On 8th Feb., JAAGA had '07 JAAGA Award presentation ceremony at JASDF Naha Air Base.　Though we had held this presentation in USAF Annual Award ceremony at Kadena AB., we carried it out at JASDF base as new attempt this year.　It's 10th since JFY2000.　We opened ceremony and reception at club "Blue Coral" of Naha AB. from 5p.m..　Before attending this, eight USAF airmen from Kadena AB. took visit to JASDF F-4EJ Phantom and Patriot Air Defense Missile units at Naha base.
　　Lt.Gen.Yamakawa (SACD/CC), Maj.Gen.Hanzawa (83rdAW/CC and Naha AB/CC) and 13 JASDF members, Brg.Gen.Williams (18thWg/CC and Kadena AB/CC) and 7 USAF airmen participated.　We invited 7 cooperators to Naha AB as distinguished guests to event, Mr.Nakamoto (as representative of Okinawa Defense Association), Mr.Asato (as head of Naha Base Cooperation Society) and others.　JAAGA president Takegochi and four members attended.　After performing national anthem of Japan and United States by Southwestern Air Band, Gen Takegochi pointed importance of Japan-US alliance and significance of JAAGA activities, and expressed appreciation to related persons to Naha AB on cooperation and support.
　　JASDF winner is CMSrg.Naoshi Ohshiro (Naha Air Traffic Control Squadron), outline of his achievement is that he contributed to review memorandum of agreement concerning updating Air Traffic Information System at JASDF Naha AB. with U.S. Okinawa Base Operations, he has coordinated well with Japan-U.S. NCO groups recreational activities and he has taken active part at Softball Match and Fellowship Banquet with JASDF Naha, USAF Kadena and USMC Futenma Air Traffic Squadrons.
　　USAF winner is SMSgt.Kenneth Trawick (18th Wing), he contributed to development of a conversational English program to enhance listening and speaking abilities of 245 Naha AB personnel deployed overseas, meticulous coordination and execution of several NCO training exchanges and base tours, and spearheading of first ever JASDF participation in chiefs induction ceremony and first ever JASDF / USAF senior enlisted conference.
　　President Takegochi handed them certificate and memorial plaque.　Then Gen.Williams and Gen.Hanzawa, they almost said "winner is our proud, and we wish for improvement of mutual friendship and reliability and hope to make JAAGA award satisfactory after this".
　　At reception, 5 WAFs (Women Air Force) performed Ryukyuan dance named Kagiyade Kaze (joy & welcome) and Mr.Nakamoto(honorary member of Okinawa Defense Association) lead toast as saying "Ka-Ri- (congratulations)".　During reception, we had opening barrel for friendship between both countries and Japanese drums beating were performed by 1st.Lt Sugaya and 9 Naha Rescue Squadron members.　Party was fulfilled with Japanese and Okinawa atmosphere much.　And both winners stated "I'm very proud I'm awarded JAAGA Award, I express very sincere appreciation to my superior, colleagues and wife".　Gen.Ishizu (head of Okinawa branch, JAAGA) proposed toast at closing, then JFY2007 JAAGA Award event in Okinawa was ended.
　　We appreciate that members of Naha and Kadena AB supported events very much.　Thank you again.　(Reported by secretariat Kagawa)

　

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　

2007 JAAGA Award, Okinawa