Colonel Hicks who had hastily arrived at the post of 374 Airlift Wing on 14 April last year, will hurriedly move to new assignment in Pentagon.　His 13 months assignment in Japan will end in May 2010.　In the evening of 6th May, the farewell party for Col.Hicks was carried out at Yokota AB Officers Club.　374th Airlift Wing and Yokota Air Base sponsored this party, and the neighbor friendship clubs members, the local government peoples and other Japanese organization members were invited to this.
　　Party opened with the Japanese drum beating performed by Yokota AB SAMURAI drums team organized with USAF airmen in Yokota AB including women.　The guests were very acquaintance because they joined together to various events held in Yokota.　I have never heard that JASDF base commander had a baby during his assignment as base commander.　Colonel and Mrs. Hicks were accompanying with their 5 months lady to the party.
　　At the closing address, Col. Hicks said "when we have Taru-Sake with Col. Eppick (vice commander of 374AW), we have always talked together even if we were in some air base in Texas, we could not have such a wonderful experience."　And he added "we feel unfortunate that we could not leave Yokota because of baby, but we are very impressed to understand Japan and to get to know you and many friends." 　Finally he slowly said in Japanese " Nihon - no- Minasamani – Kokoroyori - Kansha - Moushi - Agemasu".　We hope to have opportunity to homecoming to Japan where is the baby's birthplace.　　(reported by secretariat Bandoh)