At beginning, Gen.Takegochi had speech. "Thank you all so much for attending to farewell party we hold, Gen.Nagata (commander, Air Defense Command) and JASDF officers, and JAAGA members. I would like to have courtesy to say something as proposer. As you know, Gen.Wright will leave post of commander of U.S.Forces Japan and Fifth Air Force as of 25th February, and be retired from U.S.Air Force. When Gen.Wright took up current post 3 years ago, he said "I feel I am home". Before arrival at post, he had exprience to serve in Japan 3 times, he got lots of friends and had sense of affinity and fondness to Japan, I suppose. Then he stated, "I would like to work for strengthening of US-Japan cooperation and bonds between US and Japan". I clearly remember his saying. He did really great jobs as his saying , I think. Also I can recollect that Gen.Wright shows deeply understanding on JAAGA activities and greatly support to them. With his great support and advice, we could perfectly carry out JAAGA objective, it is that we contribute to improve relationship of mutual trust between Japan and United Stats through various activities for promotion of friendship and mutual understanding between JASDF and USAF, I would like to express sincere appreciation on it. And I feel greatly thanks to Mrs.Kelly who supports Gen.Wright well, she is on graceful close to JAAGA members and wives. I believe that experience here will remind them about Japan as sweet memory forever. Finally we wish Gen.and Mrs.Wright happiness and healthy after retirement and would like to express sincere appreciation and respect on Gen.Wright's brilliant achievements", Gen.Takegochi said (outline).
General Wright as guest of honor replied "It is beyond description for me that this fantastic party is hold for me today and I'm standing here now. It's my honor to spend time with you, so great and outstanding leaders. You all are splendid teachers of my live. I think I could be good "Gaijin" and good man. We have lots of happy memories we spent pleasant time with you all. And you taught me lots about strengthening goodwill and friendship between US and Japan which is JAAGA objective. Through JAAGA activities, I learned the fact that US-Japan alliance which is the most important in the world is based on individual friendship. I promise you I will continue to face friendship between both bountries as long as my life. We mutually tackled on each issues in US side and Japan side, and we could accomplish many things each other. I believe as commander that those results are from your support, friendship and advice. We are going to leave Japan soon, but we never forget all of you. You are eternally in Kelly's and my mind. I deeply express my sincere thanks to you all. Big present received from country of Japan, very excellent organization named Japan Air Self Defense Force. I feel great honor I engage great job to guard Japan and US flag cooperated with USAF and JASDF.(outline)" Then surprisingly Lt.Gen.Wright suggested to propose a toast by himself, his suggestion was approved by all participant with thunderous applause, and he did it.
Successively Gen.Takegochi presented Lt.Gen.Wright certificate plaque for honorary member with words as follow. "JAAGA has been requested former commander of Fifth Air Force to join JAAGA as honorary member. Gen.Wright is 8th honorary member. After you returns to United States, please keep closely watch JAAGA". And mementos from all party attendance were handed to General and Mrs.Wright.
On behalf of all participant, Gen.Nagata said appreciation words and proposed a toast for starting, then banquet started. General and his wife had pleasant chat with participant here and there. Party was very successful so as forget that time was over. At end of party, vice president Yamaguchi, Gen.Wright's old friend, expressed farewell words filled with general's distinguished services and proposed a toast for closing. They were seen off with clapping of hands. (Reported by secretariat Minamoto)
