How did you come to Okinawa?

My wife, Jane Schneider, accepted a position working for DODDS-Okinawa District as a curriculum specialist in 1999.

Did you also have a job?

No … I came here without a position.

How did you go about getting one?

I volunteered 1,600 hours at the public affairs office on Kadena Air Base. I wrote stories about the base, education, community interest and history. I also took photographs and also wrote speeches/presentations for the wing commander and senior leadership.

When and how did you get on a payroll?

The chief of public affairs and friends showed me how to apply for a GS position. I started as a GS-5 and worked my way up to a GS-12.

Any tricks to writing speeches for someone?

Start with a clean sheet of paper.

Describe a perfect day:

Promoting education throughout our four districts and 45 schools, crafting words for various publications, volunteering for Special Olympics, teaching students at the Okinawa International University, meeting with friends … My perfect day ends by spending quality time with my wife.

Got a motto?

The only place you find fair is in the dictionary.

Any volunteer activities?

Special Olympics is my passion … All of my volunteer time is devoted to helping celebrate the success of special needs athletes and artists here on Okinawa and throughout Japan.

How did you get involved with Special Olympics?

I was asked to help raise money seven years ago. Back then we had $1,000 in our account. I am proud that we now are able to hold an event in which 7,000 people participated last year. We are also able to send athletes to complete in national and world Games.

What are some of the changes you’ve brought to Special Olympics on Okinawa?

I have seen our Special Olympics Games grow from 100 athletes to over 990 with close to 250 special-needs artists. We are now competing at the national and international level. In 2005, we sent 14 athletes to compete in floor hockey at the World Games in Nagano. They received a silver medal and became the first athletes ever to represent Okinawa at the games. Recently, we were able to send seven special needs athletes to compete in the national games in Kumamoto. This represents the first time an American athlete participated on a Japanese team. I believe my efforts to secure funds and increase the visibility/awareness for Special Olympics allows the program to grow hosting events throughout the year.

What is it about the games that keeps you involved?

The people, i.e., the hundreds of volunteers, fans, sponsors, Japanese and American friends and colleagues who join together each year, to provide special needs athletes with an opportunity to demonstrate their abilities and talents. Individuals like Takako Fukuhara, Senior Master Sgt. Matt Rossoni, Master Sgt. Gary Dizmond, Lt. Col Alonna Barnhart, Brig. Gen. Moulton, Col. Kennedy, Col. Kirschbaum as well as Ayaka Kinjo, Art Arao and many, many more.

Which words or phrases do you use too much?

Excellence.

What about yourself would you most like to change?

Nothing … I am very happy with my life.

What’s next?

Not sure … I truly enjoy working and living on Okinawa. I am hoping to build upon my successes with DODDS and Special Olympics. I also hope to keep teaching at the Okinawa International University and helping the American Chamber produce a world-class magazine.

Charles (Chip) Steitz

Age: 51

Title: Public affairs officer for DODDS-Pacific/DDESS-Guam

Location: Torii Station, Okinawa

Pacific readers: Know someone whose accomplishments, talents, job, hobby, volunteer work, awards or good deeds qualify them for 15 minutes of fame? How about someone whose claim to glory is a bit out of the ordinary — even, dare we say, oddball? Call Sharen Johnson at Stars and Stripes with the person’s name and contact information at DSN 229-3305 or e-mail her at: johnsons@pstripes.osd.mil.