About 140 JAAGA and USAF members participated. On that day, General and Mrs.Eberhart arrived at Narita at 3:15 P.M. and rushed to party. Despite their long flight, they were in good spirit and enjoyed reunion with attendees.
The party was started with introduction of General Eberhart's brilliant achievement by president Takegochi. Gen.Eberhart was installed to Commander of USFJ and 5AF in 1996, Vice Chief of Staffs of USAF in 1997, Commander of Air Combat Command in 1999, Commander of North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command in 2000, and was retired from USAF in 2005. Takegochi pointed his strong earnestness to JAAGA, and introduced his suggestion and support for establishment of JAAGA. Then General expressed words of thanks, and said "it was short term when I worked in Japan, but it was very significant. Various things were generated between Japan and United States like as SACO, Blue Impulse (JASDF demonstration flight) exhibition in USA for USAF 50th anniversary, AWACS training etc.. Strong bond between Japan and USA let these issues succeed. Individually we think Japan is most fabulous place, and we feel happy to keep fantastic relation both officially and privately with members of JASDF and JAAGA. We appreciate to this wonderful reception for us. Whenever I look at mark of Japan and USA in logo of JAAGA, my heart becomes warm. The strong bonds of Japan and USA, such as both armed forces and peoples of both countries, is caused with common sense of values, not common enemy". (outline)
Successively president Takegouchi handed souvenirs from JAAGA to General & Mrs. Eberhart. After that, Lt.Gen.Wright, Commander of USFJ and 5AF, proposed a toast with words in Japanese as follow. "We hope US-Japan alliance will be stronger". During this party, we got together around General and his wife and had pleasant conversation on old days memories. Pleasant time run so fast, party was successfully ended. It's very wonderful welcome party. (Reported by secretariat Minamoto)
