NIOC Misawa sailors earn Japanese good conduct award

Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Barry Riley | Cryptological Technician Collection 1st Class Joshua Conner receives the Zenkokai good conduct citation on behalf of Navy Information Operations Command Misawa, May 25, 2013. The Nippon Zenkokai, an independent non-profit organization, annually recognizes individuals or groups for significant contributions in their local communities and presents them with a Zenkokai good conduct citation. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Barry A. Riley/Released)  

TOKYO, JAPAN

06.10.2013

Courtesy Story

Naval Air Facility Misawa

TOKYO – Navy Information Operations Command Misawa officially received the 2013 Nippon Zenkokai Association Good Conduct Award during a ceremony, May 25, 2013, at the Sanshu-den Hall of Meiji Shrine here.

The Nippon Zenkokai Association is an independent non-profit organization committed to encouraging good conduct and the enhancement of warm mutual relationships amongst members of society. Every year they present awards to individuals or organizations that have made a significant contribution in their communities.

This is the third year that NIOC Misawa was nominated, but also the third year that they’ve received the award, having been recognized in 2009 and 2011.

“We're very proud to be a recipient again this year,” said Cmdr. Sean Kelley, NIOC Misawa commanding officer. “Although it feels great to receive the award for our work in the community, it's really not so much about the award, but rather just doing the right thing while living in Japan and working alongside the Japanese people.”

NIOC Misawa sailors have a long history of supporting the local community that dates back to the 1960s. hey have longstanding relationships in northern Japan, including community service projects with the Akebono Orphanage and teaching English to Japanese students through the Jido-Kan program. They also conduct annual events with students from the town of Gonohe including weekend host-family exchanges, and organizing a Gonohe Sports Day, in which sailors and their families visit the town for a day of traditional, and not so traditional, sporting events.

Kelley credited the command’s sailors, staff members and families for their continued zeal in supporting the local community.

“I'd like to recognize all the forward deployed naval forces that volunteer and contribute to our host country in a positive way,” he said. “Our plan here at NIOC Misawa is to continue forward with a robust community relations program for the future. We're always looking for new ways to do even more.”

For more news from Naval Air Facility Misawa, check out our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/nafmisawa.

• Date Taken: 06.10.2013
• Date Posted: 06.10.2013 03:52
• Story ID: 108384
• Location: TOKYO, JP