Commander's Corner: August 8, 2014

  • Published
  • By Col. Douglas DeLaMater
  • 374th Airlift Wing
Team Yokota is certainly not unfamiliar with carrying a variety of cargos; whether passengers, equipment or supplies, our Airlifters get it done with professionalism. Today, however, Team Yokota carries a different kind of cargo. More than 80 of our Airmen will shoulder a 2,000 lb. Mikoshi shrine for half a mile during the Tanabata Festival--a tradition we began more than 50 years ago with our friends in Fussa.

As we carry the Mikoshi shrine alongside our Fussa neighbors, we further solidify the monumental friendship we share. This festival is one of the many unique ways we can closely engage with our host nation and build upon the foundation of support and trust necessary for us to operate successfully here. The bonds we form today will strengthen our future partnership.

Whether you're shouldering a one-ton shrine this weekend or engaging with our host-nation partners elsewhere in Japan, it's important to remember that you are an Air Force ambassador. You carry the future on your shoulders--and in the air--for the "Best Wing in the Pacific."