Michael Jackson greets troops in Japan

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http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2007/03/apjacksontroops070310/
news/2007/03/apjacksontroops070310

The Associated Press
Posted : Sunday Mar 11, 2007 12:56:14 EDT

TOKYO — Michael Jackson greeted thousands of U.S. troops and their family members March 10 at an Army base south of Tokyo, taking a break from days of parties with die-hard fans and well-heeled business people.

About 3,000 troops and their family members gathered at a fitness center at Camp Zama. Jackson walked around shaking hands and exchanging words to thank them for their service.

“Those of you in here today are some of the most special people in the world,” Jackson told the crowd, reading from a statement. “It is because of you in here today, and others who so valiantly have given their lives to protect us, that we enjoy our freedom.”

Jackson, 48, arrived in Japan on March 4 for his second trip in less than a year to attend parties including an extravagant gala held March 8 in Tokyo.

The reclusive pop icon was the guest of honor at the lavish party aimed at a well-heeled business crowd — though the roughly 400 people who showed up were mainly die-hard fans, and more than 100 orphans and handicapped children who were invited for free.

The paying guests each laid down $3,500 for tickets, which included a buffet dinner, a show featuring several Japanese Michael Jackson impersonators and a chance to meet, greet and take photos with Jackson.

On March 9, he made an appearance at another party for his less affluent fans. More than 1,000 people crowded a popular night club.

He did not perform at either party.

Jackson, one of the best-selling artists of all time, has lived abroad since his 2005 acquittal on child molestation charges, forsaking his Neverland Ranch in California for residences in Bahrain, France, and a castle in Ireland.

Jackson will spend another three or four days in Tokyo.

AP Col. Robert M. Waltemeyer, left, garrison commander of Camp Zama, presents pop icon Michael Jackson a certificate of appreciation to thank Jackson for visiting about 1,600 service members, their families, and U.S. civilian and Japanese national employees at Camp Zama, Japan on Saturday.