Today marks the anniversary of the Japanese Tsunami of 3/11/11.

SFC Mark Merino — Tue, 10 Mar 2015 17:32:00 -0400

4 years ago today, a tsunami of such destructive force hit Japan and claimed over 20,000 lives. 300,000 people still are forced to live in temporary shelters (CHU's). My wife was at ground zero and watched helplessly as her entire town was swept out to sea, along with all of her belongings, her friends and even some family members. Despite the absolute grief of the situation, she has vivid memories of the American armed forces coming to Japan's aid. Every branch of the military was involved in the immediate rescue operations and post-disaster relief. Your actions and tireless efforts saved countless civilians who certainly would have succumbed to these austere conditions. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you and salute you. Please take a moment to join me in a moment of silence and watch this memorial video. Armed Forces RESPECT!!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rROLlzVi2fw&sns=fb

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 10 at 2015 8:15 PM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Mar 2015 20:15:18 -0400

Thanks for the reminder and the video, SFC Mark Merino. I was glued to the TV when this happened four years ago. Mother Nature showed no mercy. I'm glad to be reminded as well that our (USA) military forces were there to help where possible. In addition to being the "world's policeman," we are also often very good Samaritans.

I don't mean to make this a joke - in case there is any doubt: Out of the tragedy, especially for your wife, grew her relationship with and eventual marriage to you. Kind of like that dandelion growing out of the concrete in the video. A happy ending, as it were.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Mar 10 at 2015 8:43 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Tue, 10 Mar 2015 20:43:55 -0400

Did anyone in the community participate in the recovery/rescue efforts?

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Mar 11 at 2015 12:38 AM

SFC Mark Merino — Wed, 11 Mar 2015 00:38:25 -0400

I was hoping to get some responses on this and share them with Hitomi. I should have included a meme.....lol?

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 11 at 2015 1:15 AM

SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 11 Mar 2015 01:15:12 -0400

Dang near all the soldiers in 35th cssb who was there during that time. I was apart of the skeleton crew that had to stay behind to help load up and push out log packs to the soldiers tht convoy out of Sagami depot JPN.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Mar 11 at 2015 1:26 AM

SFC Mark Merino — Wed, 11 Mar 2015 01:26:43 -0400

At 2247 PST please join me in a moment of silence.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Mar 11 at 2015 11:32 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Wed, 11 Mar 2015 23:32:36 -0400

My poor Hitomi has lost about a pound just in tears today.

Response by SSG Robert Burns made Mar 12 at 2015 12:47 AM

SSG Robert Burns — Thu, 12 Mar 2015 00:47:12 -0400

Undoubtedly one of the worst tragedies in our history. It is unfortunate that it often takes tragedy to bring us all together in unity and express our humanity. But I am thankful still. What a thing to have to endure first hand. What a blessing to be able to draw positive memories from such an event because of those who united and came to aide. It makes me continue to be proud of our Country and our service members with whom I serve.

Response by SSG Robert Burns made Mar 12 at 2015 12:50 AM

SSG Robert Burns — Thu, 12 Mar 2015 00:50:20 -0400

My wife says that she can remember after going through some bad hurricanes in Florida, the Soldier's were always there in the aftermath serving the community and helping the recovery.

Response by SSG Robert Burns made Mar 12 at 2015 12:51 AM

SSG Robert Burns — Thu, 12 Mar 2015 00:51:42 -0400

I'd much rather be seeing this in the news today that worrying about Hillary Clintons emails. This is something that should never be forgotten and these lives should be honored.

Response by SSG Robert Burns made Mar 12 at 2015 12:13 PM

SSG Robert Burns — Thu, 12 Mar 2015 12:13:20 -0400

Anyone here on RP serve in this humanitarian mission?

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 12 at 2015 5:03 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 12 Mar 2015 17:03:54 -0400

I had a few more pictures I wanted to share, but for some reason I am having difficulty posting them to the thread...