Air Force Ball 2009 in Yokota Air Base was carried out on 26 (Sat) September.　This year is 62nd anniversary since United States Air Force (USAF) separated from US Army Air Corps and established.　So it was a great banquet.
　　Commander of Yokata AB sponsored ball, in official portion of ball we had Japan and US national flags entrance, singing both national anthem and speech by General Gerry L.North who took office as commander of Pacific Air Force (PACAF) this September and trip to visit PACAF units now.　
　　Gen.North stated "In order for foundation of USAF tradition, now we are trying to put heroes' name on bases roads, who had received USAF Honor Medal.　One percent of American citizen serve to military services, many of them are dispatched to oversea far from home land, and they maintain readiness of US military power there.　You contribute for stability of the world, I hope you have proud on it.　Also it is very important to keep friendship and good relation between host nation and neighbor peoples between us. etc."　I am very impressed that young airmen straightened themselves and listened general's address.
　　About 10 JASDF senior NCOs of Iruma and Fuchu AB.and 8 SOC (Squadron Officer Course) students from Air War College joined to this event.
After official session, almost VIPs left their seats, young airmen took leading roles and they heaped up banquet.　4 years ago they changed the way about Air Force Ball, so I think we have to change our correspondence for it.
(reported by secretariat Bandoh)