Air Force still 'ballin' after 64 years

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Brooke P. Beers
  • 18th Wing/Public Affairs
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  The following is a letter of appreciation from Gary Sinise, also known as Lt. Dan on behalf of our Air Force birthday and a job well done in the Western Pacific region.


Dear Brig. Gen. Molloy and Airmen of Kadena,

It is with great respect and admiration that I honor the Air Force service members of Kadena Air Base for the 64th birthday of the Air Force. Your dedication and support to the Japan-U.S. alliance in defense of Japan is an amazing, stabilizing force in the Western Pacific region. Not only do you serve far from family and friends back in the United States but many of you have deployed or are currently deployed in support of operations throughout the world, leaving behind spouses and children and for that I thank you. Although your families' lives may not be on the line, they too sacrifice for their country and I would like to recognize and thank them for their service.

This past year has been a year of civil unrest, natural disasters and threats and incidents of military action by countries around the world. Through it all, Kadena has stood as a stabilizing force and has provided humanitarian relief to people throughout the world. Most noticeably were the Japan earthquake and resultant tsunami on March 11th. We all watched in shock at the devastation these events caused, but my heart was gladdened to see stories of the United States service members, including Air Force members from Kadena, providing life saving service to our friends in Japan. I especially felt proud of your involvement in getting Sendai Airport cleaned up and operational. Many thought the airfield was lost to the devastation, but you didn't. You saw a challenge, approached it head on and accomplished it though unbelievable circumstances. Well done.

Again, I honor you for your dedications and selfless service helping sustain peace and stability in the Pacific region, as well as your sacrifice and service in many hostile areas of the world. So, today, feel proud, you belong to the greatest Air Force in the world. Happy Birthday, Kadena Airmen!

Best Wishes,
Gary Sinise