55 years Later

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Howard Reed | Retired Army veteran Sgt. 1st Class Robert R. Bross, who was assigned to Torii Station for three separate tours, returned back to Okinawa along with his daughter, Susan, to meet with relatives as well as to honor the recent passing of his wife, Fumi. Bross and Fumi met during his first tour in 1957. During their visit, Bross introduced his daughter to the customs and traditions of Okinawa and met with senior U.S. Army leadership on island.  

OKINAWA, JAPAN

09.04.2012

Courtesy Story

10th Regional Support Group

By Chip Steitz
10th Regional Support Group

TORII STATON, Japan - Fifty five years ago as a young soldier, retired Sgt. 1st Class Robert R. Bross came to Okinawa for the first of three tours. Arriving back here last week, his goal was to reconnect with his relatives and help his daughter, Susan, understand and appreciate the culture and traditions of Okinawa. His wife, Fumi, from Okinawa recently passed away. Bross met his wife during his first tour in 1957.

“I served three tours here at Torii Station. The first tour was June 1957 to May 1958; second tour was February 1967 to June 1969 and the third tour was October 1973 to October 1976. I served mostly as an intercept operator, but when I got promoted I was transferred to Post Headquarters, in the S1 Shop, i.e., (human resources) until I left to back to the States,” said Bross.

Bross continued to explain how some things never change.

“An old adage comes to mind when I reflect back on my tours on Torii—the more things change, the more they stay the same. The physical changes from my first tour to my last tour, such as the number of people stationed to post and the addition of newer buildings, were numerous. However one thing that has remained the same is the sense comradely among the soldiers and family members stationed here, regardless of what branch of service they are assigned to.”

During his visit, Bross took time to visit with Col. Sheila Bryant, commander, 10th Regional Support Group and presented her with a flag from the former Army Security Agency which is now the Intelligence and Security Command. The former agency was assigned to Torii Station.

• Date Taken: 09.04.2012
• Date Posted: 09.05.2012 03:57
• Story ID: 94219
• Location: OKINAWA, JP