Length of Service

Brig. Gen. Ken Wilsbach, 18th Wing commander, gives an award to an Okinawan for her years of service to American forces on Okinawa at a length of service ceremony at the Laguna Garden Hotel in Ginowan Oct. 21. A local working at Kadena’s finance office was honored for her 42 years of service. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Charles "Chip" Steitz)

Okinawans receive awards for 8,000 years of service

Published Oct. 25, 2010
By Airman 1st Class Maeson L. Elleman
18th Wing Public Affairs

KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- Nearly 600 Okinawans employed at U.S. military bases across the island were recognized at a ceremony at the Laguna Garden Hotel in Ginowan Oct. 21 for their combined 8,000 years of service to American forces on Okinawa.

The Government of Japan hosts a Length of Service Award for Master Labor Contract and Indirect Hire Agreement employees in recognition of their years of dedicated service each year. The local employees are then given awards for their 10, 20, 30 or 40 years of dedicated service all branches of the U.S. military including the Air Force at Kadena Air Base.

"Each of you has made a significant contribution that strengthens the U.S.-Japan alliance, and also ensures that Okinawa remains the key strategic location, ensuring regional stability throughout the Pacific," Brig. Gen. Ken Wilsbach, 18th Wing commander, told the crowd receiving their awards. "Please accept our gratitude and warmest congratulations for your many years of dedicated service."

General Wilsbach said by serving in the various positions in a wide range of duties, the Okinawan civilian employees play a vital role in maintaining security and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region.