U.S. Navy Information Operations Command (NIOC) Misawa received the 2013 Nippon Zenkokai Association Good Conduct Award during a ceremony at the Sanshu-den Hall of Meiji Shrine, May 25.
The Nippon Zenkokai Association is an independent non-profit organization that promotes good conduct and continuing positive relationships amongst members of society. Every year, the association present awards to individuals or organizations that have made a significant contribution in their communities.
This is both the third year that NIOC Misawa had been nominated and received the award, having been recognized in 2009 and 2011.
“We’re very proud to be a recipient again this year,” said Cmdr. Sean Kelley, NIOC Misawa commanding officer. “Although it feels great to receive the award for our work in the community, it’s really not so much about the award, but rather just doing the right thing while living in Japan and working alongside the Japanese people.”
NIOC Misawa Sailors have a long history of supporting the local community that dates back to the 1960s. They have long-standing relationships in northern Japan, including community service projects with the Akebono Orphanage, and teaching English to Japanese students through the Jido-Kan program. These Sailors also hold annual events with students from the town of Gonohe including weekend host-family exchanges, and organizing a Gonohe Sports Day, where Sailors and their families visit the town for a day of traditional, and not so traditional, sporting events.
Kelley credited the command’s Sailors, staff members, and families for their continued zeal in supporting the local community.
“I’d like to recognize all the forward deployed naval forces that volunteer and contribute to our host country in a positive way,” said Kelley. “Our plan here at NIOC Misawa is to continue forward with a robust community relations program for the future. We’re always looking for new ways to do even more.”
[mappress] Press Release, June 11, 2013; Image: NIOC Misawa