Courtesy Photo | From left, Capt. Christopher Rodeman,Naval Air Facility Misawa commanding officer,...... read more read more
NAVAL AIR FACILITY MISAWA, Japan – Naval Air Facility Misawa Commanding Officer Capt. Christopher Rodeman joined more than 700 riders at the 2013 Tour de Sanriku Cycling Challenge in Rikuzen-Takata, Japan, Oct. 5, 2013.
The coastal town of Rikuzen-Takada was devastated by a 9.0-magnitude earthquake that triggered a massive tsunami off Japan’s northeast coastline, March 11, 2011. The city was essentially wiped out by the tsunami and more than 2,000 residents perished amidst the destruction.
This is the second year in which the Tour de Sanriku has taken place as a venue to promote the revitalization of this recovering area. Rodeman attended the event on behalf of NAF Misawa, which played a very large role in the aftermath of the tsunami.
“Naval Air Facility Misawa personnel and family members were involved almost immediately in the recovery and support efforts following the tsunami,” said Rodeman. “So I attended the Tour de Sanriku for a combination of reasons: my love of the sport and to further show support for this tsunami-ravaged area that is slowly recovering.”
The event’s first-year attendance included more than 400 cyclists, however this year’s attendees almost doubled in size and even attracted some big name supporters from the world of cycling. Three-time Tour de France Champion Greg LeMond took part in the event as well.
"We’re gathered to support the revitalization of the Tohoku area,” said LeMond. "I hope that my participation will encourage people in Tohoku, and will make the Tour de Sanriku known, not only within Japan, but also by cyclists all over the world."
More than two years after the tsunami, Rikuzen-Takada Mayor Toba Futoshi, who lost his wife in the tsunami, is continuing the effort to help his city recover.
"For their [the people's] sake, I must rebuild our town, as their mayor, and as my wife's husband," Toba said in an interview with CBS News, Apr. 29, 2012.
This heartfelt determination made Rodeman’s decision to make the six-hour trek to Rikuzen-Takada an easy decision.
“Despite such tragedy, I’ve always been amazed and deeply touched at how the Japanese people have since carried on with such a positive outlook,” said Rodeman. “I was honored to have the opportunity to take part in this event with people I truly respect and admire.”
For more news from Naval Air Facility Misawa, check out our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/nafmisawa.
| Date Taken: | 10.05.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 10.24.2013 22:36 |
| Story ID: | 115706 |
| Location: | RIKUZEN-TAKADA, IWATE, JP |
| Web Views: | 219 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, U.S. Naval Air Facility Misawa supports Tour de Sanriku, by PO3 Erin Devenberg, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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