LTC Private RallyPoint Member 295337 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>While serving my first OCONUS tour over here in Okinawa, I have been amazed (and sometime dumbfounded) by the difference in cultures and societal norms. One example (of many) is observing school age children (K-12) walking around the streets of Okinawa presumably to and from school without their parents being around. The environment they live in is safe enough for parents to feel comfortable with their children’s safety. You will see kids walking to baseball practice, riding the public bus system or even just walking down the street, completely, safe. This is something that was closer to being true when I was growing up, but would never see today.<br /><br />What have you seen in other cultures that would be nice to have back in the States? 2014-10-26T20:15:16-04:00 LTC Private RallyPoint Member 295337

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>While serving my first OCONUS tour over here in Okinawa, I have been amazed (and sometime dumbfounded) by the difference in cultures and societal norms. One example (of many) is observing school age children (K-12) walking around the streets of Okinawa presumably to and from school without their parents being around. The environment they live in is safe enough for parents to feel comfortable with their children’s safety. You will see kids walking to baseball practice, riding the public bus system or even just walking down the street, completely, safe. This is something that was closer to being true when I was growing up, but would never see today.<br /><br />What have you seen in other cultures that would be nice to have back in the States?

2014-10-26T20:15:16-04:00 2014-10-26T20:15:16-04:00 MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca 295528

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I have definitely learned to respect other cultures and appreciate them for their differences. It's amazing to have been in Japan, Korea and Germany and seen how laid back life is as opposed to how we live. Another great experience has been working with members of other services in an international environment sharing stories and traditions and experiences. You can not compare these type of fringe benefits of serving in the military to anything!

2014-10-26T22:36:48-04:00 2014-10-26T22:36:48-04:00 PO1 Private RallyPoint Member 295535

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I too served in Okinawa (White Beach, Camp Shields, and Naval Support on Kadena AFB areas). Loved every single minute of it! Picked up some language, phrases, learned some Kanji so I wouldn't feel so much like an outsider. My only complain was moldy units, particularly as we resided on McTureous housing. <br /><br />My biggest take away from Okinawa and overall Japanese culture is how dorky they are! I mean in a good way, but their game and talk shows are so very cheesy! I loved it nevertheless. GANBATTE! <br /><br />がんばって

2014-10-26T22:39:06-04:00 2014-10-26T22:39:06-04:00 MSG Floyd Williams 295546

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I done three (3) tours in Europe and enjoyed the laid back lifestyle friendly people, seen and learn a lot that I read in history books in grade school. My first tour was in the Berlin Brigade when Rudolf Hess was still living as a prisoner in Spandau Prison never dream I would be guarding him.

2014-10-26T22:44:54-04:00 2014-10-26T22:44:54-04:00 MAJ Raúl Rovira 1544625

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Every assignment/deployment is an adventure. Most eye opening was living in Cairo when I worked at the Embassy. 10 years in 8 countries. That gives me 8 points of view. Priceless education.

2016-05-19T22:57:46-04:00 2016-05-19T22:57:46-04:00 2014-10-26T20:15:16-04:00