Reception held for military personnel that were stationed in Japan(March 29, 2016)

On Tuesday, March 29, 2016, a reception was held at Bucley Air Force Base in Aurora for military personnel and their families who were stationed in Japan. Approximately 100 guests attended the event.

Consul-General Ito gave the opening greeting in which he expressed gratitude towards the U.S. for Operation Tomodachi that provided aid relief after the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011 and explained the reconstruction efforts in the affected area. He also mentioned current Japan-U.S. relations and the importance of cooperation between Japan and the U.S in national security. He also Base Vice Commander Colonel Darren Buck expressed condolence for the victims of the earthquake and mentioned that Japan-U.S. cooperation on national security is more important now than ever before while world is unstable and unpredictable. Major Merill Alley, who participated in Operation Tomodachi, shared his memories of the operation and of being stationed in Japan.

Senator Nancy Todd, Colorado State Senate, Mayor Cathy Noon, Mayor of Centennial and Mayor Herb Atchison, Mayor of Westminster also attended the event.