What does your job entail?

I am the senior medical department representative in charge of the clinic. I oversee all medical care/management of the permanent personnel onboard Camp Fuji.

How does a sailor get along with all those Marines?

It’s no real trick. If you take care of the Marines, they take care of their ‘Docs.’

What won’t you deploy without?

Toothbrush.

How did you get involved in organizing Camp Fuji’s first Highland Games?

A colonel asked me and a few others to put together an activity that all the Marines would enjoy, and for him to do his last hoorah with the Marines, prior to transferring to his next duty station.

Had you ever been involved in Highland Games in the States?

Yes, I competed in a few.

What are some of the so-called “heavy” events in the Games?

Caber, hammer throw, weight for distance, weight for height, Braemer stone and the shot put.

Are you of Scottish descent?

My mother was Scottish; my wife’s family is of Scottish decent.

The caber is a heavy wooden pole several feet taller than you are. Any trick to tossing it?

Get as much motion moving forward and get your hands under the caber.

What’s the stone put and what delivery technique works best?

It is basically a shot put so you use the same techniques. The spin seems to work best.

What did you have for breakfast before competing?

Brontosaurus Burger, with a side of pterodactyl ... just kidding ... oatmeal.

What’s your personal best in a Highland Games event?

2nd place.

Why do you think the Games are so popular with Marines?

Because it is a straight strength event. There is technique but if you are strong and can pick it up, you can throw it.

Any plans to hold them again?

We are planning to have them in April at Camp Fuji.

Any plans to let those in other services compete too?

Yes.

Did you compete in a kilt?

Yup.

What does a Highlander (or a Highland Games player) wear under his kilt?

Shorts preferably. Traditionally ... nothing.

Ever gotten up close and personal with a plate of haggis?

Yes, once ... the haggis won!

Steve Royall

Age: 33

Hometown: Denton, Texas

Rank: Petty officer 1st class

Post: Camp Fuji, Japan

Day job: Independent duty corpsman at the health clinic

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