Japanese military officers receive recognition Published April 12, 2009 By MSgt. Terence R. Peck U.S. Marine Corps YOKOTA Air Base, Japan -- Air Force Lt. Gen. Edward A. Rice, Jr., Commander, U.S. Forces Japan presented awards to members of the Japan Self Defense Force on April 6 and 7 during separate ceremonies at USFJ Headquarters. Navy Capt. Satoru Kondo, Japan Maritime Self Defense Force was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation during the first ceremony. Kondo served as the Joint Staff Office Liaison Officer to Headquarters, U.S. Forces, Japan from March 2007 to March 2008. According to the certificate, "his ability to maintain close personal contact with key Japanese military and political leaders significantly strengthened the bond of mutual understanding and corporation between the U.S. and Japan." "Captain Kondo's hard work and dedication made significant contributions to U.S. Forces Japan, the Japan Joint Staff, and the U.S.-Japan Alliance.," said Air Force Col. Scott J. Zobrist, director of operations, Headquarters, USFJ. "His unique insight and perspective enhanced coordination between Headquarters U.S. Forces Japan and the Japan Joint Staff, resulting in more effective training, exercises, and real world operations. I'm very proud to have had the opportunity to serve with such a fine officer and leader." In the second ceremony, Maj. Gen. Hisaya Miyashiro was awarded the Legion of Merit. The Legion of Merit was established on July 20, 1942 by an act of Congress and was the first American decoration awarded to citizens of other nations Miyashiro served as the Director, Logistics Directorate, J4, Joint Staff Office, Japan Defense Agency, from Aug. 2004 to Aug. 2006. During this period, the award citation states, "His highly dedicated efforts assured an expanded Acquisition Contracting Services Agreement between the United States and the Government of Japan, enabling the Japan Self Defense Force to conduct operations globally in concert with United States Forces, supporting international disaster relief operations, and the Global War on Terrorism." "Maj. Gen. Miyashiro was the Director, JSO J4, during a time of great change in the JSDF," said Army Col. Michael Presnell, Director of Installations and Logistics, Headquarters, USFJ. "Not only did he do a fantastic job leading his own J4 staff, he worked extraordinarily hard at developing a strong professional relationship and building close cooperation with U.S. Forces Japan J4." Miyahsiro responsibilities included being the Co-Chairman of the Bilateral Logistics Planning Panel, and chairing the Forum for Combined Logistics which brought together the logisticians from all the components within the JSDF and USFJ for professional development. "His exceptional effort and dedication made noteworthy contributions to U.S. Forces Japan, the Japan Joint Staff, and the U.S.-Japan Alliance." Presnell said.