U.S. Army Garrison Japan commander Col. Thomas Matelski (left) and Command Sgt. Major Justin Turner (right) present J. Steve Niederriter, outgoing Deputy Garrison Commander, with the Superior Civilian Service Award during a retirement ceremony April 16, 2021, at Camp Zama, Japan.

U.S. Army Garrison Japan commander Col. Thomas Matelski (left) and Command Sgt. Major Justin Turner (right) present Janet Niederriter with the Public Service Commendation Medal during J. Steve Niederriter’s retirement ceremony April 16, 2021, at Camp Zama, Japan.

Members of the Japan-American Society Central Kanagawa present J. Steve Niederriter with a gift during his retirement ceremony April 16, 2021, at Camp Zama, Japan

CAMP ZAMA, JAPAN (APRIL 16, 2021) - U.S. Army Garrison Japan hosted a retirement ceremony April 16 to bid farewell to outgoing Deputy Garrison Commander J. Steve Niederriter and his wife, Janet.

USAG Japan Commander Col. Thomas R. Matelski, the ceremony’s presiding officer, presented Mr. Niederriter with a Superior Civilian Service Medal, retirement certificates from Installation Management Command – Pacific and USAG Japan, and a retirement pin.

USAG Japan Command Sgt. Major Justin Turner also presented Niederriter with a coin, and Matelski presented Janet with the Public Service Commendation Medal.

Craig L. Deatrick, director of IMCOM-Pacific, joined the ceremony virtually, and both Matelski and Deatrick provided comments to thank the Niederriters for their selfless service.

“Steve is a man who has shared as equals in support of U.S. Army Garrison Japan and the United States Army in Japan,” Matelski said. “He has been a servant of the nation for nearly 40 years in uniform and as a Department of the Army civilian. Steve truly embodies our Army Values and the finest qualities of a citizen, husband, father, partner and leader.”

Matelski also thanked Janet.

“Janet, thank you for sharing your husband with us,” Matelski said. “More importantly, thank you for your love and friendship of our great Garrison team, our community, and my own family.”