Col. WONZIE L. GARDNER, JR
　　General Yamato, Col Utsunomiya, This trip brought to life all the things I had imagined a visit to Japan would be. I remember watching on National Geographic some years ago, a show about Japan and its shoguns wishing I could visit and see all the relics in person. While in the Temple in Nikko I reflected on this though while experiencing the beauty of your country. After touring Nikko with the two of you as our hosts I can truly say I have been to the heart of Japan. Your warmth, generosity to us and your deep abiding pride in your country was self evident. You have made us honorary ambassadors of Japan. The timing could not have been better, to have witnessed a once a year Mounted Archer Ceremony and to actually lay eyes on the 18th generation decedent of the last shogun was truly remarkable ( she even winked at me). You allowed us to live and experience a part of your history which is now my history for I have seen behind the veil. Also thank you for the lovely time with the Japanese school children, I now have pictures to add to my children of the world scrap book. Again thanks for a once in a lifetime opportunity and experience I will never forget. very respectfully Col Wonzie Gardner.

Lt.Col. Bill Pierce
　　General Yamamota, and Colonel Utsonomiya, It was my distinct honor and pleasure to be your guest during the recent trip to Nikko. While I have certainly not seen all there is to see in your wonderful country, I have traveled throughout the Tokyo metropolitan area, as well as Kyoto, Hiroshima, Iwo Jima, parts of Northern Japan, and Okinawa. I would place the Nikko trip on par with anything I have seen to date. The beauty and splendor that I witnessed was breathtaking and, in my mind, embodied the culture and traditions that I have come to know and associate with Japan. I felt privileged to be able to witness the various sites from Lake Chyuzenji and Kegon Falls to the Toshogu Shrine and Sanbutudo. The entire trip was World Class! Please accept my gratitude and know that Japan and the graciousness which is characteristic of the Japanese people have left a lasting and indelible impression.

Lt.Col. Robert M. Rogers
　　General Yamato, Col Utsunomiya, What an outstanding trip! Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to show us all the wonderful sites in and around Nikko. I visited places and experienced a part of Japan that I would not have seen otherwise. I will always remember eating lunch at the oldest hotel in Japan, visiting the Sacred Bridge, playing a part in a special shrine ceremony, and experiencing the twice-a-year festival at the Toshogu Shrine. The tour of Nikko truly show-cased your magnificent country. You allowed us to experience Japanese history and have made us all ambassadors of Japan. I can’t say enough about the food, drink, karaoke, and camaraderie either ‐ it was unbelievable. Thanks again for an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see Nikko, Japan. I will never forget this experience!

Lt.Col. Michael Farrar
　　First of all, I would like to thank our host and sponsor, Mr. Takayanagi. His generosity and hospitality helped open up parts of Japanese culture that I have not yet seen, and deepened my respect and admiration for Japan and their people. I would also like to thank Gen Yamamoto and Col Utsunomiya, our JAAGA colleagues who traveled with us from Yokota Air Base to and from Nikko. They were tremendous travel companions and guides, and they made the trip extremely informative and enjoyable. All three, along with all the others that participated in our trip, were true ambassadors of Japan, and represent their country with honor and distinction. I have traveled to many parts of Japan, but this is the first time I have experienced Nikko. In addition to the natural beauty of the surroundings, I was also very impressed with the cultural experience of the ceremony in the temple and the yabusame ceremony at the Toshogu shrine. The combination of the sights we saw, along with our wonderful hosts, made this one of the best experiences I have had in Japan, and will be one of the fondest memories I will carry with me from my time in this beautiful country. Domo arigato gozaimasu! p.s. I would also like to thank Col Gardner and Col Rios, who’s complete lack of musical talent made my feeble karaoke skills appear adequate by comparison.