Naval Air Facility Misawa Chaplain Awarded For Outstanding Community Service

Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Kevin Flinn | 170520-N-KG618-090 YOKOSUKA, Japan (May 20, 2017) - Lt. James Hicks, Naval Air Facility (NAF) Misawa's Command Chaplain, bows as he accepts an award during the 67th Annual Nippon Zenkokai Assocaition Awards Ceremony for outstanding community relations project support in Misawa, Japan. Hicks organized a rehabilitation project completed by Japan and U.S. Service Members for a P-3 Orion aricraft located at Misawa's Aviation Museum. He also coordinates an ongoing biweekly English training community relation project at one of Misawa's afterschool care centers. The Nippon Zenkokai Association awards Service Members and civilians who make an extraordinary positive impact through community relations projects and events in Japan. (Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kevin A. Flinn RELEASED)  

TOKYO, TOKYO, JAPAN

06.01.2017

Story by Senior Chief Petty Officer Ryan Delcore 

Naval Air Facility Misawa

Since 1951, The Nippon Zenkokai, or The Good Conduct Association of Japan, has been recognizing individuals and groups for significant contributions to the Japanese community and the recognition was extended to foreigners who have contributed to the betterment of life in Japan in 1955.
Hicks organized the rehabilitation of a P-3 Orion aircraft on display at the Misawa Aviation Museum after being contacted by the museum who stated that they didn’t have the knowledge or manpower needed to complete the rehabilitation. Hicks worked with Patrol Squadron (VP) 5 and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force leadership to gather the Sailors and materials needed for the project. The team thoroughly went through the aircraft and gave it a deep cleaning while replacing parts and preserving other areas. The museum is visited by more than 194,000 visitors annually.
"In Misawa, we've forged enduring friendships with both Japanese Service Members and civic leaders from cities and towns across northern Japan," said Hicks.
Hicks was also awarded for his ongoing biweekly English training lessons held at Misawa’s afterschool care center, also known as a jidokan. Sailors stationed and deployed at Misawa Air Base gather at the main gate every other Monday to make their way to the jidokan where more than 70 children eagerly wait to practice their English speaking skills.

"It's truly a joy to promote and participate in these cultural exchange activities. Maintaining the strong alliance we have with our host nation of Japan is a great privilege and responsibility we Sailors take very seriously," said Hicks.

• Date Taken: 06.01.2017
• Date Posted: 06.01.2017 22:01
• Story ID: 236083
• Location: TOKYO, TOKYO, JP
• Hometown: BLOOMINGTON, IN, US