Yokosuka base Sailors and civilian employees visited with members of the local community to hail the holiday season with a “Disco Dance Party” at the Sogo Fukushi Center Dec. 3. 

The community relations (COMREL) project, sponsored by the Yokosuka Lions Club is an annual end of year holiday event for local disabled citizens. 

Masaharu Tsuchimura, a Lions Club member and one of the organizers, said they invited participants with disabilities from 13 different Sangyo-Jo (training sites), a place where handicapped people learn marketable skills in arts and food, to join Sailors for the party. 

“When I heard about this Christmas Disco Party, I jumped on the opportunity to sign up,” said Operations Specialist 2nd Class Tyrone Hill from Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY) Transient Personnel Unit (TPU). “It makes you understand that there are other people with challenges in life and makes you appreciate how they meet their challenges. It makes things look a little brighter for the world in your own perspective.” 

All the event participants, including the welfare center staff and organizers, wore party cone-hats and started the party with noise makers, following loud beats of disco music that filled the Christmas decorated hall. 

“It is fun, just follow the rhythm, keep dancing, and they will follow you. Our smiles overwhelmed the language barrier,” said Operations Specialist 2nd Class Melioner Gacuya assigned to Fleet Coordinating Group. 

“I like their culture, they are very polite and I would like to give back in a small way by being part of this special occasion, which I believe meant a lot to them,” Gacuya added. 

During a break in the music, the visiting Sailors and their hosts enjoyed a Hawaiian show, a quick game of basketball and some much needed refreshments. 

“This is good for the community and it is a good way to bring us closer as neighbors,” said Gacuya.