Kentucky Guard

Archive: January, 2012

Yama Sakura 61 begins with opening ceremony
January 30, 2012 — Yama Sakura 61, an annual bilateral exercise with the Japan Ground Self Defense Force and U.S. Army Pacific officially began, Jan. 30, at Camp Itami, Japan. The Yama Sakura exercise is a simulation-driven joint bilateral command post exercise designed to enhance U.S. and Japan combat readiness and interoperability while strengthening bi-lateral relationships... MORE

U.S. Army Pacific Commander Lt. Gen. Francis Wiercinski and Middle Army Commander of the Japan Ground Self Defense Force Lt. Gen. Ryuichiro Arakawa shake hands during the bilateral press conference Yama Sakura 61 Jan. 30.

Yama Sakura 61: Cultural Activities Offer U.S. Military Personnel a Unique Experience in Japan
January 29, 2012 — However, the annual Yama Sakura in Japan offers a unique cultural experience designed to strengthen relationships between U.S. personnel and their Japanese counterparts... MORE

United States Army Pacific participate in a Japanese traditional tea ceremony outside Camp Itami, Japan, Jan. 24.

Last tour of duty: Deployed soldier reflects on storied career
January 29, 2012 — “The Soldiers, I think are smarter. They’re required to be because of all the equipment that we have, advanced technology…the battlefield is ever-changing, and you’ve got to be flexible with it. Clearly, I think the soldiers we have today are maybe not better soldiers, but more skilled than when I was a young soldier. You kind of have to be in today’s Army. It takes a lot,” Lile added. ... MORE

The two are currently deployed on Kentucky's Agribusiness Development Team 4, which seeks to improve the lives of Afghan farmers by teaching better farming and post-harvest techniques.

Yama Sakura 61: Home visit
January 29, 2012 — As a tradition of the Yama Sakura exercise, U.S. Army Japan soldiers participated in a home visit to the household of Maj. Yasuo Okamoto, chief of security for Middle Army’s Japan Ground Self Defense Force, in Osaka, Japan, Jan. 29... MORE

Military personnel enjoy traditional Japanese cuisine during a visit to the home of Maj. Yasuo Okamoto of the Japan Ground Self Defense Force, Jan. 29.

Going green in Osaka
January 28, 2012 — Nonetheless, several soldiers participating in the Yama Sakura 61 exercise at Camp Itami decided to trade in their free time and give back to the city of Osaka by assisting their Japanese counterparts in picking up trash and raking leaves around Osaka Castle Jan. 28. ... MORE

Spc. Isaac J. Ferderer, battle radio transmitter operator for the 34th Infantry Division, Minnesota National Guard, assists a member of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force during a cleanup of Osaka Castle in Osaka, Japan Jan. 28.

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