Photo By Lance Cpl. Ian McMahon | Service members from each branch of the Japan Self-Defense Force and U.S. military...... read more read more
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KADENA AIR BASE, Japan - Service members from the Japan Self-Defense Force, United States Armed Forces and the Okinawa USO gathered for the All Service Salute at the Marine Wing Liaison hanger here March 17.
The All Service Salute, hosted by the USO staff, is held to acknowledge men and women serving their country. This is the USO’s 41st year of the All Service Salute.
“It is important to honor service members because they do not work just a nine-to-five job, there are times that they are called in to work at a moment’s notice,” said Robin Miller, the director of the USO on Okinawa. “The USO supports them whenever and wherever they are.”
The USO has stations on each camp in Okinawa which provide internet access and a place to eat for service members and their families, explained Miller.
The event began with the presentation of colors and singing of both the Japan and U.S. national anthems.
Following the anthems was the traditional Japanese Kagami-Biraki ceremony, which is performed for many significant events, such as weddings and grand openings. The ceremony represents harmony and good fortune for the participants.
A toast was given by Rear Admiral Tadayoshi Takahashi of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force to signal the beginning of the night’s entertainment.
Food and guests were entertained by various singers including an Elvis tribute artist.
The highlight of the night’s event was the award ceremony.
“This event salutes one member of every branch of service, U.S. and Japan, for their contributions not just to the military, but to the community,” said Sgt. Maj. Patrick L. Kimble, the sergeant major of Marine Corps Base Camp Butler and Marine Corps Installation Pacific.
The candidates selected for the awards volunteer and go the extra mile in their work, according to Kimble.
The seven honorees of the 41st All Service Salute were: Japan Air Self-Defense Force Tech. Sgt. Yuichi Maeda, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Sgt. 1st Class Tetsumasa Saito, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Petty Officer 3rd Class Ayumu Mizuno, U.S. Army Spc. Crystal Cavanaugh, U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Joel Ortiz, U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Adrienne Cambridge, and U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Mary Fawcett.
The audience cheered along with the service members, Japanese and American alike, as the award winners were called to the stage.
Once all the awards had been passed out and the awardees returned to their seats, one last salute was given to close the ceremony.
| Date Taken: | 03.17.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 04.03.2012 03:07 |
| Story ID: | 86154 |
| Location: | KADENA AIR BASE, OKINAWA, JP |
| Web Views: | 176 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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