Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Eric Coffer | Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's (JMSDF) Admr. Hidetoshi Iwasaki, left, and U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Mark Rich shake hands after exchanging command ball caps as part of a Japan U.S. Military Program (JUMP) event at Petco Park during a San Diego Padres baseball game. JUMP connects past and present service members, families, and government civilians who have served in Japan and provides a powerful foundation for sustaining the solid alliance and relationship that exists between U.S. and Japan. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Eric Coffer/Released) see less
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JUMP is an American not-for-profit organization that concentrates on understanding and improving the U.S.-Japan relationship celebrating its 2nd annual event in San Diego before the Padres vs. Marlins baseball game held at Petco Park.
“Today’s event is one of many we hold throughout the year that takes advantage of an opportunity that focuses on comradery and building awareness of both our nations’ militaries,” said James Kendall, program director of JUMP at the Sasakawa Peace Foundation USA. “We have a dozen events happening in different capacities and this year we hope to do an event in Japan for U.S. forces there.”
JUMP connects with service members and their families throughout the nation with having events like these and with their social media presence.
“In order to maintain awareness of the U.S.-Japan alliance we have networked with service members through our website, our growing presence on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter,” said Kendall. “We want to network with service members who served in Japan or are serving or will be serving in Japan to help them stay in touch with what is going on.”
Some events can be formal but many are meant to be fun, social networking events for service members of both the U.S. and Japanese militaries.
“I think this event is great and everyone enjoyed themselves,” said Culinary Specialist 2nd Class Sitou Kit, assigned to Naval Base San Diego. “Even though we speak a different language, we still share similar traditions of exchanging gifts.”
For more information about the JUMP program visit www.JUMProgram.org.
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