite us into it,” Seifert said. “Music, food and simple gestures help participants connect beyond their daily routines. This year’s recognition of volunteers added another meaningful element to the gathering.”

Ginoza credited staff members with developing the festival’s program and choosing how to carry it out.

“So this is their event,” Ginoza said. “I’m just glad to see that happen.”

Looking ahead, Ginoza said he wants the partnership to provide more opportunities for both communities to learn from each other.

“Based on what we have built in the past, now try to advance our relationship by providing what Marines can learn from local community, and as well as what we can learn from American community,” Ginoza said.

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