Yugen Izuka and Yuto Nakamura, two of four children arrive from the Holy Family Home, an orphanage in Osaka, Japan, July 24, 2018. They are welcomed with cheers and greetings by Soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, Honolulu, Hawaii. (Courtesy photo)
Public Affairs Office
25th Infantry Division
SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaii -- Soldiers with the 27th Infantry Regiment, "Wolfhounds", 25th Infantry Division, will welcome four orphans from the Holy Family Home in Osaka, Japan, as they arrive at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, this week. They will host the orphans on Oahu until early August, providing them with opportunities to have fun and experience how Soldiers' families live both on and off Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.
This is the 70th anniversary and 62nd time Soldiers of the 27th Inf. Regt. have hosted children from the orphanage in one of the greatest displays of compassion and outreach to come out of World War II. The "Wolfhounds" unofficially adopted the orphanage in 1949 while stationed in Japan and after visiting with the American Red Cross there. Seeing the living conditions at that time were in peril, about a dozen Soldiers came together to donate $149. Since that time, the 27th Inf. Regt. has helped raise
thousands of dollars for the orphanage and has witnessed a movie made about the unique relationship.
During their week-long stay, the children will each be adopted by a "Wolfhound" Ohana and attend multiple events to build on and grow the long-lasting relationship. Primary events these:
- Welcome Ceremony, Daniel K. Inouye International Airport
- Team Building Obstacle Course and Electronic Systems Trainer, Schofield Barracks
- 27th Regimental Picnic, Schofield Barracks
- Farewell Ceremony, Schofield Barracks
The 25th Infantry Division, "Tropic Lightning," is America's Pacific Division. The division provides the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command a uniquely tailorable force with ability to rapidly respond to contingencies across the Pacific. Tropic Lightning Soldiers, a reliable, credible and disciplined force, continuously work with partners and allies to prepare for shared challenges.