Day 4 A Snapshot in Time

March 7, 2011. It was my first day. I was hired as a Field Office Coordinator with the American Red Cross branch at the Naval Air Facility Atsugi in Japan.

It was 7:45 in the morning and I just walked into the office. I've been there before as a volunteer but today was different. I was responsible, well, for something. I wasn't sure yet. I spent the last 14 years of my life as a nurse. What could I do for the Red Cross? I remember sitting in the office that morning wondering . . .

Days later. March 11, 2011. A date the Japanese will never forget. The Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami disaster struck. What could I do?

As I snapped the photo above, a flood of memories almost overwhelmed me.

A line of Marines at makeshift tables laden with food.

The base clinic staff gladly chattering as they ate homemade meals prepared by many of the Navy wives and DOD employees.

The rows of luggages in the theater . . . people running around getting ready to return to the States . . . the phone calls for pick up and drop off from the towers to the theater . . .

The happy faces of the Japanese sailors at the sight of so much home-prepared meals after two weeks of eating fish and rice out of tin cans.

The unending visits to the Red Cross office from so many willing volunteers dropping off food, supplies, drinks . . .

The generosity of the NAF Atsugi community was heartwarming. The support of the leaders was encouraging.

I reserved a corner on my display cabinet for the mementos you see in the photo above. To be part of the Red Cross was an honor and a privilege. I hope that I have contributed my part to such an honorable organization. Through them, I have memories that I will treasure to the end of my days.

This photograph is a snapshot in time that brings memories that are timeless.

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I dedicate this to all the volunteers who made the Operation Tomodachi Food Drive possible. We are scattered across the globe, but know that I truly appreciated all your help. You made a difficult time into treasured moments. In less than 2 weeks, we reached 1000 Marines, Atsugi sailors, and the Japanese sailors. You not only fed them, but lifted their hearts. Thank you, my many tomodachi.