YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan -- U.S. Air Force and Japan Air-Self Defense Force members gathered at the JASDF Air Defense Command to attend the annual Japan-American Air Force Goodwill Association awards ceremony, March 15. Chairman Mr. Yoshinari Marumo, JAAGA president, presented the awards to the recipients from both nations.
JAAGA annually commemorates members from both Japan and U.S. forces for contributions in strengthening bilateral partnerships. USAF Capt. Nathaniel Freeman, 374th Airlift Wing legal office chief of international law, was recognized for his work, operating in tandem with Japanese legal specialists and law enforcement to settle claims between nations, and for launching initiatives that deepened the partnerships between USAF and JASDF members. He created multiple liaison positions within leadership committees that were open to JASDF members, ensuring opportunities to share perspectives between forces. Additionally, Freeman assisted in organizing numerous social and professional development events at Yokota that provided countless collaboration and friendship opportunities between the U.S. and Japan.