Misawa civilian wins 5th AF award

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Vann Miller
  • 35th Fighter Wing public affairs
In a special ceremony identifying the civilian of the year for category II, one of Misawa's own was presented the 5th Air Force level award on April 11. 

Mr. Yoshikatsu Nakamura, a contracting officer assigned to the 35th Contracting Squadron B Flight, was the only Misawa Air Base civilian to win the award at the 5th Air Force level. 

"This recognition was an encouragement to strive for continual improvement and also helps me to motivate those around me," said Mr. Nakamura, a native of Hachinohe. 

The modest award recipient said that the award is a reflection of the team's efforts. His hard work contributed to many success for team Misawa, including negotiating contracts and providing leadership for programs costing several hundred thousand dollars. 

His personal style of guidance and management has been described as energetic and motivational, according to his coworkers. 

"Be strict on yourself but gentle with others. That is my motto," said Mr. Nakamura. 

He displayed his ability to lead when his flight commander was deployed recently. During that time, Mr. Nakamura completed more than 700 contract actions worth $13.8 million and approved maintenance tooling contracts for the F-16s valued at $15,000, which decreased the time for depot level repairs. 

Lt. Gen. Bruce Wright, U.S. Forces Japan, and 5th Air Force Commander, presented the award to Mr. Nakamura saying, "If we can encourage or empower our people, amazing things happen."