Naval Air Facility (NAF) Misawa's First Class Petty Officer Association (FCPOA) hosted Japanese children from Shichinohe, Japan, to bowling and American food aboard Misawa Air Base, Aug. 20.

The Sailors and children bowled a few games at the base bowling alley and later visited the Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) food court, where the children sampled the various food outlets that included Subway and Taco Bell.

The event was coordinated by "Outside the Gate" Program Manager Simon Bernard and NAF Misawa's FCPOA, and funded by the FCPOA.

"We have a very good standing relationship between the town and the Navy, and we're glad to continue it," said Bernard. "We are very grateful for the First Class Petty Officer Association and their willingness to get involved and host an event like this."

Bernard created the "Outside the Gate" program as a means for service members on Misawa Air Base to build relations with and explore the local community.

This is the fourth consecutive year that NAF Misawa's FCPOA and Bernard have hosted children from Shichinohe.

Shichinohe city is located approximately 10 miles from Misawa Air Base and offers free English classes and other opportunities for their children to get out and experience different things.

"It's fun for everybody," said Master-at-Arm's 1st Class Christopher Jones, a FCPOA member and coordinator for the event, from Indianapolis. "There isn't too much of a language barrier in bowling, and the kids all appear to be having a great time with all the smiles and high fives. I am happy we get the opportunity to do things like this."

For more news from Naval Air Facility Misawa, Japan, visit www.navy.mil/local/nafmisawa/