General Muraki commended General Waskow for selfless effort during a three-year tour of duty in Japan at a time when Japan sought to clarify its intent to participate in international efforts to eliminate terrorism in the wake of 9/11 by dispatching JASDF C-130s to Iraq as part of its assistance in the reconstruction of that country.
“General Waskow’s help was invaluable in the undertaking of major Japan-U.S. joint exercises such as those at Cope Thunder, Alaska, as well as in the coordination of numerous other activities,” said Muraki. “We thank General Waskow for his contributions to Japan-U.S. friendship and JASDF's, and wish both the General and Mrs. Waskow the best of health and prosperity in their future endeavors.”
General Waskow expressed his pleasure at being made an honorary member of the JAAGA and spoke of his three years in Japan, during which time, he said, the world had changed completely. He also expressed appreciation of the great effort and sacrifice made by JAAGA members in helping to build the JASDF into the organization it is today, saying that it had been an honor to have spent this time together. He went on to insist that the achievements of the JASDF both in the transportation of troops to Middle East and in Japan-US joint exercises like Cope Thunder were the result the JASDF's own pride and ability, not USAF support, as mentioned by General Muraki.
In describing his own experiences as an officer in the USAF, he commented that the US had been at war when he entered the military in 1970, and that even today, U.S. Forces are fighting for freedom. Describing the deep feelings he holds for Japan, where he spent the final three years of a 34-year long career, he said that although it is sad to be leaving Japan, the time had come for a changing of the guard, and that he was proud to be able to tell his successor that Japan-U.S. relations are in excellent condition, and that the JASDF is stronger than ever thanks to the efforts of everyone who has served.
After further comments by JAAGA adviser Akio Suzuki, who toasted General Waskow as someone who was able to retire with the satisfaction of knowing that he had served his country well, Gen. & Mrs. Waskow enjoyed reminiscing individually with old friends such as former auditor , Takeroh Ohashi. The evening was concluded with a final toast by JAAGA vice-president Ryuichi Gotoh. (Reported by secretariat Yoshida)
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