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Americans, Japanese enjoy AmericaFest 2008

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Rey Ramon
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
Kadena Air Base welcomed 66,000 people July 4 and 5 during the first AmericaFest open house held here in four years. Japanese and American families braved sweltering heat and humidity to share this two-day event designed to celebrate America's Independence Day and promote friendships between the base and local community. 

Highlights of the event included aircraft static displays representing all four U.S. military services as well as the Japan Air Self Defense Force, musical performances by headliner Eve 6, a kiddie land for entertaining children and fireworks displays on both nights. American food booths run by various base organizations were also a huge hit with Japanese visitors who waited patiently in long lines for everything from corn dogs and beef kabobs to pizza and hamburgers. 

"I think AmericaFest was a huge success," said Col. Michael Hass, 18th Civil Engineer Group commander and AmericaFest Director. "We were able to showcase our awesome airpower capabilities, as well as those of the JASDF, while providing a festive atmosphere and entertainment for all who came out." 

Many of the Airmen who attended understood the importance of AmericaFest in fostering better relations with Okinawans who live around the base. 

"This event is a great opportunity for our neighbors to come on base and look at the airplanes and see what we do here," said Senior Airman Derek Madlener, 353rd Maintenance Squadron crew chief. "It's a great way to strengthen our ties with the local community." 

Katsuma Watanabe, a Japanese citizen who came to the event, said he has missed being able to attend AmericaFest over the last few years, so he was very glad to have the chance to come with his family this year to enjoy the festival. 

As with any major open house, the event would not have been possible without the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and augmentees who gave up their holiday weekend to make the event a success as well as those who worked behind the scenes for months in the planning and preparation phases according to Col. Hass. 

"To the executive committee members, volunteers, and augmentees, I'd like to extend my gratitude for their selfless devotion and extremely hard work enabling AmericaFest to be a premier community relations event. I believe our Okinawan neighbors really enjoyed the opportunity to share some time with us."