Marines in Okinawa Share Cigars and Camaraderie

Dateline Okinawa City, Okinawa – The lives of U.S. Marines serving in Okinawa are brightened by fellowship and camaderie shared over some fine cigars.

Dense clouds of smoke slowly rise to the ceiling of the dimly lit room, filling it with a foggy haze as 30 cigar lovers talk, laugh and smoke the night away.

The atmosphere was mellow as a local cigar and whiskey society hosted its inaugural event, the Sunset Smoke Dinner and Cigar Exchange, at Hotel Grand Mer’s Sheesah Lounge June 10.

The purpose of the event was to bring together a group of diverse individuals in order to enjoy fellowship through cigars, according to Capt. Richard Wilkerson, the president of the society and cigar aficionado.

“Cigars have been a big part of my life,” Wilkerson said. “Smoking cigars gives you time to reflect on your life. It’s a break from the 16-hour workdays that we - as Marines - often complete.”

The event started with a cigar exchange followed by opening remarks from the society’s president.

“The rain gods are obviously more powerful than the fire gods tonight,” said Wilkerson, as the rain poured outside the lounge.

However, the rain couldn’t put a damper on the evening as the cigars burned and the stories got more and more laughs.

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