Nippon Zenkokai Association Honors Sailors, DoD Civilians in Japan

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Mike Mulcare, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West Det. Japan

May 29, 2010 - TOKYO (NNS) -- The Nippon Zenkokai Association honored U.S. Sailors and DoD civilians for outstanding public service in the Japanese community at the Meiji-Jingu Shrine in Tokyo May 22.

The ceremony recognized nine Sailors, a DoD civilian and five groups from Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY), Commander, Fleet Activities Sasebo, Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi and NAF Misawa.

"These types of ceremonies are good for the relationship between America and Japan," said Interior Communications Electrician 1st Class (SW) Derrick Williams, an award winner assigned to CFAY port operations. "We often hear about the negative aspects of U.S. forces, but this really shines the spotlight on all the positives."

The Nippon Zenkokai Association, a non-profit organization under the control of the cabinet office of the Japanese government, was founded in 1951. In 1955, award nominations opened up to foreigners, including U.S. service members and civilians.

"President Kawamura Kohsho [of the Zenkokai Awards Association] and I are very grateful for the contributions of the United States forces," said Tsutomu Kojima, administrative director of the Zenkokai Awards Association. "The president is always telling me how thankful he is from the bottom of his heart for everything the United States forces do for the Japanese community."

This year's award recipients were recognized for volunteer work with homeless and handicapped citizens, foster childcare, preserving the environment, community service projects and other deeds that stood out in the public eye.

"I was put in for this award for saving a lady in Yamato," said Master-at-Arms 1st Class Michael Nixon, assigned to security at NAF Atsugi. "She collapsed of a seizure and went into cardiac arrest, and I conducted CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and successfully resuscitated her."

The award is broken down into four categories including juvenile, emergency and international contributions, as well as a special foreigner's category.

"Ten individuals and five groups have received the award today, and I've been told that this is the largest number to receive the award," said Capt. Peter B. Rush, chief of staff of U.S. Naval Forces Japan. "It may not be widely known to the public, but there are quite a few Americans who spend many hours engaging in community relations efforts, including supporting orphanages, clean-up efforts and caring for the elderly."

Winners from this year's awards ceremony include Interior Communications Electrician 1st Class Derrick L. Williams, Electronics Technician 2nd Class Randy L. Brown, Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Fuels) 3rd Class Gilberto Escobar, Culinary Specialist 1st Class Dennis V. Adams, Culinary Specialist 2nd Class Leah Bongbonga, Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Michael E. Nixon, Legalman 1st Class John McBroom, Gunner's Mate 2nd Class Tanya A. Lovejoy, Master-at-Arms 2nd Class William Warren Peoples and Mr. William Driscoll. "I am very proud and honored to have been awarded by the Japanese nation as a whole for the simple act of helping out one of my neighbors," said Nixon.