Champion for U.S.-Japan relations dies at age 66
Gen. Paul V. Hester presents the Air Force Exemplary Civilian Service award to Misawa City Mayor Shigeyoshi Suzuki Jan. 31 in Misawa City, Japan. It was the first time a Japanese official was presented with an Air Force-level award. General Hester is the Pacific Air Forces commander. Mayor Suzuki, a longtime friend and supporter of American servicemembers, their families and the Air Force mission in Northern Japan, passed away May 1 from pneumonia at the age of 66. Mayor Suzuki served as mayor of Misawa City, representing a city of 40,000, for more than two decades and was in his sixth term upon his death. Throughout his years as mayor, he laid the foundation for strong relations between the base and the local area. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Robert Barnett)