On November 6, 2025, MDAA hosted the 2025 Japan Missile Defender of the Year awards ceremony at the U.S. Air Base Yokota in Tokyo Prefecture, Japan. This week, the U.S. Army’s 38th Air Defense Artillery Brigade released their photos of the event along with this congratulatory message to their awardees:

From the 38th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, we proudly celebrate:

• Col. Joseph C. Scott – Brigade Commander

• CW2 Dillin Lewis – Brigade Interface Control Officer & Fire Direction Center OIC

• SGT David Alvarado – 14th Missile Defense Battery, KCS, 米陸軍経ヶ岬通信所, 第14ミサイル防衛中隊

Their commitment to excellence and tireless efforts in strengthening missile defense across the Indo-Pacific highlight the professionalism and readiness of our team.

Please join us in congratulating these exceptional leaders and defenders for their achievements and continued service. 👏

Group photo at the 2025 Japan Missile Defender of the Year awards ceremony. U.S. Air Base Yokota, Tokyo Prefecture, Japan. November 6, 2025. Photo Credit: Capt. Frank Spatt.

MDAA Chairman and Founder Riki Ellison addresses the crowd at the 2025 Japan Missile Defender of the Year awards ceremony. U.S. Air Base Yokota, Tokyo Prefecture, Japan. November 6, 2025. Photo Credit: Capt. Frank Spatt.

Awards and signed footballs and jerseys on display at the 2025 Japan Missile Defender of the Year awards ceremony. U.S. Air Base Yokota, Tokyo Prefecture, Japan. November 6, 2025. Photo Credit: Capt. Frank Spatt.

Major Takayuki Shiraishi​ catches his football at the 2025 Japan Missile Defender of the Year awards ceremony. U.S. Air Base Yokota, Tokyo Prefecture, Japan. November 6, 2025. Photo Credit: Capt. Frank Spatt.

Winners Associate with Winners to Win!