US Army Garrison Japan leaders thank workforce team, local residents for community support

CAMP ZAMA, Japan - U.S. Army Garrison Japan leaders thanked nearly 60 workforce members and residents for their outstanding support to the U.S. Army in Japan community during a recognition ceremony Tuesday in Kizuna Hall here.

USAG Japan Commander Col. Marcus Hunter, along with Command Sgt. Maj. Rio, presented coins and certificates to recognize the recipients' dedicated service, much of which Hunter said occurs behind the scenes to benefit the entire community. The awardees included garrison employees, Soldiers and civilians from tenant organizations on Camp Zama, other private community organization members, and even a group of Zama Middle High School students.

Hunter said it was his honor to bring the garrison team together and recognize the excellence and incredible things that so many in the community do on a daily basis.

He opened the ceremony by highlighting the diversity of the garrison workforce, comprised of service members and civilians, U.S. employees and the local national employees who make up the majority of the team. Hunter said the garrison family is illustrative of the incredibly strong relationship the United States and Japan enjoy as longstanding allies.

"The Army's presence is small in Japan … but we are mighty in what we are able to bring, thanks to our teamwork," he said.

Tuesday's recognition included those who helped coordinate and run the installation's Juneteenth celebration and open-post Independence Day festival, and a "Black Start" energy resilience exercise in July.

One team was thanked for successfully running a computer upgrade migration project; a Directorate of Public Works employee was recognized for her customer service at Sagami General Depot; and four members of the garrison's Public Affairs Office were presented certificates for awards earned in the Army Materiel Command's David G. Harrison communications award contest.

Elisha Craft, the Operations and Maintenance Division chief for DPW, said his team appreciated Hunter's efforts to recognize the workforce.

"Our team was very grateful that senior leadership took the time to recognize our efforts for the Black Start exercise," he said. "Many hours of planning were required to get the most out of the exercise and to help identify the areas that need improvement as well [as to] recognize the positive responses and processes that we employ every day.

"The recognition ceremony served as an opportunity to acknowledge and honor critical behind-the-scenes members and front-line utility operators for their significant contributions," he added.

Chaitanya Matayoshi, deputy chief of the garrison's Information Management Office, was part of a team tasked to migrate 1,500-plus computer workstations in a short timeframe, with a focus on customer care and support.

Matayoshi said events such as this recognition ceremony help reinforce a positive work culture, boost morale and put a focus on employee well-being.

"The entire USAG Japan team being recognized for our hard work was a positive experience that strengthened our team spirit and encouraged us to continue striving for excellence in our work," he said.

Hunter said recognizing those specific events was meaningful, while stressing that outstanding work goes on across the community daily.

"It means a lot that we are able to recognize those events, but also I would ask that you look for and especially share your gratitude for your team and all the work that everyone across the garrison is doing every day," Hunter said, addressing the audience. "I want everyone to know how much I appreciate - and am grateful for - the hard work that goes on every day."

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