FORT SAM HOUSTON, TEXAS -- Japanese Army Surgeon General, Maj. Gen. Satoshi Suzuki, presented U.S. Army Surgeon General, Lt. Gen. Patricia D. Horoho, with the Japanese Medal of Defense Cooperation (Legion of Merit equivalent) and a letter of appreciation on behalf of the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force Chief of Staff, Gen. Kiyofumi Iwata, during a ceremony held Dec. 2 at Fort Sam Houston, Texas.

Horoho received the award for promoting mutual understanding, partnership and cooperation between U.S. and Japanese medical officers.

In his letter, Iwata stated, "I would like to take this opportunity to express my most sincere thanks and appreciation for your long standing commitment to strengthening the partnership between the Japanese Ground Defense Force and the United States Army since assuming command in December 2011. The latest experience and knowledge you have shared with us on combat lifesaving, treatment and evacuation in Iraq and Afghanistan and the education and training for medical personnel served as a role model for the Japanese Ground Force Medical team in upgrading its quality."

Horoho said, "It is an extraordinary honor and privilege to receive this highly esteemed award. I believe trust, understanding and mutual respect is strengthened where people's lives, like our countries, are interwoven. Our medical departments have been doing that for many years and will no doubt continue to do so."