longtimer
02-29-2008, 07:15 PM
Here's an important article..someone needs to file an official protest to Mayor's of Chatan, Okinawa City and Governer Nakaima.. protect our personnel. It's going to guess worse because the Okinawa politician and media have flamed the simmering coals now...
All,
Recently, there have been six reported cases of SOFA-status individuals
being harassed off base. Most of these incidents have occurred while driving
along Route 58 between Kadena and Camp Foster.
In some of these incidents, groups of individuals riding motorbikes have
crowded vehicles driven by U.S. service members or their family members. The
individuals have shouted at the occupants of the vehicle, cut in front of
them repeatedly and, in some cases, used sticks to strike the vehicles in
order to provoke a reaction from the occupants.
These incidents have been few and isolated, and the behavior exhibited by
this small number of individuals in no way reflects the actions of our
friends in the local community. Base officials and local authorities are
working together closely to address these events. Despite the low frequency
of these incidents, all Team Kadena members and their families should be
aware of them and should know what to do if faced with similar
circumstances.
If you encounter hostile individuals or intimidating behavior on the road,
follow these important steps:
1. Stay calm and slow down. A moving car can be dangerous, and the
individuals may be purposely trying to instigate an accident. Be careful of
other motorists around you. If you need to, pull over on the side of the
road while obeying the laws of traffic. Only pull over after assessing
whether doing so will place you in greater danger. Make sure your windows
and doors are locked at all times. Consider heading toward a safe area,
such as the nearest military installation, a local police station, or a
highly public place.
2. Try to gather information on the five W's:
Ø Who (how many individuals, what kind of clothing, vehicle
descriptions, license plate #s. If it is safe to do so, try to take pictures
of the offender(s) with your cell phone or camera)
Ø What happened (what actions did the individuals take?)
Ø Where exactly did the incident take place?
Ø When did the incident take place?
Ø Why (Did the individuals say anything that you could understand)?
3. Don't respond to provocative actions with more provocation. Doing so will
likely make the situation worse and potentially cause an accident that
injures you, your family members or other motorists.
4. Report the incident immediately to local police, OSI or Security Forces.
From your cell phone you can dial 119 to reach local authorities. Once back
on base, call OSI at 632-8996 or make a report in person to Security Forces
at Bldg 705.
All,
Recently, there have been six reported cases of SOFA-status individuals
being harassed off base. Most of these incidents have occurred while driving
along Route 58 between Kadena and Camp Foster.
In some of these incidents, groups of individuals riding motorbikes have
crowded vehicles driven by U.S. service members or their family members. The
individuals have shouted at the occupants of the vehicle, cut in front of
them repeatedly and, in some cases, used sticks to strike the vehicles in
order to provoke a reaction from the occupants.
These incidents have been few and isolated, and the behavior exhibited by
this small number of individuals in no way reflects the actions of our
friends in the local community. Base officials and local authorities are
working together closely to address these events. Despite the low frequency
of these incidents, all Team Kadena members and their families should be
aware of them and should know what to do if faced with similar
circumstances.
If you encounter hostile individuals or intimidating behavior on the road,
follow these important steps:
1. Stay calm and slow down. A moving car can be dangerous, and the
individuals may be purposely trying to instigate an accident. Be careful of
other motorists around you. If you need to, pull over on the side of the
road while obeying the laws of traffic. Only pull over after assessing
whether doing so will place you in greater danger. Make sure your windows
and doors are locked at all times. Consider heading toward a safe area,
such as the nearest military installation, a local police station, or a
highly public place.
2. Try to gather information on the five W's:
Ø Who (how many individuals, what kind of clothing, vehicle
descriptions, license plate #s. If it is safe to do so, try to take pictures
of the offender(s) with your cell phone or camera)
Ø What happened (what actions did the individuals take?)
Ø Where exactly did the incident take place?
Ø When did the incident take place?
Ø Why (Did the individuals say anything that you could understand)?
3. Don't respond to provocative actions with more provocation. Doing so will
likely make the situation worse and potentially cause an accident that
injures you, your family members or other motorists.
4. Report the incident immediately to local police, OSI or Security Forces.
From your cell phone you can dial 119 to reach local authorities. Once back
on base, call OSI at 632-8996 or make a report in person to Security Forces
at Bldg 705.