CAMP CHITOSE, Hokkaido, Japan -- New York Army National Guard Command Sgt. Maj. John Willsey of the 42d Special Troops Battalion renders honors during the national anthems of the United States and Japan during opening ceremonies of Yama Sakura 57 here Dec. 7 at Camp Chitose, Hokkaido, Japan.
More than 170 Soldiers from the New York Army National Guard’s 42d Infantry Division Headquarters, based in Troy, N.Y. are participating in the battle simulation exercise with counterparts from the Japanese Northern Army’s 7th and 2nd Divisions in Japan and at Fort Lewis, Wash.
Yama Sakura (Japanese for “Mountain Cherry Blossom”) is an annual, bilateral Command Post Exercise that simulates Japanese-US military operations required to defend Japan. New York Army National Guard photo by Lt. Col. Richard Goldenberg, 42d Infantry Division.

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