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The Pacific Air Force Tour of 1992

   We started the tour by flying a commercial airline out of San Jose, CA International Airport, en route to Narita, Japan. Looking back, the entire tour triggered memories of stories my friend, Bobby Hedman had described about a USO tour he had done in approximately 1963. Once we landed, they took us by bus to Yakota Air Force Base, outside of Tokyo. Our billeting (accommodations) were right there on the base. We met some really nice personnel that attended our shows. There was even a Louisiana fast food joint, located right on the base, called "Popeye's." Great red beans and rice, as well as their famous chicken and biscuits. Of course, we did have some sushi, shabu shabu and Kobe beef while we were there, too.

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Greenspoon and I ventured off the base to soak up some Japanese ambiance. Jimmy was on a mission to find Godzilla, but it was not to be. However, he did find the Japanese equivalent of GORT. Remember the 50's sci-fi movie, "The Day the Earth Stood Still" with Michael Renee? You know, "Klatu Barada Nikto." No? Never mind. I'm showing my age. Anyway, here's Jimmy bonding on a Japanese sci-fi level.

   

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Below: Rice fields. Note the bundle ties at harvest time. I particularly like the close up shot.

 

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