MTMC draws praise of Okinawan Mayor

Translog: Journal of Military Transportation Management, May-June, 2002

When a recent letter from the Mayor of Okinawa was published in "The Stars & Stripes," everyone at the Military Traffic Management Command battalion at Naha reacted with pride.

"I would like to specifically address my deepest appreciation for the U.S. Army on Okinawa's consideration in providing us limited access to and use of the Naha Military Port to support our local and prefecture-wide festivities and events that have such a large economic impact upon our day-to-day lives," said Mayor Takeshi Onaga, in a letter to Gen. Eric K. Shinseki, Chief of Staff, U.S. Army.

Onaga singled out praise for several Army officers, including Lt. Col. Joyce DiMarco, Commander, of MTMC's 835th Transportation Battalion. News of the letter was also carried on Armed Forces Network Pacific, which is available to the Japanese public on Okinawa.

"It was a good shot in the arm to keep us going through an incredibly busy week," said DiMarco, referring to a busy schedule with cargo movements and force deployments.

In his March 25 letter, Onaga said he regarded the Army as a community member of the island.

"They (Army leaders) genuinely understand the situation in Okinawa and diligently persist in efforts aimed towards developing relationships with local Okinawan people and graciously support various community events sponsored by Naha City. We look upon the U.S. Army on Okinawa as our community member and would like to continue this good relationship."

In addition to his compliments to the American military, Onaga also expressed condolences and sympathy to the United States for losses in the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

The letter of support is also noteworthy for its praise of the American military presence on Okinawa. The sub-tropical island, the largest American military base in the Far East, is home to 26,000 American service members and their families. In recent years, several incidents involving service members have led to full-scale protests by Okinawa residents demanding closure of the military bases.

Onaga said the presence of the American military is a contributing factor "to the stability of Asia today."

"I fully understand that the majority of your service members stationed on Okinawa are working hard to maintain a great relationship with us," said Onaga.

The letter made a positive impact in the 835th. Over half the work force of the battalion is composed of Okinawan citizens.

"We received a lot of praise and congratulations," said DiMarco. "The letter complimented the battalion for the community support the Naha City Council has received over the past two years."

"The Army on Okinawa is especially happy with Naha Port support," said DiMarco.

"I feel it is important for us to support community leaders and various cultural events."

The cultural experience of an Okinawan assignment is also important to Maj. Vince Thompson, Executive Officer.

"It's an education for all of us," said Thompson. "We get the chance to intermingle with the local national community and experience local culture. It is pleasing to see that our involvement in local events helps set the example for all forces on the island."

Community relations are a top priority of the MTMC terminal commander, said Lisa Clark, Administrative/Supply Officer.

"I'm not surprised that the Naha City Mayor wrote a letter to the Secretary of the Army praising the Naha Military Port and our Commander, Lieutenant Colonel DiMarco," said Clark. "She's made community relations one of her top priorities. I've often heard her say, `We are one team.'"