Arlington, Va.—Roger Avery, network administrator and security manager for ONR Global’s office in Tokyo, Japan, has been awarded the Zenkokai Award by the Nippon Zenkokai Association for his charitable work supporting the homeless in Japan. He received the award at a ceremony at the Meiji-Jingu Shrine in Tokyo’s Yoyogi Park on May 24.
The Nippon Zenkokai Association is a non-profit organization under the auspices of the Prime Minister’s office of the Japanese government. This annual award, which was founded in 1951, is presented to individuals whose gallant or benevolent acts are remarkably beneficial to their neighbors or the general public. In 1995, the award was opened to honor foreigners who have contributed to the betterment of life in Japan.
“Receiving the Zenkokai Award is one of the greatest honors for me and will be one of the most unforgettable remembrances of Japan,” said Avery. “It is an honor I'd like share with the Chapel of Good Shepard and Atsugi communities. For if was not for their incredibly unwavering support from the many volunteers from Chapel of Good Shepard and Atsugi communities this sponsored community relations event would not be achievable.”
Avery has been instrumental in arranging the transportation of personnel, food, clothes, and bed linen to the homeless while volunteering three to four times a week with several charities in the Yokohama and Tokyo areas. It is estimated that through his efforts rice balls, curry boxes, and Miso soup is provided to more than 1,200 people weekly throughout the year. He is one of 13 U.S. individuals or organizations receiving this year’s award.
ONR Global, the international presence for the Office of Naval Research, actively seeks opportunities to promote science and technology collaboration of mutual benefit between the United States and researchers around the globe.
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