Two Yamamotos pose with the Stansberrys

Daisuke Yamamoto, left, and Tomoya Yamamoto, students from Taro Daiichi Junior High School in Miyako City, Japan, stand with the family of U.S Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Michael Stansberry, 35th Communications Squadron, during a Homestay introduction ceremony at the Misawa City Civic Center, Misawa, Japan, March 29, 2013. Air Force families at Misawa Air Base welcomed students as part of the Homestay program, sponsored by the Misawa International Club, which allows local nationals to experience American living and share cultures. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Derek VanHorn)

The Escobars smile alongside visiting students

Hikaru Yasuda, left, and Hiyori Yamazaki, students from Taro Daiichi Junior High School, Miyako City, Japan, stand with the family of U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Luis Escobar, 35th Force Support Squadron, during a Homestay introduction ceremony at the Misawa City Civic Center, Misawa, Japan, March 29, 2013. Yasuda and Yamazaki come from the area where U.S. has supported recovery and rebuilding operations following the earthquake and tsunami disasters in 2011. Homestay operations were sponsored by the Misawa International Club. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Derek VanHorn)

Staff Sgt. Janes stands with his two local national visitors

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Eric Janes, right, 35th Civil Engineer Squadron, stands with Homestay guests Yuto Suzuki, middle, and Yuya Fukushima, students from Taro Daiichi Junior High School, Miyako City, Japan, during an introduction ceremony at the Misawa City Civic Center, Misawa, Japan, March 29, 2013. Homestay is a program sponsored by the Misawa International Club where Japanese local nationals are invited to stay with Air Force families for a weekend to experience one another’s culture. The students traveled by train to Misawa Air Base from their school, which is located in the area where devastating earthquakes and tsunamis struck in 2011, which sparked the U.S. to launch Operation Tomodachi in an effort to rebuild the community. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Derek VanHorn)

The Cauthens welcome local nationals

From left: Ruka Mukaiguchi and Daiki Tamura, students from Taro Daiichi Junior High School, Miyako City, Japan, stand with U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Chris Cauthen, 35th Operations Support Squadron, and his wife, Master Sgt. Jessica Cauthen 373rd Support Squadron, during an introduction ceremony at the Misawa City Civic Center, Misawa, Japan, March 29, 2013. The Cauthens welcomed the duo as part of Homestay, an event where Japanese students live with Air Force families for a weekend to share cultures and bolster relations. Homestay was hosted by the Misawa International Club, who continues their efforts to help people who live in areas impacted by the earthquake and in March 2011. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Derek VanHorn)

Service members at MIsawa gather for retreat

Service members stand at attention during a retreat ceremony at Misawa Air Base, Japan, March 28, 2013. The retreat ceremony was the final event the base community held for Women’s History Month. Since 1987, the month of March, deemed Women’s History Month, has been recognized to highlight women of the past and future. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Kia Atkins)

Navy and Air Force unite to perform retreat

U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Nicole Gallardo, right, leads the way carrying an American flag during a retreat ceremony marking the conclusion of Women’s History Month at Misawa Air Base, Japan, March 28, 2013. Women’s History Month is an annual observance recognized around the world and highlights the contributions of women throughout history and in today’s society. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Derek VanHorn)