USAF, JASDF servicemembers honored

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Rachel Martinez
  • 35th Fighter Wing public affairs
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  U.S. Air Force and Japan Air Self Defense Force Airmen were honored during a Japan-America Air Force Goodwill Association (JAAGA) ceremony Feb. 15.

Maj. Michael Birdwell, 35th Operations Support Squadron Intelligence Flight commander, and JASDF Senior Master Sgt. Ryoichi Niwa, 6th Missile Group, were the recipients of the JAAGA annual award.

JAAGA, composed mainly of JASDF veterans, aims to promote friendship and mutual understanding between the JASDF and the U.S. Air Force. The organization began in 1996 with approximately 80 members and has grown to nearly 500 members.

JAAGA awards are given to JASDF and USAF members whose efforts greatly enhance mutual understanding and friendship between the two forces. In the 10 years that the organization has been giving out awards, this year was the first time the ceremony was held in a JASDF facility.

In his award citation, Major Birdwell was credited for recognizing the significance of the U.S.-Japan bilateral defense cooperation and proactively planning and orchestrating numerous bilateral intelligence trainings and briefings. Especially noted were his contributions to the mutual understanding of Japan-U.S. intelligence activities, such as the establishment of quarterly intelligence exchange meetings.

Sergeant Niwa was honored for his work as the president of the NCO Association of Misawa Air Base. Through his active volunteer participation, he contributed to the mutual progress by Japan-U.S. NCO groups and their families.

"I want to congratulate Major Birdwell and Sergeant Niwa," said Maj. Gen. Hideo Wakabayashi, 3rd Air Wing commander. "These awards are well deserved because both recipients have contributed significantly to the continuous improvement of the relationship between Japan and the U.S., not only officially, but also in private. I ask that they continue to be great bridges between the two nations."

Following the award presentation Major Birdwell was asked to give a short speech. Major Birdwell's wife translated his speech into Japanese as he spoke for the JASDF and JAAGA representatives present. He spoke of his previous assignment at Misawa and how one of his best friends was a JASDF lieutenant at the time.

"We both agreed that the friendships we made between JASDF and USAF made Misawa a very special assignment for both of us," said Major Birdwell. "I have tried to honor those memories by maintaining a strong relationship with the Air Intelligence Squadron. I am happy to say that I believe my meetings with Lt. Col. Matsukuma and his Airmen have improved the combat capability of both the US and JASDF intelligence personnel assigned to Misawa Air Base.

"I believe we are more than allies here at Misawa Air Base, we are friends," Major Birdwell concluded.