Camp Zama length of service ceremony honors 250 local employees

CAMP ZAMA, Japan - A length-of-service ceremony recognized 250 local employees at Kizuna Hall here Tuesday for their nearly 6,000 years of combined service to U.S. Forces Japan.

The ceremony awarded employees who have served 10, 20, 30 and 40 years in support of Soldiers, civilians and their family members.

"I'm proud to recognize our distinguished host-nation employees for their many years of honorable service," said Maj. Gen. Dave Womack, commander of U.S. Army Japan.

The general briefly transported the audience back to 1984, when the longest-service employees began working for the U.S. military.

That year, Japanese athletes won 32 medals in the Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, where the next games are slated to be held as well. Japan Telecom, now called SoftBank, was also founded in 1984, while Nintendo released "Duck Hunt" and other iconic video games.

While things are significantly different today, Womack said the dedicated workforce here has continued to play a role in the security of Japan and the region.

"There have been countless changes in politics, culture and technology in Japan," he said, "but the one constant that has not changed remains the commitment of our host-nation employees.

"I am thankful for your service," he added. "I am thankful for the Camp Zama community and I'm grateful for the unwavering commitment and invaluable contributions of each one of you."

During the ceremony, representatives from each length of service came on stage to receive a certificate and commemorative gift from Womack and Rie Suetomi, director of the South Kanto Defense Bureau.

Tsuyoshi Sugahara, an engineer technician for the Directorate of Public Works, was part of the 40-year group and provided remarks on behalf of all the awardees.

"We are very proud to say that we have all given our best efforts in our positions for the past 10, 20, 30 and 40 years," he said. "We believe our work has contributed to the development of goodwill and friendship between Japan and the United States."

Although there can be cultural differences in the workplace, Sugahara said American and Japanese employees strive to understand each other to avoid facing significant challenges.

"We fully recognize the importance of our duties, and we will make every effort to meet your expectations," he said. "As representative of the award recipients today, we ask for your continued support and encouragement in the future."

Hiroyuki Saito, a fire inspector at the Directorate of Emergency Services, was recognized at the ceremony for serving 30 years.

"I think it's been a long time, but also a short time," he said of his career. "It has been a great opportunity for me."

Saito said his position can be unique compared to if he worked at a local fire department since he often interacts with Americans.

His duties permit him to inspect buildings at Camp Zama and nearby U.S. Army installations and he also ensures safety during open-post events that attract tens of thousands of people.

"I visit a lot of facilities and meet fire wardens or representatives," he said, "so this is a great experience for me to meet a lot of people."

Zama City Mayor Mito Sato also attended the ceremony to congratulate and express her respect to the local employees.

"All of you who have been honored with this award today have worked tirelessly for many years in [your] respective fields of work," she said, "and have made significant contributions to the friendship and development of our two countries."

Ever since the U.S. Army established a headquarters in Japan, Sato said Zama City has built a good relationship with the surrounding installations and their personnel. She asked the awardees to continue supporting the city to bring both communities closer.

"I hope that you will continue to make use of the knowledge and experience you have cultivated over many years to play an even more active role as a bridge between Japan and the United States," she said.

As he finished his remarks, Womack also said the skills, expertise and relationships that local employees have forged over the years have helped the U.S. Army and its sister services perform at the highest level.

"I stand before you humbled that we [are] here recognizing 5,900 years of service," the general said. "I want to thank you for allowing us to serve in this great workforce. It is with great pride that I stand with you."

Related links:

U.S. Army Garrison Japan news

USAG Japan official website

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