Fleet and Family Atsugi Recognize Their ICR Passport Hall of Famers

Story by Jim Reynolds

Many who are sent to Japan by the US Government look forward to experiencing the sites and culture of their host country. Of course, some start with trepidation as they learn to trust the local nationals, modes of transportation, and gain confidence in themselves. The Inter-cultural Relations (ICR) program at the Fleet and Family Support Center, Atsugi provides information and training for service members, contractors, government employees, and their family members to help smooth the transition.

The ICR class gives the attendees an opportunity to learn about cultural history, social traditions and courtesies. Attendees learn helpful Japanese phrases and get pointers on using the many modes of transportation. It is goal of the program that newly reported personnel soon feel comfortable in their new surrounding and fully embrace this exciting, and perhaps, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to serve overseas.

To encourage cultural immersion and inspire adventure, the ICR sponsors the "ICR Passport" program. Participants are issued a locally designed and printed passport book of which can be used to record notes from adventures taken. The participant can then report to the ICR instructor with details of the excursion and earn points.

Exploring Japan requires a balance between seeking adventure and attending to work and family life commitments. Most do this well and some people excel at it. Such is the case of Pamela and Bradley Stair. This couple spent the past seven years making it a life-focus to get out to see and do. So much so that these two have broken every record in the Passport Program. They have been such an inspiration to the staff and ICR attendees that Mr. and Mrs. Stair have been inducted into the Center's unofficial "ICR Passport Hall of Fame."

Pamela and Bradley have provided in-person testimony of their adventures to successive ICR classes, sharing recommendations for starter day trips and providing travel bestpractices. These engagements have encouraged newcomers to kindle their own sense of adventure. They have visited hundreds of landmarks and attractions; festivals, shrines and temples, monuments, forests, lakes and rivers.

Topping the list of favorite adventures include climbing Mt. Fuji -- twice. Once from station 5 to the summit and then from station zero to the summit. They have recounted the details of life- changing events that are but the dreams of even the most aggressive tourists. They attended the historic last message of Emperor Akihito when he abdicated and witnessed the first message delivered by Emperor Naruhito. They journeyed to near and far regions to not only enjoy sites, traditions, the food and history, but to engage with people -getting a true flavor of the country they feel so privileged to have lived and worked in.

The Fleet and Family Support Center bid them farewell during an induction ceremony which was attended by leadership, friends and their Navy family. As they prepared to move back to the states, Pamela and Bradley asked the group who gathered to take the time to build the courage to get out and enjoy this beautiful country.

The Fleet and Family Support Center Atsugi wishes the very best to the Stairs on their next adventure.