KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- Master Sgt. Thundercloud Hirajeta enlisted in the Air Force after graduating in 1996 from Kubasaki High School on Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan.
He was sworn in by retired United States Marine Corps Maj. John Glenn, who had been his Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps instructor.
After 20 years of service, Hirajeta was reenlisted by Glenn for the third and last time in his Air Force career on Dec. 2, 2016, at the American Legion Wayne E. Marchand post on Okinawa, Japan.
“I first met Major Glenn my first day of school during JROTC orientation at Kubasaki High School in 1995,” said Hirajeta. “He was hard-nosed and didn't take any flak from anyone, but always treated you with dignity and respect. He was a mentor who molded future Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines and he’s still that as a Department of Defense teacher.”
Hirajeta’s father served as a paratrooper, retiring after 21-years of service; a legacy Hirajeta is proud to uphold.
“When you’re a kid, you don't think much of it. Looking back, I'm very proud of my dad's service and what that provided for our family, I always looked up to my dad,” Hirajeta said. “He retired from the Army after 21 years, and it's crazy to think in 4 years, I'll have retired too.”
Not only did Glenn officiate Hirajeta’s original enlistment, he has now done two of his reenlistment ceremonies and plans to retire him as well.
“To me, Glenn is what I look up to when you think of what a commissioned officer is supposed to be – a leader who stands by his convictions and always does what’s right,” Hirajeta said. “He didn't just prepare me for serving in the military and all that entails, but he prepared me and many others like me for life. That's why I chose him for my reenlistments. I couldn't think of a better officer who I would want to do it for me.”
From their first meeting 21 years ago, Glenn and Hirajeta have maintained a relationship from across the globe.
“In 2005 I was stationed at Kadena and while in-processing the base I saw Major Glenn jogging around the base,” said Hirajeta. “I ran into him one day and struck up a conversation like there was no time lost between us. It’s the small things that keep us connected.”