history

Capt. Kathy La Sauce is shown in her Undergraduate Pilot Training Class 77-08 graduation photo. In October 2020, the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force debuted an exhibit dedicated to the 10 women of UPT Class 77-08, the UPT class that included women. (Courtesy photo by Kathy La Sauce)
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First-class aviator reflects on her storied career

Kathy La Sauce didn’t blaze trails during her 20-year Air Force career. She scorched them.
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9 must-visit historical sites on Okinawa

Okinawa was formerly called the “Ryukyu Kingdom” from the 14th to 16th century. Nine structures and ruins symbolizing the era of the Ryukyu Kingdom are registered as “Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu” World Heritage sites.
Photos by David Krigbaum
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Beauty and Tragedy at Arasaki Beach

Cape Arasaki is Okinawa’s southernmost point but on my recent trip to Itoman, home of the Okinawa’s last battlefield, I put off seeing it for a different unnamed point along those cliffs to look for a special memorial.
The 30-foot memorial of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a social activist, civil rights leader and Nobel Peace Prize winner, stands tall in the sunlight, June 6, 2013, at the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The sculpture was designed as a lasting tribute to Dr. King Jr.’s legacy and as a monument to freedom, opportunity and justice for which he stood. (U.S. Air Force photo by L. Cunningham)
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“I Have a Dream” still inspiring

“I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: ‘We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.’ … I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.”
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2 Okinawan caves offer glimpse into WWII battle

A short drive from Murasaki Mura are two caves with historical significance: Chibichiri Gama and Shimuku Gama. These caves were used during World War II and now provide a glimpse into what happened in the early days of the Battle of Okinawa.
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Gushikawa Castle Ruins: Picturesque cliff on mainland Okinawa's southern tip

Not far from Cafe and Gallery Umito are the picturesque ruins of the Gushikawa Castle. There isn't much to appreciate structure-wise as there is very little left of what must have been an impressive building with a magnificent backdrop.
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Military spouse on Okinawa retraces footsteps of late grandfather

As the world is becoming more internationally traveled, there are better opportunities to explore, discover, and find areas that have different meanings to different people. Knowledge of the natives’ culture and beliefs enhances a trip and makes experiencing a new part of the world a once in a lifetime opportunity. Personal pieces of paradise are...
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CFAO celebrates Native American Heritage

Throughout the year we reflect on the diverse peoples who, despite adversity and discrimination, contributed to America’s success with heritage month celebrations and commemorative events.
Photo courtesy of KTO
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VIDEO| Virtual Vacation: Jeonju, South Korea

Welcome to virtual vacation video series where we can explore destinations from the comfort of our homes.
Photos by Takahiro Takiguchi
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Aizu: Walking in the Footsteps of Samurai Warriors

Aizu, Japan, in Fukushima Prefecture’s western side, is a wonderful region. Not only does it boast beautiful mountains, lakes and ponds, but it also has a unique samurai heritage, incredible temples and shrines and is known for its classical sake breweries.
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These spicy Japanese snacks are fire

Unlike in South Korea or Bhutan, winter in Okinawa doesn’t take a lot of spicy hot-pot-type dishes to get through. That may be one reason why the subtropical island didn’t offer many spicy foods in the past.
Photos by Shoji Kudaka, Takahiro Takiguchi and Illustrations by Annie Kamio
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Okinawa Family Mart finds way to customers’ heart

Philip Troussier, the French coach who led Japan in the 2002 FIFA World Cup, blamed the weakness of young Japanese soccer players on convenience stores.
21 Seiki no Mori (Photos by Shoji Kudaka)
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Can't eat in restaurants? Okinawa spots to enjoy your to-go meals

Since the arrival of COVID-19, we’ve had to change a lot of our usual pastimes and activities. Dining at restaurants in is not really a good option right now.
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Had too much to drink? Japanese have cure for hangover

Turmeric, or “ukon” in Japanese, is a kind of ginger, known as a spice for Indian curry, and in Japan, it is mostly recognized as a food that can help avoid hangover.
Photos by Shoji Kudaka
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Cuisine: Italian

Pizza Sun Okinawa lives up to the hype

Following a recommendation from one of our readers, I was on a quest for some good eats at Pizza Sun Okinawa.
Photos by Shoji Kudaka
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Cuisine: Chinese, Japanese

VIDEO| Cook up Chili-Ebi like an Iron Chef

Ebi-chili is a sweet and spicy shrimp dish you’ll find at many Chinese restaurants in Japan.