Shogun-JCOC

Spc. Jesse May, 1-1 Air Defense Artillery Battalion, explains how an M-16A2 assualt fifle fires to Bob Pekowitz during the Joint Civilian Orientation Conference tour Nov. 9, 2007, at Kadena Air Base, Japan. Approximately 40 distinguished visitors took part in this year's conference which included a week-long tour of military forces in the U.S. Pacific Command. JCOC is a Secretary of Defense-sponsored program for expanding America's leader's knowledge of the military and national defense. JCOC is the oldest existing Pentagon outreach program and has been held more than 73 times since 1948. (U.S. photo/Senior Airman Darnell T. Cannady)

Shogun-JCOC

Sgt. 1st Class Robert Dudley, 1-1 Air Defense Artillery Battalion, assists George Namkung with a Meal Ready to Eat during the Joint Civilian Orientation Conference tour Nov. 9, 2007, at Kadena Air Base, Japan. Approximately 40 distinguished visitors took part in this year's conference which included a week-long tour of military forces in the U.S. Pacific Command. JCOC is a Secretary of Defense-sponsored program for expanding America's leader's knowledge of the military and national defense. JCOC is the oldest existing Pentagon outreach program and has been held more than 73 times since 1948. (U.S. photo/Senior Airman Darnell T. Cannady)

Shogun-JCOC

Sgt. Luke Valenzuela, 1-1 Air Defense Artillery Battalion, watches as George Namkung fires an M-16A2 Assualt Rifle during the Joint Civilian Orientation Conference Tour Nov. 9, 2007, at Kadena Air Base, Japan. Approximately 40 distinguished visitors took part in this year's conference which included a week-long tour of military forces in the U.S. Pacific Command. JCOC is a Secretary of Defense-sponsored program for expanding America's leader's knowledge of the military and national defense. JCOC is the oldest existing Pentagon outreach program and has been held more than 73 times since 1948. (U.S. photo/Senior Airman Darnell T. Cannady)

Civilian leaders visit Kadena on PACOM tour

Published Nov. 16, 2007
By Senior Airman Nestor Cruz
18th Wing Public Affairs

KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- Approximately 40 influential U.S. civilian business and government leaders visited Kadena Air Base Nov. 9 as part of a week-long tour of Pacific Command bases.

The Joint Civilian Orientation Conference, the oldest Pentagon outreach program, is a Secretary of Defense-sponsored initiative which gives America's leaders the opportunity to get a firsthand look at military forces and their mission.

This year's tour is the 74th conference since it began in 1948.

"It was a great honor to be nominated to attend this conference," said Jack Lange, senior manager of Thompson Property Tax Services in Connecticut. "It's quite an extensive trip lasting 11 days. We started out in Honolulu, then visited Guam and Manila and now Okinawa, which is our last stop before we go to Iwo Jima."

The tour began with a briefing from Brig. Gen. Brett Williams, 18th Wing commander, followed by a tour of 1st Battalion, 1st Air Defense Artillery Regiment facilities. Visitors received hands-on M-16 rifle training, sampled meal-ready-to-eat items, watched a radar demonstration and chatted with Soldiers.

"Both the size and capabilities of our armed forces here in Okinawa was extremely impressive," said Mr. Lange. "The professionalism, quality and commitment of the Soldiers and Airmen we met were amazing."

Mr. Lange said meeting the Airmen and Soldiers of Kadena made the tour worthwhile.

"Throughout our tour, we received a level of attention from General Williams on down to his staff and others we've met, which is indicative of the importance they view our group, our conference and our visit. To all of us, that is very meaningful and we appreciate it very much."

The JCOC guests also toured KC-135 and F-15 simulators at the 18th Operations Support Squadron.

The tour gave the civilian leaders a deeper understanding and appreciation for the men and women in uniform and the sacrifices made every day.

"We have to do everything we can to thank the men and women in our armed forces," said Paul Anderson, senior advisor to the Governor of Minnesota. "We can't do enough to thank them for their service and sacrifice, but it's also important to do what we can to provide the resources they need for them and their families so they can continue their jobs in the service of our country."