U.S. Military Members Honored for Volunteer Efforts in Japan

U.S. and Japanese military members have been honored for their volunteer efforts in local communities. According to DVIDS, three Japanese Self-Defense Force and four U.S. service members, one from each branch of service, were recognized for their community service and outreach project work during the 43rd annual USO Service Salute at the Butler Officers’ Club at Camp Foster in Okinawa, Japan.

During the year, senior leaders and officers coordinated with the USO to select service members who deserved recognition for their actions which helped improve community and military life, said Robin Miller, area director for USO Okinawa.

“The USO is about bridging the gap between the military and the community,” Miller said. “This event is about (celebrating) that effort. It is an opportunity to show our support to the service members.”

The honorees — whose efforts included beach and park cleanups, as well as donations to various organizations sponsored through the Combined Federal Campaign — included Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Sgt. Koji Tsumoto; Japan Air Self-Defense Force Tech. Sgt. Yasutaka Koya; Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Petty Officer 2nd Class Nobuhiko Hyakutake; U.S. Marine Cpl. Michael S. Williamson; U.S. Army Sgt. Wyatt L. Lutz; U.S. Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Rami M. Ghattas; and U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Brian D. Ayers.

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