Leaders must OK exceptions Stars and Stripes
Pacific edition, Friday, February 22, 2008
Throughout Wednesday, American Forces Network aired an address by Marine Lt. Gen. Richard C. Zilmer concerning the restriction to bases, directing personnel to their commanders for further instructions and clarification of the order.
“You will be getting specific direction from your military chain of command regarding the details of this period of reflection,” Zilmer said. “I am asking for your full support during this period so we can re-establish the trust and confidence our Japanese hosts intuitively have in us.”
The general’s action was the main topic of conversation on bases all day as personnel wondered how long it will last and what will come next. However, Stars and Stripes reporters were barred by Marine and Air Force officials from conducting interviews on the bases regarding the ban.
Staff Sgt. Kenya N. Shiloh, a Kadena Air Base spokeswoman, said personnel were told they could participate in previously scheduled off-base activities. For example, the Okinawa Marathon, scheduled for Sunday, will go on as planned, she said. Part of the course goes through Kadena.
Later in the day a Marine spokesman clarified such exceptions.
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