SNCO awarded for strengthening U.S., Japan ties

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Dominique Brown
  • 374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan --  A senior noncommissioned officer from the 374th Airlift Wing command section was recently recognized for outstanding contributions to the vital Japan - United States security partnership. The Japan America Air Force Goodwill Association presented Master Sgt. Kevin Wolfe with the JAAGA Award at the Wing's annual award ceremony Feb. 17.

"This annual award was established to recognize individuals who contribute to the goal of JAAGA, which is to help promote mutual understanding and friendship between the U.S. Air Force and the Japan Air Self Defense Force (JASDF)," said Takayuki Yamamoto, JAAGA secretariat and retired JASDF major general.

Sergeant Wolfe attributes the recognition to a culmination of work during the last few years. "It goes back to when I was assigned to Airman Leadership School," said the sergeant, who is currently wearing two hats as 374th Airlift Wing Command Section chief executive services and the acting first sergeant for the 374th Mission Support Squadron.

"I was an ALS instructor and flight chief from 2002 to 2005 and had the opportunity to work with and instruct members from the Japanese Self Defense Forces.

"Having JASDF students provides an opportunity to interact together and is also essential to the ongoing integration of the two militaries."
According to the JAAGA secretariat, award recipients are selected by the JAAGA president, who reviews recommendations by JASDF and U.S. Air Force base commanders. Sergeant Wolfe was integral to the planning, coordination and execution of numerous successful exchange visits between JASDF and Yokota Air Base personnel, providing an incredible opportunity for hundreds of personnel from both services to learn about each others cultures, processes and military traditions.

"Sergeant Wolfe has been a key leader in working on bilateral exchanges," said Chief Master Sgt. Catherine Barker, 374th AW command chief master sergeant. "We are building the relationships now that will impact the future. Our engagements are inline with the ongoing integration of U.S. Forces and JASDF."