Camp Zama hosts Virtual LGBT Pride Month Observance

ZAMA, KANAGAWA, JAPAN

06.29.2020

Video by Daisuke Sato 

U.S. Army Garrison - Japan

Narration:
In celebration of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Month in June, the 311th Military Intelligence Battalion on Camp Zama produced a “virtual observance” June 25th, with assistance from the U.S. Army Garrison Japan Visual Information Division. The observance showcased the contributions of LGBT service members and civilians to the U.S. Army.

Interview: SSG Caleb Mazaika, Event Organizer, 311th Military Intelligence Battalion

Narration:
In organizing the observance, the 311th wanted to go beyond producing just one video. So they expanded their approach, which allowed them to highlight other aspects of Pride Month.

Interview: SSG Caleb Mazaika, Event Organizer, 311th Military Intelligence Battalion

Narration:
Throughout the month of June, the unit also produced and a series of short videos discussing a number of themes. These included the origins of the Pride movement in the U.S.; the challenges LGBT service members have faced—and victories they’ve won; and LGBT service members and civilians describing what Pride Month means to them. This culminated with the virtual observance June 25th.

Interview: SSG Jarrod Bakke, 311th Military Intelligence Battalion

Narration:
Specialist Amodieo Bowman is a radiology technician assigned to U.S. Army Medical Department Activity – Japan at Camp Zama. He helped produce the observance video and said it was an honor to be able to talk about the significant changes the U.S. military has made, such as the repeal of the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy in 2011.

Interview: SPC Amodieo Bowman, Radiology Technician, MEDDAC-Japan

Narration:
Bowman also talked about the struggles he faced growing up because of his sexuality.

Interview: SPC Amodieo Bowman, Radiology Technician, MEDDAC-Japan

Narration:
Staff Sergeant Caleb Mazaika, the organizer for the virtual observance, spoke about what he hoped community members took away from this year’s event.

Interview: SSG Caleb Mazaika, Event Organizer, 311th Military Intelligence Battalion

Reporting for U.S. Army Garrison Japan, this is XXXXXXXX.

• Date Taken: 06.29.2020
• Date Posted: 06.29.2020 00:19
• Category: Package
• Video ID: 757657
• VIRIN: 160315-A-AB123-001
• Filename: DOD_107871842
• Length: 00:04:17
• Location: ZAMA, KANAGAWA, JP