WASHINGTON —
A country officer assigned to the Joint Staff Directorate for Strategic Plans & Policy was recognized by Japan’s top Admiral in a Pentagon ceremony, June 9.
Japan Chief of Defense (CHOD) Adm. Katsutoshi Kawano presented a certificate of commendation and Defense Cooperation Award to Cmdr. Daniel Fillion, a J5 Japan country officer.
“You strived greatly to deepen the policy and operational [levels of] cooperation with the close communication on a routine basis, which [promoted] defense cooperation and exchange between Japan and the U.S,” said Kawano in the commendation certificate.
According to Kawano’s staff, Fillion is the first foreign recipient of the award.
“It was truly an honor to receive the award and to receive it from Admiral Kawano,” Fillion said. “The relationship our two countries have is paramount to security in the Pacific. I simply wanted to do all I could to help build on an already strong and enduring partnership.”
U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. David Stilwell, deputy director for Politico-Military Affairs-Asia, praised Fillion’s work.
“Dan is a superb officer,” Stilwell said. “His ability to bring people together has gone a long way in maintaining and strengthening our longstanding friendship and defense partnership with Japan. That in turn, has helped create a more stable and secure environment in the Asia-Pacific region.”
Fillion, a Bay City, Mich., native, has served on the Joint Staff since January 2013.