CAMP ZAMA, Japan – Nearly 140 local community leaders and Camp Zama personnel attended U.S. Army Garrison Japan’s holiday reception Friday evening.
The reception, which included a dinner, group photos with Santa Claus and music by the U.S. Army Japan Band, highlighted the partnerships between the installation and its surrounding community.
“The end of the year is a very important holiday season for all of us as we move toward the upcoming New Year’s celebration,” Col. Christopher L. Tomlinson, commander of USAG Japan, told the crowd. “Tonight, let’s celebrate this season and share some time together to catch up with friends we’ve made and hopefully meet to establish new friendships.”
Members of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force as well as local government and academic officials joined Soldiers, Army civilians and family members for the festive event.
After last year’s reception was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Tomlinson said he was glad to finally have the in-person event, held inside the Camp Zama Community Club ballroom.
Throughout the evening, TVs in the ballroom played a photo slideshow displaying various events in which USAG Japan personnel participated with their Japanese counterparts.
From office calls, luncheons and dinners, cleanups to professional military engagements, Tomlinson said community activities were one of the most important things the garrison did this past year.
He also mentioned the return of open-post events, which drew about 25,000 people to Camp Zama to celebrate Independence Day, nearly 20,000 people for the Bon Odori festival and 7,000 people for the half-marathon and festival at Sagami General Depot.
“That, my friends, equals success for all of us which strengthens our connections as well as strengthens the U.S.–Japan alliance,” he said.
In closing, Tomlinson encouraged attendees to build on those relationships, so another batch of photos can highlight even more events next year.
“Let’s set the stage for that success here tonight,” he said. “Please find someone who you haven’t talked to before and make a connection.
“There is nothing but greatness ahead for all of us in the future, and we are always stronger together.”
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