japan-america society of northwest florida Archives - The Japan U.S. Military Program (JUMP)

Attendees at the Japan-US Military Program event in Pensacola, Florida on October 22 were treated to a traditional Japanese dance performance, a spectacular taiko drum ensemble compliments of the Matsuriza Taiko Drummers, and a moving keynote address from Adm. Patrick Walsh.

Adm. Walsh, the former Commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet during the 3-11 disaster, spoke on the importance of not only the alliance between Japan and the United States, but also the bond that was strengthened between our two countries following the horrendous earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear crisis on October 11, 2011. Adm. Walsh’s presentation included a video that depicted the devastation of that day’s events, but also featured numerous victims thanking the United States military for all of its help during that troubling time — a true testament to the friendship that exists between our two countries.

The second-annual event, hosted at the National Naval Aviation Museum, also featured opening remarks by Captain Mark A. Truluck, USN, the commanding officer of Naval Aviation Schools Command. Other speakers included Ken Okaniwa, Japan’s Consul General in Miami; Mark Jackson, Honorary Consul General of Japan; Robert Orr, the former American Ambassador to the Asian Development Bank; and Peter Kelly, President of the National Association of Japan American Societies. All speakers had their own stories to complement the overarching theme of the event — U.S.-Japan friendship. The afternoon finished up with a reception on the flight deck of the USS Cabot as part of the museum’s wonderful show room, complete with sushi and sake.

The JUMP team would like to thank the Japan America Society of Northwest Florida for putting on such a wonderful event and hosting the JUMP team.

If you have not done so already, make sure to sign up for the JUMP newsletter to stay on top of upcoming events around the country, as well as interesting content on the U.S.-Japan alliance.

Photos by JUMP and courtesy Japan-America Society of Northwest Florida

News Release
October 13, 2016
For more information please contact:
Christa Desrets
cdesrets@spfusa.org
(202) 296-6694 x118

PENSACOLA — American service members will foster friendship with their Japanese allies on Saturday, October 22, at a special event celebrating U.S.-Japan camaraderie at the National Naval Aviation Museum. For the second consecutive year, the Japan-America Society of Northwest Florida is partnering with the Japan-US Military Program (JUMP) and the Consulate-General of Japan in Miami to bring together those who have served in Japan.

This year’s event will kick off with an opening welcome from Japanese Taiko Drums and dancers in the Blue Angels Atrium starting at 1 p.m. A reception will follow at the USS Cabot flight deck until 4 p.m. The event is free and open to the public, and all are invited to join in as we honor veterans and active duty forces while celebrating the deep friendship between the United States and our allies in Japan.

JUMP is excited to welcome distinguished guests to the program including:

• Admiral Patrick Walsh, USN (ret.), Senior Vice President, iSIGHT Partners; Senior Fellow in National Security and Defense, John Goodwin Tower Center for Political Studies, Southern Methodist University; and Chairman, Dallas Committee on Foreign Relations
• The Honorable Ken Okaniwa, Consul General of the Consulate-General of Japan in Miami
• The Honorable Mark Jackson, Honorary Consul General of Japan
• The Honorable Robert M. Orr, Ambassador to the Asian Development Bank (2010-16), Member of the Board of Governors of Pacific Forum/CSIS
• Captain Mark A. Truluck, USN, Commanding Officer of the Naval Aviation School Command in Pensacola
• LtCdr. David Rozanel, USN, Chaplain
• Mr. Peter Kelley, President, National Association of Japan America Societies
• LtCol. James Kendall, USMC (ret.), Director of the JUMP Program and Fellow at Sasakawa USA

About JUMP: www.JUMProgram.org
The Japan U.S. Military Program (JUMP) connects past and present service members, families, and government civilians who have served in Japan. Through social networks and events, JUMP builds relationships and provides opportunities for service members to engage with each other. JUMP provides a powerful foundation for sustaining the solid alliance between the U.S. and Japan. JUMP is a collaborative venture of Sasakawa USA, the Embassy of Japan in the United States, and the National Association of Japan-America Societies.

About The Japan-America Society of Northwest Florida: http://jasnwfl.org/
The Japan-America Society of Northwest Florida, Inc. is a private, non-profit, tax exempt 501(c)3 organization, with membership consisting of both individuals and interested organizations. The Society’s mission is to work toward fostering and promoting stronger ties of friendship and understanding between the U.S. and Japan. In its pursuit to formalize a productive partnership between the U.S. and Japan, the Society provides an avenue to increase personal and professional dialogue between Northwest Floridians and Japanese people.

About Sasakawa Peace Foundation USA: www.SPFUSA.org
Sasakawa Peace Foundation USA is an independent, American, non-profit, non-partisan institution devoted to research, analysis, and better understanding of the U.S.-Japan relationship. Through research and education programs, Sasakawa USA facilitates people-to-people exchanges and dialogue between American and Japanese policymakers, influential citizens, and the broader public.

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