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Go For Broke

BULLETIN442nd VETERANS CLUB

VOL 64, No 3, APRIL - JUNE 2012 A QUARTERLY PUBLICATION

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Go For Broke442 OFFICERSPresident ............................................................... Ronald Oba1st Vice-President ............................................. Wesley Deguchi2nd Vice-President ................................................... Joe Oshiro3rd Vice President ............................................... Wade WasanoTreasurer ........................................................Takashi ShirakataSecretary ............................................................ Esther UmedaExecutive Secretary .............................................Shirley Igarashi

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CONTRIBUTORS................................................................................ Page

President’s Report ........................................................................................... 2Taps ................................................................................................................ 3Donations ........................................................................................................ 3Editor’s Report ................................................................................................ 4Feature Story ................................................................................................... 9Regimental HQ .................... Henry Kuniyuki .................................................. 12AT ....................................... Committee of Three................................ No NewsCannon ............................... John Mikasa ..................................................... 13Medics ................................ Oscar Tsukayama ............................................ 15Service ................................................................................................ No NewsHQ2 .................................... Okemura, et al .................................................. 17Easy ................................................................................................... No NewsFox...................................... Ron Oba .......................................................... 18George ................................................................................................ No NewsHowe................................... Yutaka Yoshida ....................................... No NewsHQ3 .................................... Satoru & Jane Shikasho ................................... 20Item..................................... Ed Yamasaki .................................................... 20King .................................... Eichi Oki................................................. No NewsLove .................................... Genro & Muriel Kashiwa ......................... No NewsMike .................................................................................................... No News522 Able .............................................................................................. No News522 Baker ............................ Ted & Fuku Tsukiyama ...................................... 24522 Charlie .......................................................................................... No News232 Eng/Band...................... M.Honda ................................................. No NewsKauai News ......................................................................................... No NewsMaui News........................... Charlie Takahashi. .................................. No NewsSons & Daughters ............... Gail Nishimura .................................................. 26Other News ................................................................................................... 27Announcements ............................................................................................ 29

VOL. 64, No. 3, April - June 2012Published Quarterly

EDITORIAL STAFFEditor ......................................................... Oscar TsukayamaEditor Emeritus ......................................................... Ron ObaProduction ........................................................ Claire MitaniPrinting ................................................... Edward Enterprises

Cover:

Go For Broke is the official bulletin of the 442nd Veterans Club. Contributors may submit reports to: Editor, Go ForBroke Bulletin, 933 Wiliwili Street, Honolulu, HI 96826; e-mail: 442veterans@hawaiiantel.net. Please submit reports onCD (saved in MS Word in Windows format) or email to 442 office. For more information, contact (808) 949-7997.Deadlines for 2012 submissions: April 2, July 2, October 5, January 7, 2013.

Top: National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific,Punchbowl (Mayor’s Memorial Service)

Bottom: Takamori Miyagi (left) and NoboruKawamoto (veterans of Regt. HQ) represent the 442nd

at the Governor’s Memorial Service, Hawaii StateVeterans Cemetery

Photos: Wayne Iha

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by Ron Obaby Ron Obaby Ron Obaby Ron Obaby Ron Oba

Gerome Villain was a 17-year-old teenagerin Bruyeres, France over 70 years ago. He stillremembers and emai l s , “We wi sh you awonderful Independence Day. Have a nice dayand take care.” After wearing a 442 shirt atthe Board of Directors meeting, I went to a storeand the salesgirl immediately said, “Oh, 442nd.”Every now and then we a re heaped wi thaccolades and whispers of “Thank You!!” For236 years, the Fourth of July has reminded usof what a great country we live in and that weare all equal. Colleen Hanabusa emails thatmany of us think that our best days are behindus. She doesn’t think so. High School teachers

invite us to speak to the students to remind andrekindle in their minds that there was a war onDecember 7, 1941. Their fathers, grandfathers,and uncles fought in WWII so that they canenjoy the freedom that they have. They are alsoreminded that Freedom is not free!! The 4th ofJuly is known as Independence Day.

Science Magazine states that scientistshave discovered through the cyclotron, theHiggs Boson or God Atom which is the genreof the beginning of humanity. What came first?The egg or the chicken or Lucy. This should beanswered soon through the Higgs Boson.Discovery is scientifically tremendous but it canbe scary since the past and future are essentiallythe same. So have a nice day!!!

Chevalier de la Legion d’HonneurThe Government of Frances wishes to

recognize all Americans who served in theliberation of France during World War II. Ifapproved, each veteran will be named FrenchKnight in the Order of the Legion of Honor(Chevalier de la Legion d’Honneur) approved bythe President of the French Republic on the 60th

Anniversary of D-Day. This award wasestablished by Napoleon in 1802.

Due to the large number of applicationssubmitted by U.S. veterans, the processing time isbetween 6 months to over a year. The FrenchEmbassy in Washington, DC, the FrenchConsulate General which has jurisdiction over yourplace of residence in the United States, and theFrench Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Paris areinvolved in the approval process

Any 442nd veteran in Hawaii interested inapplying for this French medal, please contact the442nd Veterans Club, 933 Wiliwili Street,Honolulu, HI 96826; ph: 808-949-7997; email:442veterans@hawaiiantel.net. A form will besent to you to complete. You will need to attach acopy of your honorable discharge certificate andyour separation paper (DD 214) to the form.Please send your completed form to the 442nd

Veterans Club. If you have any questions whilefilling out the form, please contact the Club forassistance.

Chevalier de la Legion d’Honneur The Government of France wishes torecognize al l Americans who served in theliberation of France during World War II. Ifapproved, each veteran will be named FrenchKnight in the Order of the Legion of Honor(ChevalierdelaLegiond’Honneur)approvedbythePresidentoftheFrenchRepubliconthe60thAnnive r s a r y o f D-Day. Th i s award wasestablishedbyNapoleonin1802.

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IN MEMORIAMDeepest sympathies to the families & friends of

the following:

DonationsMany thanks to the following for their generosity

and support.

442nd Veterans Club

Scholarship Donations

Go For Broke Bulletin

Daida, Sadamu (Medics) Apr. 9, 2012

Fujioka, Rikio (E Co.) Mar. 14, 2012Hamasaki, Haruichi James Mar. 12, 2012 (E/HQ Co.)

Hara, George A. (F Co.) Mar. 16, 2012

Harada, Minoru (I Co.) Apr. 13, 2012

Hisatomi, Kune (Anti-Tank) Mar. 17, 2012

Isara, Raymond Shigeru (Cannon) Feb. 11, 2012

Kawagoye, Dave T. (Anti-Tank) Mar. 11, 2012

Kishimoto, Iwao (100th D/I Co.) Apr. 19, 2012

Konno, Frank Shigeo (G Co.) Apr. 10, 2012

Kurihara, Frank H. (1399th/Cannon) Apr. 16, 2012

Kuwata, William Tadashi (3rd HQ) Apr. 7, 2012

Murakami, Hideo (F Co.) Apr. 21, 2012

Nakasone, Hideo (H Co.) Feb. 15, 2012

Nakata, Joe Hideo (F Co./MIS) Apr. 19, 2012

Namba, Kennie (L Co.) Mar. 5, 2012

Ota, Francis Toshinori (522A) Apr. 2, 2012

Saito, Takeo (G Co.) Apr. 14, 2012

Sekiya, Harry Takeki (RHQ/Service) Mar. 17, 2012

Suenishi, Yukio (2HQ) Mar. 12, 2012

Sugimoto, Kiyoshi “Kiyo” (H/MIS) Feb. 27, 2012

Takeda, Tokijiro “Tonky” (Anti-Tank) Feb. 19, 2012

Toma, Bill (Service) Mar. 10, 2012

Tomita, Frank Norito (I Co./MIS) Feb. 3, 2012

Tsukiji, John Suzuto (Anti-Tank) Mar. 15, 2012

Uyemura, Richard Shigeo (M Co.) Mar. 13, 2012

Watada, Richard S. (I Co.) Feb. 26, 2012

Yasuda, Chester Wasuke (K Co.) Mar. 21, 2012

William Thompson $100(In Memory of Johanna Gustafson)

Anonymous $100(IMO recent passing of K veterans)

Samuel Cluney $50

Waichi Kikuta $200(Donation for 69th Anniversary)

Toshikazu Okamoto $50

Tamio Otsu $200

Yukio Shinooka $80

Clinton Shiraishi $100

Mr. & Mrs. Yoshio Teruya $300(IMO James Oura & Robert Hirayama (K Co.)

Dr. Norman Ikari $100Clinton Shiraishi $100

Donations

Anonymous $100(IMO recent passing of K Co. veterans)

SamuelCluney $50WaichiKikuta $200(Donation for 69th Anniversary)

ToshikazuOkamoto $50(IMO James Oura & Robert Hirayama, K Co.)

TamioOtsu $200

YukioShinooka $80

ClintonShiraishi $100

Mr.&Mrs.YoshioTeruya $300

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by Oscar Tsukayamaby Oscar Tsukayamaby Oscar Tsukayamaby Oscar Tsukayamaby Oscar Tsukayama

Nisei Legacy Center by Wes DeguchiThe time has come to create a lasting tribute

to the World War II Nisei soldiers of the 100th

Infantry Battalion (100th), 442nd RegimentalCombat Team (442nd), the Military IntelligenceService (MIS) and the 1399th EngineerConstruction Battalion (1399th). Time isdecimating their ranks and some say this effort islong overdue.

Many people have dreamed for years of a wayto preserve the legacy of these World War IIAmericans of Japanese ancestry, more than halfof whom called Hawaii home. The Nisei LegacyCenter (NLC) will fulfi l l that dream. Sixorganizations – the 100th, 442nd, MIS, and 1399th

Veterans Clubs, and the 100th IB LegacyOrganization and the 442nd RCT Foundation –have joined forces for the Nisei Legacy Center toensure that the veterans’ sacrifices and servicesare never forgotten and that their stories andartifacts will be preserved and perpetuated withgreater efficiency and effectiveness.

The Nisei warriors have an important storyto share with America. Alongside their fellow U.S.citizens, the Nisei fought valiantly againstAmerica’s enemies. At the same time, they waged

another battle against distrust, racialdiscrimination and prejudice. The collectivewartime service of the Nisei soldiers and theirloyalty, bravery and sacrifice, changed attitudesabout race and citizenship in the United States andleft a poignant lesson about liberty. After the war,the Nisei veterans led Hawaii’s trans-formationfrom plantation paternalism to full equality andstatehood. These stories deserve to endure.

Currently, each organization has its owncollection of documents, artifacts and memorabiliaand as the veterans pass on, these collectionscontinue to grow. These priceless items need tobe preserved to teach future generations about thisimportant part of American history. The NiseiLegacy Center will serve as a single location wherethese items can be archived and made availablefor research.

The vision is to create a facility at theUniversity of Hawaii West Oahu Campus. Becauseeducation and research are major drivers behindthe Legacy Center, partnering with an institutionof higher learning is ideal. The veterans’organizations and the university will share in useof the facility and benefit from it. Faculty,students and the general public will be able to tapthe center’s resources.

If you share our goal of preserving the legacyof the Nisei and wish to support the efforts of theparticipating veteran organizations, please provideyour name, address, email address and phonenumber, in writing, to the 442nd Veterans Club,Attn: NLC Committee, 933 Wiliwili St., Honolulu,

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HI 96826. If you have family members, relativesand friends who are interested in and support thisproject, please include their names on your list.Your information will be used solely for the NiseiLegacy Center. Providing it at this time does notcommit you to anything beyond receiving moreinformation about the project as it progresses.

VVV: In Their Own WordsInformation for this article was obtained from “The

e Torch.”Steven Itano Wasserman, a documentary

filmmaker, conceived and produced a documentarywhich tells the story of the Varsity VictoryVolunteers (VVV) which he titled “VVV: In TheirOwn Words.” The film consists of interviews of10 former VVV veterans contained in the HanashiOral History Collections of the Go For BrokeNational Education Center as part of theireducation mission. As indicated by the title, theentire story is told through the voices of theveterans which Steven Wasserman fitted togetherfrom video clips of various interviews to tell thestory in a cohesive manner.

The film was premiered at the University ofHawaii at Manoa’s School of ArchitectureAuditorium on February 23, 2012 with about 200guests that included VVV Veterans, their familyand friends and community leaders. VVV survivorswho attended were: Masato Doi, Seichi “Champ”Ono, the Rev. Yoshiaki Fujitani, Akira Otani,Harry Tanaka, Takashi Kajihara, Saiji Zakimi andTed Tsukiyama. Christopher Rallustian, a JuniorROTC cadet from Farrington High School, whowas among the invited guests, commented, “Thatwas powerful,” after viewing the film.

Following the viewing, VVV veterans werepanelists in a lively question and answer sessionwith the audience that was moderated by BrianNiiya. Serving on the panel were: attorney, TedTsukiyama; former Intermediate Court of AppealsJudge, Harry Tanaka; former Circuit Court Judge,Masato Doi and former Hongwanji Bishop, theReverend Yoshiaki Fujitani.

UH-Manoa Chancellor, Virginia Hinshawsaid, “I am in awe of the grit and courage ofJapanese American membership of the UH ROTCwho were called to action after the attack on Pearl

VVV Veterans (beginning second from left): Masato Doi, Seichi “Champ” Ono, Rev. Yoshiaki Fujitani, Akira Otani, HarryTanaka, Takashi Kajihara, Saiji Zakimi, Ted TsukiyamaAt left is retired Air Force Reserve Lt. Col. Wally Hirai who was co-chair of the VVV Planning Committee and Master ofCeremonies for the evening’s program Photo: Wayne Iha

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Harbor to protect our community and soonafterward discharged, disarmed and called enemyaliens. They fought to form a labor unit – the VVV– and then fought their way into the army as the442nd Regimental Combat Team and then foughtwith great bravery throughout Europe and earnedtheir way into our history books.”

She topped off the evening by announcingthat the University of Hawaii will be conferringposthumous degrees to seven VVV members whowent on to serve with the 442nd but were killed inthe line of duty and never had the opportunitycomplete their education to earn their degrees. Thedegrees will be presented to their next of kin. Shesaid that, one of the goals of an educationalinstitution is for the students to enter to learn andgo forth to serve. The individuals may not havecompleted their UH studies but they earned theirdegrees in full by serving our nation withdistinction and paying the ultimate sacrifice.During ceremonies on May 14, 2012, inconjunction with the annual commissioningceremony for the ROTC, the seven VVV memberswere honored with the award of posthumousdegrees to their next of kin. They were: DanielBetsui- Hanapepe Kauai; Jenhatsu Chinen- Ewa,Oahu; Robert S. Murata- Honolulu, Oahu; GroverNagaji- Waipahu, Oahu; Akio Nishikawa-Paia,Maui; Horoichi Tomita-Wailuku, Maui; andHoward Urabe-Kapaa, Kauai.

Los Angeles Regional CongressionalGold Medal Celebration

Information for this article was obtained from the“The e Torch”

A deep layer of clouds provided the perfectsunshade as almost 1,800 veterans, their families,dignitaries and well-wishers gathered at the Go ForBroke Monument on June 9, 2012 for the LosAngeles Regional Congressional Gold MedalCeremony. Bronze Star Medals were presented to29 veterans and next of kin, and Congressional GoldMedal (CGM) replicas were presented to 160 veterans

and 139 widows and next of kin of Nisei soldierswho were killed in action.

Go For Broke National Education Centerpresident, George Nose, welcomed everyone notingthat, “Being a Sansei who greatly benefited from theirsacrifices, I am elated to see multiple generations offamily and friends who are paying tribute to thesemen today.”

In his keynote address, Major General (Ret.)Rodney Kobayashi noted, “I personally want to thankthe soldiers of the 100th Infantry Battalion, the 442nd

Regimental Combat Team and the MilitaryIntelligence Service for your sacrifice, yourdistinguished service, your valor and your courage.As you accept our appreciation for your service, yourepresent every soldier who served in yourdistinguished unit, especially those who are no longerwith us. You have set the bar for me and all thegenerations to follow; you are my heroes.”

Congressman Adam Schiff who introducedlegislation to nominate the Nisei soldiers for the CGMrecognition in 2008 and worked tirelessly to see thatthe legislation came to fruition was on hand to assistin the presentation of the CGM replicas to veterans.“I knew their story,” he said, “But it’s one thing toknow their story and yet another to meet these men– to get to know their quiet heroism, the self-effacinghumor, their wonderful genial personalities. To getto know them, convinced me that this was a storythat needed to be told and retold, and it needed tobe impressed upon a new generation of Americans.”He was joined by Representative Judy Chu, MaxineWaters and Lucille Roybala-Allard, as well as LosAngeles Council member Jan Perry as they handedeach veteran or surviving family member a bronzereplica of the Congressional Gold Medal.

Terry Shima Retires as JAVA Executive DirectorTerry Shima has announced his retirement as

Executive Director of the Japanese AmericanVeterans Association (JAVA). In his letter ofretirement, Shima said, eight years as ExecutiveDirector of JAVA and at age 89, I have decided it istime to relinquish my position and give another

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person a chance to take JAVA to a higher level. JAVApresident, Gerald Yamada, in reluctantly acceptinghis resignation, said, it comes as a sad realization toknow that Terry will no longer be our ExecutiveDirector. He announced that Terry will remain as amember of the Executive Council and that he hasagreed to chair the Education Committee and to helpJAVA’s digitalization project to the JAVA website.Terry continued as Executive Director until June 30,2012 to help with the transition to a new executivedirector.

Among his many accomplishments, Yamadapointed to Shima’s leadership in establishing aneducation out-reach program with DC area schooldistricts, the community and with governmententities; assisting in organizing the digitalizationprogram to copy the military records of 26,000 Niseisoldiers that are stored in the National Archives andRecords Administration; being a critical contributorin securing the Congressional Gold Medal Award andUS Army Bronze Star Awards for Nisei soldiers;fostering a viable relationship with the Departmentof Veterans Affairs which requested JAVA torepresent Asia Pacific veterans; and helping totransition JAVA from a World War II Nisei Veteransorganization to one with war veterans from WorldWar II to the present.

In the announcement that JAVA issued of hisretirement, Terry Shima wrote: “I wish to thank JAVApresidents and Executive Council members for theirconfidence, vision and support; the many volunteersfor their long hours, use of personal resources anddedication to get the job done; and the members atlarge for their dedication and support includingfinancial.” He also stated that he will cherish thestrong bonds of friendship with officials of variousveterans organizations, government entities andacademia, as well as with the editors of national,local and Asian press. He concludes with, “JAVAwould not be where we are today without yourunqualified support and good will - It has been a greatride.”

A Retirement Luncheon to honor Terry Shimawas held at the China Gardens Restaurant in Rosslyn,VA on July 25, 2012.

Volunteers Needed for Talk Story SessionsWith Members of the Community

President Ron Oba made an urgent request forvolunteers to give presentations, conduct questionand answer sessions or both to members of thecommunity to convey information about the 442nd

Regimental Combat Team. He says, he receivesfrequent requests from schools, organization andvarious community groups for such sessions so theycan learn more about the 442nd, but says, he cannotaccommodate all requests because he is about theonly one left to conduct these sessions. There is anurgent need for volunteers and says he will conducta workshop so volunteers may receive training onsubjects to be covered, training aids needed, etc.Please contact the 442nd Veterans Club, (949-7997),if you are able to help in this worthy project.

442nd Veterans Whose Company ofAssignment is Not Known

Roger Eaton, JA Living Legacy, who has themomentous job of maintaining the 100th, 442nd andMIS roster has sent us a list of 442nd veterans whosecompany of assignment is not known. He hasrequested that all veterans review the list to see ifthey know any of them and know what companythey were assigned to. If you do, please furnishinformation to the 442nd Veterans Club who in turnwill forward to Roger. (See page 8.)

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NAME HOMETOWN RANK DOB DOD WHERE NOTES

Akiyama, Henry I. (Dr.) OR, Hood River Pvt 18-Apr-27 9-Apr-10 AK, Juneau Ret. Sgt. 1948,Brother of Geoand Saburo

Isogawa, Hiroshi MI, Wayne Co. Sgt 23-Nov-25 Fresno CadreCp Shelby

Kiyomura, Takashi CA, Wilmington S/Sgt 13-Oct-17 28-Feb-09 HI, Honolulu Punchbowl, HI

Nishimura, James HI, Honolulu Pvt 29-Jun-22 12-Jan-95 HI, Kailua Hi St Vets Cem; Susumu VVV member

Abe, George Shigeo WA, Seattle LtCol 13-Dec-16 7-Aug-04 WA, Seattle Minidoka, IDAka, Yoshimori Roy Waikapu, Maui 18-Apr-22 OH, Cincinnati Bro.Ray in 442Aoyama, Isami Sam WA, Bellevue 2-Apr-23 1-Oct-98 WA, Spokane Tule Lake, CAArashiro, Matsuki HI, Kauai T/Sgt 8-Feb-13 18-Jan-86 HI, Honolulu Puncbowl, HI

Cadre ShelbyChinen, Hohan John HI, Wahiawa Pfc 9-Sep-22 13-Feb-99 HI, Wahiawa Mililani PkDoi, Jerry Shizuo HI, Honolulu Pfc 19-Nov-21 14-Jun-00 HI, Honolulu Punchbowl, HIHirose, Saboru Sam CA, Sacramento 22-Jul-16 5-Nov-95 CA, Walnut GroveIto, Koji HI, Wahiawa 17-Jan-23 26-Jun-10 HI, WahiawaKondo, Kiyoshi HI, Honolulu T/Sgt 23-Feb-23 9-Sep-95 HI, Honolulu Punchbowl, HIKono, Hideto HI, Kaümana Tec/3 11-May-22 2-Oct-04 HI, Honolulu Punchbowl, HIMihara, Kazuo HI, Hilo Pvt 20-Aug-17 7-Aug-08 HI, Honolulu Punchbowl, HIMiyake, Richard Kiyoto HI, Pa’auilo, HI Tec/5 22-Dec-18 3-Sep-98 HI, Honolulu Punchbowl, HIMori, Alfred HI, Kapa’a,Kauai S/Sgt 26-Feb-20 2-Apr-10 HI, Kapa’a,KauaiNozawa, William K. HI Pfc 10-May-05 6-Sep-97 HI, Honolulu Punchbowl, HIOhta, Kenneth Hiroshi MT, Park Co. T/Sgt 22-Oct-22 20-Apr-87 HI, Honolulu Punchbowl, HIOnuma, Norman Hisao HI, Hilo 20-Sep-24 11-Sep-09 HI, Hilo “Slim”Sugawara, Louie K. IL, Chicago 21-Mar-21 26-Aug-06 CA, SacramentoSuyehiro, Masato James CA, Chico 19-Jan-24 22-Aug-07 CA, San FranciscoTanaka, Katsuto HI Pfc 2-Sep-15 14-Mar-94 Jpn, Tokyo PB, HI; ElkRiver, MN 55330Tanda, Henry Hisao CA, Salinas 21-Oct-06 21-Dec-04 CA, Salinas Poston,AZ; enl.

Ft Sheridan , ILTeramoto, Charles Toshio HI Tec/5 18-Jan-16 27-Nov-78 HI, Honolulu Punchbowl, HIUjifusa, Howell “Howie” WY, Greybull 26-May-25 7-Jul-06 UT, Salt Lake CityYamaji, Hiroshi HI Pfc 1-Jul-21 16-Aug-49 HI Punchbowl, HIYamashita, Yuji Terr. of Hawaii Pfc 13-Oct-21 26-Aug-88 HI, Honolulu Punchbowl, HIYoshinaga, James Y. HI, Honolulu Cpl 26-Aug-21 18-Mar-98 HI, Honolulu Punchbowl, HI

Note: All have passed postwar except for Aka, Yoshimori Roy and Isogawa, Hiroshi who are assumed living.

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Feature Story

Seven 442nd Soldiers Awarded HonoraryDegrees by University of Hawaii, Manoa

On May 14, 2012, the University of Hawaiiawarded Honorary Degrees to seven 442nd combatsoldiers who died on the bloody battlefields ofEurope. These seven were:

Staff Sergeant Grover K. Nakaji was withCompany B of the 100th Battalion. He died in theaction to destroy an enemy tank when the 100th

Battalion captured the village of Survereto in theprovince of Tuscany, Italy, on June 26, 1944.Nakaji had trained with the 442nd in Camp Shelbyand volunteered with the first group of volunteersas replacement to the 100th Battalion.

Sergeant Howard M. Urabe of Company G,2nd Battalion. On July 4, 1944, during the fiercebattle at Hill 140, Urabe crawled through a bushyarea and destroyed a machine gun nest with a riflegrenade. He then cut down two enemy soldierswho sought to escape. Another machine gunturned its gun on Urabe. He silenced the machinegun nest by firing another rifle grenade. As hesought to continue his attack on the enemy, asniper brought him down. Urabe was awarded aSilver Star, posthumously, for his bravery.

Sergeant Jenhatsu Chinen of Company E, 2nd

Battalion, was killed by enemy artillery fire on July5, 1944, as the battle for Hill 140 raged on. The442nd fought the enemy in the Apennine mountainrange of Tuscany with the goal of capturingLivorno, a major Italian sea port on the LigurianSea.

Pfc Akio Nishikawa was a medic withCompany E, 2nd Battalion. The fight continuedbeyond Hill 140 and headed north towards theArno River. On July 11, 1944, at an observationpost-nicknamed the Pink OP – Pfc Nishikawawent to the aid of his wounded comrades despite

the artillery shelling. His comrades, according toRobert Nishikawa of E Company who waswounded, yelled to him to stay put as the enemyartillery kept falling in the area. With the words“Got to go,” Nishikawa rushed to aid thewounded. Shrapnel from an 88-mm artillery shellstruck Nishikawa in his stomach ending his life.For this action, Nishikawa received a Silver Star.Earlier during the battle at Hill 140, Nishikawaearned a Bronze Star. Both medals wereposthumously awarded.

Pfc Hiroichi Tomita was with F Company, 2nd

Battalion. The battle surrounding the Pink OPcontinued. On July 12, Tomita was a runner forhis platoon and had come to the Pink OP withcanteens to be filled with water for his comradeson the frontline. Several F Company men hadsought shelter in the Pink OP. Suddenly, an 88-mmshell, possibly from an SP weapon, crashed intothe Pink OP. Tomita and his buddy, Sgt. Iriguchi,were instantly killed. The canteens which Tomitawas carrying were scattered and witnessed by hisbuddies when they came back front the front.

Sergeant Daniel D. Betsui of the 232nd

Combat Engineers Company was attending atraining session on the characteristics of theGerman mines on August 2, 1944. The 442nd hadpushed the enemy back across the Arno River, adistance of about 50 miles in a month. The 442nd

was gearing up for its next assignment – Franceand the Vosges. Unexpectedly, most likely due tomislaying the detonators, a horrific explosionoccurred. Nearly a ton of explosives went offkilling 10 men instantly, one died later of wounds.Sergeant Betsui was one of the two 232nd men whovanished in the inferno of explosion.

Sergeant Robert S. Murata belonged to LCompany of the 3rd Battalion. In October of 1944,the 442nd was attached to the 36th Texas Division.On October 15, the 442nd was given the task ofdriving the enemy out of Bruyeres, a keytransportation center in the Vosges Mountains ofnortheastern France. This hard-fought battle was

by Bill Thompsonby Bill Thompsonby Bill Thompsonby Bill Thompsonby Bill Thompson

Staff Sergeant Grover K. Nakaji was withCompanyBofthe100thBattalion.Hediedintheaction to destroy an enemy tank when the 100thBattalion captured the village of Suvereto in theprovince of Tuscany, Italy, on June 26, 1944.Nakajihadtrainedwiththe442nd inCampShelbyand volunteered with the first group of volunteersasreplacementtothe100thBattalion.

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won in a bitter cold and wet weather in the forestsof the Vosges. The 3rd and 100th Battalions weregiven a rest period which was cut short as the 1st

Battalion of the 141st Alamo Regiment was trappedin the mountains above the vil lage of LaHoussiere. The 100th and the 3rd were ordered torescue the trapped “Lost Battalion” as it was nowcalled. They begun the task on October 25, 1944,and after a do-or-die effort, the 442nd reached thetrapped “Lost Battalion.” On October 29, Murataloss his life as tree bursts from artillery shells rainedshrapnel on those in the forest. He was mortallywounded and was evacuated to the field hospitalwhere he succumbed to his wounds. One day later,October 30, the 442nd reached the “Lost Battalion”and completed the rescue efforts. Murata had abrother, in I Company, 3rd Battalion, whounfortunately also fell to enemy fire on November5, 1944. There is an interesting note to these twobrothers who fell in battle. Their mother washonored when the 442nd Veterans Club dedicatedtheir Clubhouse on Saturday, July 23, 1949.

At the ROTC ceremony held on May 14,2012, at Kennedy Theater on the University ofHawaii campus, the honorary degrees werepresented to family members of the seven 442nd

who fell in battle:

Michael Nakaji, nephew, accepted for GroverNakaji; Elaine Tamura, sister, accepted forHoward Urabe; Bert Kami, nephew, accepted forJenhatsu Chinen; Alvin Abe, nephew, accepted forAkio Nishikawa; Lil l ian Matayoshi, sister,accepted for Hiroichi Tomita; Lani Stevens, niece,accepted for Daniel Betsui; and Sunao Murata,brother, accepted for Robert Murata.

Dr. Reed Dasenbrock,jVice Chancellor foracademic affairs at the UH Manoa campus presentedthe honorary degrees on behalf of the University.Major General Michael J. Terry was the guest speaker.LTC Kevin R, McKay, Professor of Military Scienceand head of the UH ROTC program, praised theformer ROTC cadets for their patriotic efforts. Itwas mentioned that thanks to the ROTC cadets whoanswered the call to duty on December 7, 1941, theUH ROTC is the only ROTC unit in nation to havea battle streamer on its guidon.

This story of the seven 442nd soldiers beganon December 7, 1941, when Pearl Harbor wasbombed by the Japanese naval forces. As membersof the ROTC program they were called out forduty and subsequently mobilized in the HawaiiTerritorial Guard. After six weeks, they and allothers of Japanese ancestry were “booted out” from

Photo: David Sullivan, UH ROTC, Photographer/Administrator

Dr. Reed Dasenbrock, Vice Chancellor foracademicaffairsattheUHManoacampuspresentedthe honorary degrees on behalf of the University.MajorGeneralMichaelJ.Terrywastheguestspeaker.LTCKevinR,McKay,ProfessorofMilitaryScienceand head of the UH ROTC program, praised theformer ROTC cadets for their patriotic efforts. ItwasmentionedthatthankstotheROTCcadetswhoansweredthecalltodutyonDecember7,1941,theUHROTCistheonlyROTCunitinnationtohaveabattlestreameronitsguidon.

Family members on stage to accept honorary degrees for VVV who died in WWII Photo: David Sullivan, UH ROTC, Photographer/Administrator

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the Guard with the explanation they were “EnemyAliens” as they were of Japanese ancestry. Toolate to finish their first semester and too late toenroll in the second semester, the former NiseiROTC cadets sought counsel from key figures inthe Territorial Morale Committee – Hung WaiChing and Shigeo Yoshida. They then petitionedthe Military Governor who accepted them on apara-military basis – no weapons – just as laborers.They became the Varsity Victory Volunteers(VVV). A year later, the Nation’s mood towardthe Japanese populace softened and they were nowaccepted for military service in the newlyauthorized 442nd Regimental Combat Team.

Following the end of the war, the veteransreturned home. John Tsukano wrote about the

VVV’s service in WWII in 1985. In 1991,testimony was given to the State Legislature onthe accomplishment of the VVV. RepresentativeDavid Ige took the lead in marshalling HouseConcurrent Resolution No. 193 through theSixteenth Legislature. This Resolution requestedthe University of Hawaii to honor the VVV witha commemorative marker. Bumpei Akaji, a 442nd

veteran received a commission to design theprincipal commemorative artwork honoring theVVV. This was completed and dedicated onFebruary 24, 1995.

Our thanks go to the two persons who pushedthis honorary degree convocation forward – AllenHoe, Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Armyand retired LTC Ed Gayagas, president of the UHArmy ROTC Alumni Association.

VVV Memorial artwork at University of Hawaii, Manoa VVV at work at Schofield Barracks

VVV report for duty at Schofield Barracks

Ourthanksgotothetwopersonswhopushedthis honorary degree convocation forward – AllenHoe, Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the ArmyandretiredCOLEdGayagas,presidentoftheUHArmyROTCAlumniAssociation.

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by Henry Kuniyukiby Henry Kuniyukiby Henry Kuniyukiby Henry Kuniyukiby Henry Kuniyuki

Kenneth Noboru Miyamoto’s 100th

“Adventurous SoulSeeking life’s guarded secretsFinds fountain of youth”

This quotation commemo-rates Kenneth Miyamoto’sattaining the glorious 100th

birthday! It was originallypenned by Dr. Andrew Hiroshi Kuniyuki upon hisGrandfather Tsuneji Takami’s similar 100th birthday.

Kenneth Miyamoto’s son and daughter, Bryanand Jessica hosted a grand birthday party for him onTuesday, June 12, 2012 at Tree Tops Restaurant,located at upper Manoa Valley. Seventy-three guests

participated at the gala affair. Chapter Historian,Henry Kuniyuki, served as the Master of Ceremony.The buffet dining began with the traditionalinvocation of “ITADAKI MASU.” The formal partybegan with Chapter President Noboru Kawamoto,assisted by Susan Takara, singing the Happy Birthdaysong with the entire audience participating. PresidentKawamoto then led the Chapter members andspouses with three BANZAI cheers. MC Kuniyukithen led all with the RAIHIN SHOKUN BANZAIFOR ALL THE GUESTS. Jessica Kozaki thankedall the guests for their participation. The party endedafter a group picture was taken by Jessica.

For the record, Kenneth Miyamoto’s life storyhas been published previously in the Go-for-BrokeBulletin’s October-December issue of 1998 andApril-June 2005. RHQ Chapter honored Kennethwith a $100 birthday gift.

“The greatest truths are the simplest and so arethe greatest men.” This profound quotationpersonifies Kenneth Miyamoto. Ruby Kawadacontributed this quotation by an unknown author.Mahalo Ruby!

Arrivederci!

Photo: Jessica Kozaki

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by John Mikasaby John Mikasaby John Mikasaby John Mikasaby John Mikasa

Cannon chapter held a meeting at the usualZippy’s Restaurant on June 20. Attendees were:Akira, Betty and Mark Takahashi; Mitsuo andEsther Umeda; Harold Nakasone; Akira Okamoto;John and Mary Mikasa; and May Koike. YukisadaOshiro had a conflicting schedule. It was apleasure to see May Koike, after her absence ofseveral months, looking so well.

Esther distributed the individual photos takena couple of months ago at the 442nd Hq. She alsoindicated that those Cannoneers who missedhaving their photos taken may still have anopportunity to get them, pending moreinformation.

Also on the agenda was a small, early bookletof the 442nd RCT, sent by Lillian Ito, widow ofCannoneer Bill Ito, who recently passed away. Thisbooklet is unique in that it has the signatures ofmany Cannoneers, taken overseas almost sevendecades ago. It must have been a prized mementoof Bill, who was a close friend of John Mikasa. Itwas decided that this booklet be forwarded to the442nd RCT Hq for its decision on its settlement,as it contains the original autographs of manyCannoneers who are no longer here.

Cannon Company ReunionRoger Yoshinari, our principal mainland

contact, provided the following on our annual LasVegas Reunion held in May.

The Annual Cannon Company Reunion washeld from May 3 to May 6 at the Fremont Hotel inLas Vegas. A total of 64 attended to continue thetradition that the Cannon Company has upheld forover 6 decades. Tsuka Murakami of Kauai,Tsutomu Okabayashi of Houston and FrankSugihara of Tustin (California) were the honoredguests. They were joined by Yukie Murakami, Sumi

Sugihara, May Nitta, Alice Ugai and YoshikoYamagata.

During the Reunion, there were 3 birthdays anda surprise party was held in the evening of Saturday,May 5. The cake and candles were for: May Nitta(May 6), Judi Murakami (May 4) and MannyKitagawa, Jr. (May 3). It was a fortunate coincidencefor the Reunion to be held at a time when thesebirthdays could be celebrated together.

One of the highlights was a “field trip” for asushi lunch at the Makino restaurant located in theLas Vegas Outlet Mall just over a mile from theFremont. After an exceptionally delicious meal,almost everyone took their time shopping for“souvenirs” at the wide range of shops in the mall.

We had a special guest this year. Bryan Yagi,who was in charge of the San Francisco Gold Medalceremony came to the reunion to rest after putting inmany long hours of preparation for the event heldon April 22. Bryan was invited by Jerry Gustafsonafter both of them visited for a couple of days lastfall recording Jerry’s account of his WWIIexperiences.

Thanks to Frank Sugihara and the family ofChuck Mayeda, we were able to select photos fromtheir collections to create a photo gallery in theHospitality Suite.

Special thanks to the volunteers who helped

Seated L-R: Alice Ugai, May Nitta and Tsuka MurakamiStanding L-R: Sumi Sugihara, Tsutomu Okabayashi, FrankSugihara, Yukie Murakami

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make this reunion another success. They are: AlanUgai (Norman Ugai’s son) for serving as treasurerand taking care of so many details in Las Vegas,before, during and after the reunion; JudiMurakami (Tuska & Yukie’s daughter) for her longdistance planning and for bringing the ripe Kauaipineapples that all of us enjoyed; Shirley Cassell(Tsutomu Okabayashi’s daughter) for bringing hernew camera and taking so many fine pictures andorganizing the family photos; Iris Yamagata (Gichi& Yoshiko Yamagata’s daughter) for being theRefreshment Coordinator and organizing the widevariety of snacks for the hospitality suite; Jesse

Kitagawa (Manny Kitagawa’s son) for schedulingthe hosts and hostesses for the hospitality suiteand making sure that someone was in charge whilethe hospitality suite was open; Chuck Mayeda, Jr.(Chuck Mayeda’s son) for following up on theRSVPs and maintaining the guest list. We alsothank Chuck and his wife Donna for researchingthe activities in Las Vegas and helping us find thebest “deals”; Vincent Kitagawa (Manny Kitagawa’sgrandson) and Elaine Enomoto (Mas Enomoto’sdaughter) for serving as carpool coordinators tomake sure that everyone had transportation for ourfield trip to the Makino restaurant. It’s due to

In front L to R: Donna Mayeda, Aleska Tarin, Lianna Padilla, Katrina Kitagawa and Alicia Kitagawa

Kneeling: Alan Ugai and Chuck Mayeda

Seated L to R: May Nitta, Yukie Murakami, Tsuka Murakami, Tsutomu Okabayashi, Frank Sugihara, Sumi Sugihara, Alice

Ugai, Xavier Tarin

Standing L to R: Bryan Yagi, Matt Nitta, Roger Yoshinari, Jackie Yoshinari, Anicia Kitagawa, Manuel Anthony Kitagawa,

Judi Murakami, Manny Kitagawa, Jr., Elaine Enomoto, Vincent Kitagawa, Rosie Ikeda, Mike Territo, Bryan Ugai, Joan

Nealon, Susan Ugai, Jack Nealon, Marlena Hazelitt, Charles Romero, Vickie Smollen, James Hazelitt, Mary Romero, Juliana

Kitagawa, Jesse Kitagawa, Hope Hazelitt, Kazmere Hazelitt, Manuel Tarin (hidden), Kajha Hazelitt, Virginia Kitagawa,

Alma Kitagawa, Shirley Cassell, Jimmy Kitagawa, Jonnie Walker and Jesse Kitagawa, Jr. (missing: Yoshiko Yamagata, Iris

Yamagata)

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by Oscar Tsukayamaby Oscar Tsukayamaby Oscar Tsukayamaby Oscar Tsukayamaby Oscar Tsukayama

Iris Fukui is Named Distinguished AlumnaDuring its annual membership meeting on

June 1, 2012, the UH College of Education AlumniAssociation (COEAA) honored Iris Fukui, widowof Medic Rodney Fukui, by presenting her withthe 2012 Distinguished Alumna Award. Iris wasadorned with leis and floral gifts as familymembers, relatives and friends offered messagesof congratulations. In her acceptance speech, Iristhanked her professors, her mentors and her manysupporters throughout her period of education andtraining and during her career as an educator. Theaward consists of a replica of an apple embeddedin a glass ball. It is said that when you slice anapple in half, you will find a star in its core andrecipients of this award are the stars in the apple.

Iris received her Bachelor of Education, herfifth year diploma and her Masters of Educationfrom the University of Hawaii. She served as anelementary school teacher and secondary schoolteacher and also served as an intern supervisor in

the Hawaii public schools system. Her experiencesalso included serving as a visiting AssistantProfessor of Education at the University ofHawaii and also as a mathematics instructor at theHonolulu Community College. To round out her30 years of valuable service to Hawaii’seducational system she served for three years asAssistant Dean of Instruction for Social Sciences,Auto Body, Automotive, Baking, Aviation,Carpentry, Electronics, Sheet Metal and Plastics,Welding and Apprenticeship Training at HonoluluCommunity College, and in her final year prior toretirement, served as Dean for EducationalServices at Windward Community College.

Iris has received numerous awards andrecognition which include: the National ScienceFoundation Academic Year Scholar, the JamesBryant Award for Excellence in High SchoolChemistry Teaching and the Stanford UniversityShell Merit Fellowship. She was also activelyinvolved in club, community and service activities.She served as the first president of the HawaiiScience Teachers’ Association; served asChairperson of the Honolulu Community CollegeFaculty Senate and after her retirement served asa volunteer for the Palliative Care Program, visitingand caring for patients who were confined at home.

everyone’s support and cooperation that we areable to continue the Cannon Company Reunionyear after year.

Sadly the death of Jerry Gustafson’s wife,Johanna, a week before the Reunion prevented himfrom being with us. As the Reunion began, wereceived news that Bill Ito of Pasadena had passedaway a week earlier. Our deepest sympathies go tothe Gustafson and Ito families.

Kauai CGM CeremonyOn May 30, 2012, the WWII veterans of the

100th Infantry Battalion, 442nd Regimental CombatTeam and Military Intelligence Service who live on

Kauai were honored at a Congressional Gold Medalceremony. The event, which included a luncheon,was held at the Kauai Veterans Center in Lihue.

About 400 attended the ceremony and about100 veterans and next of kin received the medal.Senator Daniel Inouye and Senator Daniel Akakawere also in attendance.

Many thanks to Turk Tokita for providing thisinformation.

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In making the presentation, the president ofCOEAA commented that a person’s worth ismeasured not in terms of his/her stature in societyor wealth accumulated; rather it is measured interms of his/her contributions to society and theimpact he/she has had on those he/she comes incontact with. Her contributions to Hawaii’seducational system and her services to thecommunity certainly exemplify her true worth. OurHeartiest Congratulations to Iris.

Gateball at Kohala, Big IslandJune 9 & 10, 2012by Millie Nakasone

The Hawaii members were very fortunate tohave been invited to a friendly Gateball Tournamentby the Kohala Gateball Club. There were playersfrom Hilo, Kauai and eleven players from Honolulu.It was a great turnout. We were all winners, but theprize winners of the tournament were: Hilo, #1;Ala Moana, Honolulu, #2; Kauai #3.

We left Honolulu on the first flight out onHawaiian Air to Kona, and then had a very long driveto Kohala. I kept thinking, “Will we ever get there!”Fortunately, the one long straight road with lava fieldson both sides was very smooth; straight with nobumps at all, so it was a pleasant ride.

The playing field was terrific, well-tended withnice thick grass, unlike our, hardly any grass court,at home. It took some adjusting on our hitting theball. This was once just a piece of property, unused,with nothing but weeds and shrubs. After muchnegotiating with the Mayors and officials of the BigIsland, led by Lucina, Gerritt Pasco and the membersof the Kohala Gateball Club, the corner piece of thepark at the County of Kohala was given to the Club.They worked hard and turned it into a beautiful two-court playing field, surrounded by tall pine trees. Thefield was dedicated in Memory of Gerritt Pasco, whohas, unfortunately, passed away after a short-suddenillness. Right next is the Kohala Makule Softball fieldand the ocean beyond. Such a nice peaceful place.

The original statue of King Kamehameha is inKohala. How impressive it is, no matter how manytime you see it! Let’s all stand tall like the King!

The people were ever so warm, great hospitality;we felt welcomed. They kept feeding us and at onepoint, I asked myself, am I here to play or eat.

Editor’s Note: Thank you Millie for your contributionto Medics Reports. Look forward to contributions from othermembers.

Tosh & Fumi Yasutake Opt for Full RetirementTosh wrote to say, “I’ll be 90 soon. It is time

to complete my projects at the lab and experiencefull retirement.” Besides, he says, both Fumi and

Grandson Mark Fukui congratulates grandma

Iris with coveted award

Iris gives acceptance speech

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by Okemura, et alby Okemura, et alby Okemura, et alby Okemura, et alby Okemura, et al

I are beginning to feel the aches and pains of aging,and, housework, cooking, yard work andmaintaining a home is getting to be a chore. So,he says, we have decided to move into a retirementcommunity in Seattle.

They have been going through all thememorabilia and sentimental belongings they haveaccumulated over the years; he says deciding whatto keep and what to let go of is a painful and time-consuming process. Target date for their move wasJune 15, 2012.

We hope to hear from them soon on what lifeis like in a retirement community.

DonationsThe Medics Chapter received a very generous

donation from Mrs. Tsutoe Taira in memory of herhusband, Wilfred Taira. We thank you verysincerely, Tsutoe, and look forward to yourcontinuing active participation in Medics Chapteractivities.

Rest in PeaceSadamu Daida of Lawai, Kauai died on April

9, 2012 at age 94. He was assigned to the 100th

Infantry Battalion as a medic. He is survived bytwo sons, Bruce Daida and Barry (Merle) Daida;four daughters, Gloria (Robert) Camp, Darlene(Richard) Daida-Martin, Joy (Keith) Faufata andSherry (Michael) Andrade; seven grandchildren andfour great-grandchildren.

Chiyoko Oguri Miyabara, widow of MedicCarl Miyabara and sister of Medic Toyokichi Oguripassed away on February 6, 2012 at age 88 inKailua, Oahu. She retired as a lab technician withHawaii Marine Biology and Kuakini Hospital. Shewas born in Brooklyn, N.Y. and is survived by sonTetsuo, a grandson and two sisters, Nanako Oguriand Teruko Kurashige. Chiyo was under full-timecaregiver assistance for the last few years.

As we were ready to go to press, we learnedthat Ben Shizuo Yamanaka (E Co. Medic) passedaway on July 14, 2012. More information will befurnished in the next issue.

Our Deepest Sympathy to the Daida,Miyabara and Yamanaka families.

Our Communications Officer, retired CaptWalter Mackey, wrote us that the Houston (Texas)Gold Medal Ceremony officials sent him the bronzereplica of the Congressional Gold Medal and a DVDof the event. The Houston CGM ceremony was heldon February 19, 2012, at the Intercontinental Hoteland included a dinner. Thanks to Gary Nakamura,President of the Houston JACL, arrangements weremade to accommodate Mackey’s request for the CGMby mail as Mackey is unable to travel and has noimmediate family members in the vicinity to representhim. Gary Nakamura asked Mackey for photos tobe displayed at the event and promised him that hewould be recognized for his role in the 442nd RCT.We offer our thanks to the Houston JACL for theirthoughtful and generous recognition of Mackey andthe veterans of the 442nd.

Mackey wrote us that viewing the DVD madeit seem as though he and Winnie were at the CGMceremony. As a footnote, Mackey wrote that formerCongressman Armey, a power in the House, presentedhim with an American flag that was flown over theUS Capitol in recognition of Mackey’s role with the442nd.

We apologize for not reporting on the passingof Richard T. Nakamura in the excitement over theDecember 17, CGM ceremony held at the HawaiiConvention Center. Richard passed away on January3, 2012. Richard, our popular mail clerk, could kindlespirits high when he would announce “Mail Call!”How we all looked forward to receiving letters andpackages from home. Richard has the distinction ofcapturing a German soldier – who else in ourheadquarters company could make that statement?It was in Italy during a trip between our headquartersand the regimental headquarters that Richardencountered a solitary German soldier and turnedhim in to our staff officers. Many of us remember

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asking Richard, as our talented mail clerk, to sendhome to us souvenirs we couldn’t carry home.

Richard was a most nonchalant person – he tookeverything in stride seemingly without a care. Hehad a penchant for wandering off. On visits to citieswe had captured, he would stroll off on his own muchto the dismay of his buddies. This habit or addictionseemed to carry on after he was discharged. On tripsto the neighbor islands or at veteran functions, hewould wander-off much to the anxiety of his buddies.

Everyone would spend time searching for him. Atour 2011 Mother’s Day luncheon, we knew thatsomeone would pick him up after lunch. What asurprise when we got phone calls 4 hours later askingif we knew where he went. Ah yes, that was Richard– just strolling off without a care in the world.

Richard and Margie would spent much of theirtime baby-sitting. No wonder their grandchildrenrevere his memory. We offer our sincere wishes ofsympathy to Margie and family.

by Ron Obaby Ron Obaby Ron Obaby Ron Obaby Ron Oba

Memorial DayPuowaina, PunchbowlVeterans interred

Our venue for the Friday meeting was at theLikelike Drive Inn since we were preempted byZippy’s. The crispy Belgian Waffle was just thebreakfast I needed. This time the waitress did notplace a heaping scoop of ice cream andstrawberries on the waffle. No matter, it wasdelicious with lots of butter. George called themeeting to order and commented on the MemorialDay service at the National Cemetery of the Pacificof “Puowaina,” the Hill of Sacrifice. Do youremember that Memorial Day was originally calledDecoration Day? Richard does a good job innotifying everyone of our change of venue;otherwise we will be attending meetings on thewrong days like someone I used to know.

The four units: 100/442/MIS/1399,presented the wreath carried by a cemetery worker.We should have been the ones carrying the wreathlike in the past. We just followed the cemeteryworker with the wreath. No make sense!! In thepast we had a Speakers Guild where veterans

volunteered to speak at venues like schools,associations and clubs. Ed Ichiyama and DonShimazu were a few of them but the veterans arediminishing and it is getting harder to find someonewilling to go to schools and impart our wartimestories, especially to the young children. So I wentto Schofield Barracks to talk to 300 soldiers whowere interested in the exploits of the 442nd duringWWII. The soldiers asked several questionsregarding Niseis as American Soldiers fighting inItaly and France. They were surprised that we notonly overcame prejudice and proved our loyalty,but fought as brave, courageous soldiers as anyother American soldier.

Yesterday I got a call from Barbara Watanabeto speak at the Pearl City High School – so again,I will talk with the students. I wish someone elsewith a new perspective would go and talk with thestudents. Herb Yanamura gives a good speech, heshould go.

Yes, I can see well but not better than before.I had an eye surgery for a scar tissue on my retinaand a hole through my eyeball and through theAqueous Humor. I asked the Doc how come ascar on my retina and he said it was just “old age.”Ha! My friend, Ken Nakada, ganbare, iscelebrating his 93rd birthday and still golfs at theMoanalua Country Club. Michi and I also golfevery Tuesday. What a life. Golf, eat, s— and

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sleep every day. There are only two things thatare constant – taxes and death. Everyone needs alittle exercise to keep fit. Another S&D, WadeWasano, had a heart attack with three cloggedarteries. Maybe open heart surgery. Today, doctorsperform miracles to keep you alive!! Take aspirin81 mg., cholesterol pill and high blood pressurepill to keep you healthy. Don’t tell the doctor howto prescribe!!

Michi went to Japan for 2 weeks and left mecooking my own meals. But no matter, I buy myfoods at the Dim Sum Chinese restaurant. TheBamboo Restaurant where they serve spicy tunais the best. Junior and family were there when ourfamily arrived for their spicy tuna, sashimi and kalbi. Ruth still does tax returns for the Chinesebusiness firms in Chinatown. She is a valuableasset and the Chinese owners don’t want her toleave. Can she speak Chinese? I think not. Ruthalso volunteers at Pali Momi Hospital everyWednesday. Wow, when does she find time toherself? And Junior? He does the driving andtakes his son for therapy and a relative for bi-weekly dialysis.

Well, I guess I shall visit Dr. Atebara (potatochips factory in Hilo) for my final visit since theswelling of my eyeball is shrinking. My three Rxeye drops are almost gone and they come from themainland and not Hawaii. Weird.

Christine Sato-Yamazaki is coming to theBishop Museum for the tour of the CongressionalGold Medal celebration. I don’t know about youbut we already had a big celebration at the HawaiiConvention Center where about 600 veterans andfamilies attended. Veterans who raised their handswere given a replica of the 3-inch CongressionalGold Medal in a case. These CGM were solicitedby Mrs. Tammy Kubo, Adj. Gen. Robert GF Lee,Barbara Tanabe and others. Christine also assumesthat the 442 is a member of the NVN but BillThompson, past president, and I do not recall everjoining the NVN as members. The trip to Hawaiiwill cost at least $5,000. Who’s going to pay for

it? I signed a letter that Bill wrote stating that weare not members of the NVN.

Mr. Kazuhiro Tanabe of the Japan HighSchool Baseball Federation came on June 14, 15for a visit and omairi at the National Cemetery ofthe Pacific. The 442 was the lead organizationfor the Japan-Hawaii All-Star baseball series.However, we couldn’t get enough 442 membersto be Home Stay families so the Oahu AthleticDirectors of our high schools took over and Mrs.Lillian Yonamine (Masa) coordinated the home andhome events with Mr. Tanabe. Because of theJapan earthquake and subsequent tsunami, Mr.Tanabe was hesitant in coming. I spoke with theUeda Nishi all-girls High School from Japan thatcame in November of each year and they also didnot come. The Japanese as a whole maintains itsNational creed of sticking together – gummy –therefore; other prominent dignitaries will notcelebrate an event. The Japan Consul General ofHawaii declined to attend our Anniversary Banquetin March because of the disaster. However, KenNakada invited Michi and me to celebrate his 93rd

birthday, Ganbare, on June 16, 2012 in Manoa ata gated facility. Ocean Miyake made 100 years.Dr. Yutaka Yoshida who is 99 years old is tryingto catch up with Ocean. How fast do you have togo to catch up? Faster than sound? No, light at186,000 (in vacuum) miles per second (Thanks,Jim).

We will be back at Zippy’s for our monthlymeetings on June 15 but I will leave early to pickup Michi at JAL from Japan. Wow, it will be goodto have somebody else cook my meals.

Sick CallThe Shimogakis informed us that their cousin,

Paul Yamashita, is now in a hospice facility.

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by Jane Shikashoby Jane Shikashoby Jane Shikashoby Jane Shikashoby Jane Shikasho

Sam and Harumi Furuya recently traveled toattend the graduation of their granddaughter fromthe Pacific University in Forest Grove, Oregon.

We are glad to hear that Janet Matsuda isrecovering nicely from her second hip surgery atStraub Hospital and a brief stay at the MaunalaniRehab Center. We hope to see her soon at ourmeetings.

Our Chapter lost anothermember, William TadashiKuwata, who passed away onApril 7, 2012. He was 90 yearsold. Services were held at theHonpa Hongwanji Church onApril 27, 2012. He is survivedby his wife Yaeko, 3 sons –Wayne, Stacy and Clive, 8grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Bill was confined in a care home for over 3 yearsafter suffering from a fall at home, but was last seenat the Gold Medal presentation banquet in Decemberin a wheelchair. He was with the 3rd HeadquartersA&P Platoon.

by Ed Yamasakiby Ed Yamasakiby Ed Yamasakiby Ed Yamasakiby Ed Yamasaki

Norwest by Louise Kashino-TakisakiWhile the rest of the country was suffering

from three-digit temperatures, floods and ragingwildfires, we’ve been blessed with perfect weatherin Seattle, just in time to greet the delegatescoming to the National JACL convention in ourbeautiful city. Our summer took a long, long timecoming, but one day of a perfect Seattle day isequivalent to a month of “not so perfect.”

Don’t have much news about the I Co. boysin the Seattle area, so maybe I should share somenews of what is going on at our NVC/NVCF club.At the end of March, we hosted Dan Inouye andhis wife, Irene Hirano, for an informal luncheonat the clubhouse. We had promised to keep it to alimited audience and was glad to see Dan relaxwhile meeting with some key members. One thingwhich impressed us was the security that is withhim wherever he travels. We have to really feel

honored to get some time with such a prominentsenator who is one of our own.

In May, I went on a trip to Japan with mydaughter, Bev. She works for the YMCA and wasone of a team for a Goodwill trip to visit the JapanYMCAs, so she invited me to join the group.Figuring this may be my last opportunity to takean international trip, it didn’t take me long toconsider the offer. I sure found out that I’m outof condition, or is it my age? Anyhow, we visitedTokyo, Kobe and Kyoto, where we stayed at aryokan. That was the most impressive highlightfor Bev, I think. The best part of my trip washaving the opportunity to see all of my cousins;one came all the way from Shodo-shima to be withus. We have been fortunate enough to stay intouch, and they love coming to America.

In June, I went on a Minidoka Pilgrimage tosouthern Idaho, the location where we wereincarcerated after the start of WWII. With grantsfrom the National Parks Department, they haveslowly tried to add replicas of the originalbarracks. Last year they had re-created the HonorRoll bulletin board which lists all those who hadgone into the Army from Minidoka, including myhusband Shiro. It is emotional to look at the listsince so many of the boys did not come back.

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They always have a symposium at the SouthernIdaho University for teachers and students, as wellas those participating in the Pilgrimage. This yearthe theme was “Children of the Camps,” whichdealt with how the evacuation affected thechildren. It sure gives you food for thought.

On July 4th, we were honored to have theJapan ambassador to Washington, D.C. tour ourNisei Veterans Committee facility. AmbassadorFujisaki, en route to Japan, stopped in Seattle toaddress the delegates at the National JACLconvention, as well as to visit the NVC. HisHonor seemed to have enjoyed his conversationswith the elderly veterans and attempted to answersome tough questions the boys shot at him. Duringthe convention, NVC and NVCF were presentedthe Japanese American Biennium Award which wasquite a recognition and honor for our club.

Kim Muromoto was at the Ambassador’sreception and is looking well as ever. GeorgeMurakami is also faring quite well, and we will belooking forward to the corn he usually sharesduring the summer.

As our health becomes more fragile, pleasebe careful and take extra care of yourselves. Tillthe next time….

Socal by Marian YamashitaGreetings from Southern California! I

Company Club here has not held many events thisyear—mainly because of old age and many beingunable to go any distance anymore. But wemanage to keep in touch.

On May 18th, jointly with JA Living Legacy,I Company members celebrated Mother’s andFather’s Day at a luncheon held at the LoftRestaurant in Torrance. Attending were: DorothyDavenport with her children, Danny & Marla; RoseIkuta with daughter Elaine Tominaga; BeaMatsumura; Richard and Sumi Tochihara; Jim andMarian Yamashita with grandkids, AshleyYamashita, Kate Hawkins, Derek Hawkins and hisguest Briana Bejarano.

Attending from JA Living Legacy were:Russell and Barbara Shoho, Ray and SusanUyemura, Lance Shoho, Natalia Yamashiro

Chogyoji, Sharon Tani and guest KristenSchlosser. Other guests included Peggy Mizumoto,Aileen Kozaki, Mr. and Mrs. Roger Yoshinari(Cannon Company).

We were pleased to have Art/Teri IwasakiScholarship recipient, Michael Moriyama, andmother Kari Lynn present. He was very friendlyand appreciative of the scholarship and will beentering Cal Poly, Pomona in the fall. And we werehonored by the presence of Judge VincentOkamoto, highest decorated JA veteran of theVietnam War.

Featured during the event was thepresentation of the Congressional Gold Medal tothose I Co. veterans, widows and representativesof I Co. veterans who were not able to attend theD.C. presentation ceremony. The medals weremade available through our friend Ron Yamada.

As in other regions, the CGM presentationwas a big and moving event for us here in LA. Itwas held outdoors at the site of the Go For BrokeMonument. The weather was perfect and theprogram was very impressive with thousands inattendance. Hats off to all who were involved inplanning and presenting the event!

Recently, a book called Proud To Serve waspublished by Rafu Shimpo and Japanese AmericanLiving Legacy. The book lists the names of thosewho served in 100th, 442nd, MIS and other unitsof WWII, as compiled by the Echoes of Silenceproject of AJA WWII Memorial Alliance. Thebook is very comprehensive, with never-told-before stories—a “must-have” for every householdof Japanese descent!

The timing of the book publication was suchthat Jim and Marian were able to hand-deliver thecopies ordered by Masa and Helen Nakamura ofHonolulu. They were attending the graduation oftheir grandson, Evan, from nearby Cal Poly,Pomona. Since Evan plans to seek employmentin Southern California, it is likely that we will beseeing him again. Masa and Helen looked veryhealthy and well enough to work in their nursery.Accompanying them were their daughter, CharleneLeong and her husband. They also have a daughter,

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Alisha, attending a college in San Francisco, closerto their residence in Sunnyvale.

Jim and Marian have two granddaughters whograduated from University of California, Irvine inJune. Ashley Yamashita, recently orphaned withthe loss of her father, our son Glen, has appliedfor internship at the University Of CaliforniaHospital in Orange; her cousin, Kate Hawkins willbe winging her way to China to pursue her master’sdegree while teaching English to Chinesestudents. Currently, she is taking a crash coursewith others with similar goals. Although her familyand we as grandparents will miss her a lot, it willbe an invaluable experience for her, and she willcome back with many wonderful memories andhopefully a masters degree.

Had a note from Frank Shimada stating thathe is doing OK for “an old man,” but he found outthat Shig Doi had a mild heart attack as he andYoshiko were making plans to go to Japan withtheir daughter and son-in-law. With the approvalof Shig’s cardiologist, they were able to take thetrip as planned. Although everything wasexpensive, the trip was very enjoyable. Shig hopeshe can do it again.

Honolulu by Eddie YamasakiMits Oshiro, who is doing well (still drives)

in Waipahu, credits his good health at 92 to twentyminutes of daily exercise at home. He started thisroutine on advice of rehab trainers who helpedhim recover from a left kneecap replacement. Mitssays that these daily workouts relieved him ofsleepless nights caused by his painful knee.

Mits noted that the count of I Company vetsliving in the Oahu countryside has gotten so low;missed are the likes of the “rural gang,” such asKazuma Oyama, Kiyoshi Nakagawa, Seij iNakahara,Larry Ishikawa, Koppe Yamamoto, allof Wahiawa; Walter Watanabe and Mutt Sakumotoof Waialua; Alan Tanaka of Mililani; and BlackieShinozawa of Waipahu.

Dane Sakaida has gone through some majorsurgeries: right hip replacement two years ago, aback nerve operation a few months ago, and left

hip replacement in June. We pray for his earlyreturn to a sense of normalcy.

Your chapter reporter spent nearly twomonths in Japan, visiting and being completelyspoiled by his son, with wife and their kids inTokyo, and by his daughter, with husband and theirtwo kids in Nagasaki. The latter is a pleasant cityof 400,000, set in the midst of small, verdant hills.An unforgettable experience was a moving,sobering visit to the Peace Park, a large circularexpanse of grass, at the center of which is amonument, located at the hypocenter of theatomic bomb.

Another highlight was a reunion luncheon inTokyo with seven Doshisha University graduateswho were under my wing in 1951.

Sad NewsIwao Kishimoto of HonoluluDied on April 18, 2012

Iwao’s wife, Yaeko, says that retired generalcontractor Iwao, 89, had a heart by-pass operationten years ago and had since lived with a pacemaker.

Kainalu-born Iwao joined I Company in timefor the final Po Valley campaign, as a member ofthe last replacement group. Active Item Chaptermembers have no recollection of his having joinedin any of our activities.

Married to Iwao for 61 years, Yaeko nowexpects to live alone in her home, taking comfortin having daughter Carol Ogawawara as a next-door neighbor.

Besides Yaeko and Carol, Iwao leaves behindsons, Alvin and Walter, another daughter LindaNakayama, brothers Hideyoshi, Toshiyasu, andCharles, and seven grandchildren.

Esther Yurie Hajiro of Waipahu, OahuDied on May 12, 2012 at age 92.

As in the case of his father Barney, Glennspent most of the last few days of Esther’s life ather bedside. She experienced discomfort withinability to keep her throat clear of phlegm; sheeven lost her speaking ability. She was diagnosedas having liver cancer and e-coli infection.

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Esther will be remembered as the ever-cheerful wahine who oozed contentment with life.“Never a discouraging word” came from her. Asher grandson Ian said at the celebration of her life,“She would even hold up her hands, saying, ‘I havegood energy.’” She also liked the word ki, as wellas saying, “Going to live to be 100.”

During her last two years at Palolo ChineseHome, an assisted living facility, and her last twoyears at a private care home in Pearl City, shewelcomed visitors, often showing and giving awayher handiwork, such as bead bracelets or paperswith crayon colorings of images of nature and/orgeometric designs.

Esther is survived by son Glenn and his wife,Frieda, and grandson Ian; three sisters: Suzie Hara,Judith Tateishi, and Lorraine Davis; and twobrothers: Kenji and Stanley Yamada.

We are unhappy to report that Frieda suffereda stroke in early June. Fortunately, it was a mildone: her right side was partially paralyzed and herspeech somewhat impaired. Rehab therapy isexpected to improve her condition.

We pray for a rapid return to normalcy.

Nick Yasumitsu Nakano of Gardena, CANovember 25, 1923 - June 10, 2012

I Company’s And Then There Were Eight bookshows Nick received the Combat Infantryman’sBadge, likely for participating in the final Po Valleycampaign.

He is survived by his wife, Etsuko; children,Arleen Miya, and Gary (Sheri), David (Lori), Patsyand Dr. Mark (Julie) Nakano; 10 grandchildren; 3great-grandchildren; siblings, Haruye Nagatoishi,Jack (Vicki) Nakano, Louise Taketaya, and Henry(Yaeko) Nakano; nieces, nephews and otherrelatives. Henry “Hank” Hashiguchi of La Mesa, CAMarch 21, 1923 - June 26, 2012

The following was excerpted from the Socalreport:

“Those remembering Hank Hashiguchi ashaving survived a bullet wound through his neckduring the last push in Italy will be shocked to

learn that he was killed by a runaway car when itcrashed into the nursing home where he wasstaying. Such a horrible way to go – our thoughtsand sympathies go to the surviving children.”

Hank, having volunteered for the 442 RCTout of Poston, AZ Internment Camp, served as arifleman. He first received shrapnel wounds duringa battle in France in October 1944 and then theabove-mentioned bullet wound.

Upon return to San Diego from the Europeanwar, he married Mollie Uyeji, with whom he hadtwo children. He worked as a mechanical engineerfor Solar Turbines.

His daughter, Donna West of Boulder, CO,spoke of how “proud” he was “of all the Japanese-Americans, how hard they fought.” She believedthat “... the happiest day of his life was when hereceived the Congressional Gold Medal” at theaward ceremony recently held at the Crowne PlazaHotel in Mission Valley. “He kept saying, ‘I can’tbelieve it, it’s so wonderful.’ He was so proud tobe an American.”

Shuji Taketomo of Gardena, CADecember 16, 1916 - July 8, 2012

More on Shuji in the next Bulletin. Please readhis detailed account of army life in And Then ThereWere Eight.

We had understood that he and Chiye werehaving some health problems. We are saddenedby Shuji’s passing; we pray for Chiye’s well-being.

To the family and friends of Item vets, Iwao,Nick, Hank, and Shuji, and of widow Esther, weextend our Aloha Pumehana.

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by Ted & Fuku Tsukiyamaby Ted & Fuku Tsukiyamaby Ted & Fuku Tsukiyamaby Ted & Fuku Tsukiyamaby Ted & Fuku Tsukiyama

The 522B Chapter meeting on June 20, 2012featured UH Professor Kevin Kawamoto, agerontology specialist, who spoke on ageing andthe problems of ageing, followed up with a writtenarticle on the subject which should be of interestto the general 442nd membership.

Nisei Veterans Still Come Togetherfor Fellowshipby Kevin Kawamoto

I had the privilege of giving a talk to a groupof World War II veterans of the 522nd FieldArtillery unit, their spouses (and in some caseswidows) as well as a few caregivers on June 20when this distinguished group gathered for one oftheir regular luncheons at the Tree Tops Restaurantin Manoa Valley.

It is always great to see older veteranscontinuing to socialize with their old buddies, andhaving their family members join them whenpossible. Research in gerontology frequentlyproclaims the importance of remaining sociallyengaged as we grow older. World War II Americanveterans of Japanese ancestry have beenparticularly good about setting up clubs andorganizations to ensure long-term association witheach other. The fact that some of these clubs andorganizations are still meeting 67 years after theend of World War II is a testament to the bondsof friendship and mutual caring forged in times ofwar and its aftermath. Some researchers havesuggested that the strong post-war camaraderie ofWorld War II veterans has helped them readjust ina healthy way to civilian life.

AJA veterans of World War II have left anindelible mark on the history of Hawaii and ofthe United States in general. The veterans don’tcall attention to themselves, but fortunately those

who appreciate their loyalty, patriotism andsacrifices have kept their stories alive for almostseven decades now. I hope by now the veteransknow that they will always be remembered evenlong after they are gone. Younger generations willkeep future generations informed about the heroiccontributions of our Nisei soldiers during WorldWar II and beyond, when many went on to continueto serve their communities in times of peacethrough public or civil service, business, law,education, culture, and in other ways.

When you look at old photos of the veterans,when they were young men serving their country,they always appear full of vitality, even when theyare resting. So many of these soldiers fought inconditions that we younger folks can only imagine;you probably had to be there to really know whatit was like. They saw war up close and personal,and they know that, in war, not everyone will returnhome alive.

But these veterans did return home, and thenthey reintegrated into society and becameproductive citizens. Many became parents andlater grandparents, perhaps even great-grandparents.

I mentioned to the group that I becameinterested in gerontology because of the closerelationship that I had with older adults when Iwas a child, beginning with my grandparents wholived in the same household with me. Iexperienced life in a multigenerational household,and saw what it means to provide care to an olderperson who needed help to maintain quality of life.If it weren’t for our family caregivers, our supportsystem for older adults with special care needswould collapse. The government certainly cannotprovide that level of care for so many people. Atthe gathering, some veterans were accompaniedby their caregivers. They aren’t alone. Last year,an AARP report found that in Hawaii 247,000people provide unpaid care valued at almost $2billion.

As anyone who has done it knows, care-giving can be extremely stressful. That’s wherethe term “caregiver burden” comes from, and thereare questionnaires that are used by health care

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professionals these days that attempt to measurehow much stress a caregiver is under. It’s importantto pay attention to caregiver stress because weknow that prolonged stress can lead to mental andphysical illness, or worsen existing conditions.However, it should also be noted that being a carerecipient – i.e., someone who receives care – canalso be stressful. The change in roles may takesome adjustment and create conflict. For example,if the caregiver – e.g., an adult son or daughter –starts telling a care recipient – e.g., an aging parent– what to do all the time, as if ordering around achild, the relationship can become strained andfrustrating. What the older person may hear allthe time is “Don’t do this!” or “Don’t eat that!” or“Why did you do that?” or “Why don’t you this?”That’s not a pleasant living environment foranyone. An older person who has been livingindependently for a long time may find it verystressful to have someone trying to run his or herlife, even though the caregiver may just be tryingto help.

It may take a while for some family membersto figure out how to be a caregiver and a carerecipient in a way that is respectful of each other.Just because people need and love each otherdoesn’t mean things will always go smoothly. Butit’s important, I think, not to constantly argue andsay things that will be difficult to take back later.Someone has to step back and say I’m not goingto argue right now, even if I know I’m right,because it’s not worth escalating this conflict. I’lldeal with this when things calm down. Whenpeople argue, it’s like they are turning up thevolume on a radio. One person turns up thevolume, and then the other person turns up thevolume even louder, and they keep trying to one-up the other person in terms of volume. At somepoint, one of them just needs to say, “I’m not goingto keep turning up my volume” and then walk awayfor a while. It’s not giving up; it’s just postponingthe discussion for later.

When it comes to arguing with someone whohas dementia, that’s another story. A person whohas dementia may be confused about a lot of things– getting names, dates, places and other

information wrong. What does it matter? In thedocumentary film, “Complaints of a DutifulDaughter,” the dutiful daughter finally comes to arealization that it is pointless to argue with hermother who has dementia and gets a lot ofinformation mixed up. For example, the mothersaid that her daughter was her sorority sister incollege. The daughter realized it was much easiernot to argue and to simply change the subject.After all, her mother wasn’t intentionally trying tobe confusing; it was the result of her dementia.No amount of arguing was going to stop or reversethe dementia. After that, both mother and daughterwere happier.

So there are things that can be done to reducestress. We’ve all had to deal with ups and downsin our lives. What have we done to survive thedowns? What resources or activities did we turnto during times when we’ve had physical, mentalor even spiritual challenges? Those are ourstrengths, and if we can identify our “dependablestrengths” from the past, we may be able to applythem to our current or future challenges. For somepeople a dependable strength may be spiritual innature – turning to a higher power for consolationand hope; for others it may be meditation, music,exercise, writing, volunteering, reading, gardening,confiding in a friend, getting psychotherapy, takingcare of a pet, travel, playing golf, going fishing,doing artwork or even belting out an enka numberat a favorite karaoke spot. Whatever works!

One of the things older people often worryabout is their memory. Memory lapses trigger fearsabout Alzheimer’s disease, and most of us knowsomeone or more than one person who has hadAlzheimer’s disease. But memory problems don’tnecessarily mean a person has Alzheimer’s disease.It may be normal age-related memory decline (e.g.,misplacing keys or forgetting a name of someoneyou haven’t seen in a while), or associated withmany other things such as lack of sleep, medicationside effects, poor nutrition, depression and so forth.A physician can order tests to determine whethermemory problems are related to dementia orsomething else. If there is a serious cause for

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memory problems, such as Alzheimer’s disease,it’s best to catch it early of course.

Looking at a cohort of people around thesame age range provides some insight into thenotion that everyone ages differently. Somepeople in their 80s need a lot of assistance,while others are more independent. Regardlessof what age a person is, it is always good tostart planning for future long-term care needs.Know what resources are out there before youneed them. The most difficult time to plan forlong-term care is during a crisis.

You’ve probably heard of the tips for healthyaging before: Good nutrition, exercise, keep yourmind active, good health care, positive attitude,manage stress well, take up enjoyable hobbies –and maintain social ties. One of the great thingsabout veterans clubs and organizations is that theyenable the maintenance of social ties. Maybe forsome it’s a little more difficult now to get out, buteven if it’s just a few times a year, that’s something.

The 552nd Field Artillery unit was a partof the famed 442nd Regimental Combat Team.What these men did and experienced duringWorld War II are now legendary. We also knowtoday of the important work done by the

by Gail Nishimuraby Gail Nishimuraby Gail Nishimuraby Gail Nishimuraby Gail Nishimura

Military Intelligence Service, where thousandsof AJAs se r ved a s l ingui s t s and he lpedtranslate, interpret and decipher in support ofthe U.S. war effort. We younger Americans ofJapanese ancestry would not have theopportunities we enjoy today if these Nisei soldiersdid not put their lives on the line at such a turbulenttime in our social history. When Fuku Tsukiyama,whose husband Ted served with the MIS, asked ifI would come and talk to the veterans, I consideredit an honor to do.

To all our veterans, thank you (as always)for your service – during the war and afterwards.To our caregivers, both paid and unpaid: Thankyou, too, for YOUR service. And to older adultswho are approaching a time when you need morehelp, you’ve worked hard and given a lot to helpothers all your life. Now is the time to let othershelp you if you need it: Think of it as a returnon your investment. Every historical era askssomething of its young adults. In the 1940s,the nation asked you to go to war. In 2012 andbeyond, the nation is asking its young adults tohelp build a strong economic and civic futurethat keeps America vital for generations to come– and that includes taking care of its elders.

Happy Summer! Only about 3 more weeksleft for public school kids, so glad I’m retired! Ijust can’t get over how quickly time flies. Sonsand Daughters are getting ready for our summerevent at the Pacific Aviation Museum on July 14th.By the time you read this we will have had it andare now working on our next project – 70th

Anniversary!

Just think, 70 years ago our fathers(grandfathers, etc.) went to war... the youngest willbe in their 80‘s now, I know my one surviving unclewill be 90 next year. He started out in 522B thenwent to MIS. Imagine leaving home at about 18(oryounger) and going to fight in a war. My dad wasone of the older ones who joined, he was almost28! I didn’t even know what I wanted to do at 18other than try to get into college!

In May we had our General Meeting atTreetops Restaurant for Sons & Daughters. Officersfor the next year were introduced and a great timewas had by all. Mahalo to Carol Sullivan formaking leis for all attendees.

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Other News

Our new officers for the next year.

The Banquet is scheduled for Sunday, March24, 2013 at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Hotel -Coral Ballroom. We’re also working on otheractivities on Friday and Saturday but things haven’tbeen finalized yet. A registration form will be sentout as soon as events confirmed.

Gwen & Clayton Fujie are the co-chairs for

L to R: Susan Yoshitomi, Shirley Igarashi, Wade Wasano,Al Sadanaga and Wes Deguchi.

the event. Other S/D are committee members butwe still need LOTS of help. If you’re interested,call the 442 Veterans office (808/949-7997) andleave your name and contact number or email sowe can contact you. ANYTHING you can helpwith will assist us.

The Hilton has also offered a special rate forrooms ($177 + taxes) if you decide you would wantto stay at the Hilton. Please check out ourregistration flyer when it comes out.

There was a nice article in the 442 Foundationnewsletter about the plans for the Nisei LegacyCenter. Wes wrote it and tells about the possiblelocation and plans. It will be a major fundraisingproject for all.

At our last meeting we discussed theupcoming Pacific Aviation Museum. We are alllooking forward to hosting this event on the 14th

of July. If you were able to attend, I know youhad a great time.

Our good wishes and prayers go to Wade fora speedy recovery. Take care.

Hope you have a great summer and we’ll belooking forward to seeing you at the 70th

Anniversary in March.

Ted TsukiyamaThe following article appeared in the University of

Hawaii Alumni Magazine, Spring 2012 issue.

Sunday, December 7, 1941,7:55 a.m. I was awakened bywhat sounded like thunder.The sky was black with smokeand the radio announcerscreamed, “Take cover! This isthe real McCoy! We are beingattacked by Japanese planes!”

I was stunned with surprise, shock, thendisbelief and denial. I felt a dark foreboding ofthe suffering in store for us Japanese. The anger I

felt for our attackers stayed with me for the restof the war.

I reported to the call for duty for ROTCcadets. We were handed a rifle that we had neverlearned to fire and five bullets and ordered todefend against enemy parachutists reported landingon St. Louis Heights. They never came, but that“campaign” made us the first and only ROTC unitin the United States to enter active war service inWorld War II. Later that day, we became part ofthe Hawai’i Territorial Guard (HTG) to protectthe waterfront, utilities and banks.

Six weeks later, our unit, most of us Nisei(second generation U.S.-born Japanese), was rousedat 3 a.m. by our tearful commander. All HTGguards of Japanese ancestry were ordered

Other News

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discharged. It was the worst moment of my life.Our own country had repudiated us because weresembled the enemy. The bottom fell out of myworld. When we parted, our fellow guardsmencried. We cried.

Altogether 169 of us were inspired to offerour services as a labor battalion, the Varsity VictoryVolunteers. We did hard labor for one year. Whenthe 442nd Regimental Combat Team was formed, Iwas among the 10,000 Nisei who volunteered.

Looking back, I feel privileged and proud tohave been a witness and participant in thisimportant chapter in our country’s history. Thelesson I learned is that there is bigness about ourcountry, despite its imperfections, to right itself andlive up to its ideals. In my humble opinion, wetaught America a lesson in social democracy thatbeing an American is not a matter of race andancestry, but of mind, heart and spirit.

The following is an excerpt from the JAVA pressrelease, June 14, 2012

Ten High School Students Win CovetedJAVA Scholarships

Falls Church. Virginia. “Winning a 2012Japanese American Veterans Association (JAVA)scholarship will mean much more than winning acash prize. . . . it will also stand as a landmark inhonor of my Grandpa Laverne Kurahara, whoserved in the 442nd Regimental Combat Team inItaly and France” said Royce Kurahara, a residentof Sacramento, California who plans to attendUniversity of California, Los Angeles this Fall.Kurahara, winner of the Joseph Ichiuji Scholarship,is one of ten high school graduates representingseven states who were awarded JAVA’s scholarshipsto enroll in universities in 5 states and the Districtof Columbia. The announcement was made by Dr.Ray Murakami, Chairman of the ScholarshipCommittee, at the JAVA quarterly lunch at theHarvest Moon Restaurant, Falls Church, VA onJune 9, 2012. The scholarship awardees were

descendants of members of the 100th Battalion,442nd RCT, Military Intelligence Service and ofmembers of JAVA

Former Transportation Secretary NormanMineta, Honorary Chair of JAVA who attendedthe luncheon with his wife Deni, offered hiscongratulations to the ten winners and advisedthem that as they pursue their education andcareer they must not forget the sacrifice andcourage of the men of the 100, 442, and MIS toprove their loyalty to the nation that distrustedthem.

JAVA President Gerald Yamada said he isdelighted with the high caliber of applicants andthe diligence of the Scholarship Committee tomake their selections. He said that while JAVAscholarships are not financially large the uniquesignificance it carries is the linkage of theawardees to Nisei who “fought the enemy abroadand prejudice and discrimination at home”.

The 2012 JAVA scholarship awardees are asfollows.

Madeline Matsui, Brooklyn, NY, Maj. Orvilleand Maud Shirey Scholarship. Matsui wasaccepted at Georgetown University School ofForeign Service, Washington, DC. She is thegranddaughter of the late Victor and Teru Matsui.

Jennifer Tanji, La Crescenta, CA, Col. PhilSunao Ishio Scholarship. She was accepted at UCBerkeley, School of Journalism, CA. She wantsto fulfill her grandfather’s dream to succeedacademically.

Ross Seeman, Portland, OR, Douglas IshioScholarship. He was accepted at PepperdineUniversity, CA. He has specialized in Japanesehistory and culture, visited Japan and spent timein Selma, Alabama to study Dr. Martin LutherKing’s march for civil rights.

Lisa Greer, Colorado Springs, CO, MaryKozono Scholarship. She was accepted at OttawaUniversity, KS. She wants to honor hergrandfather who served in the MIS and an unclewho served in the 442nd RCT. She plans to studyphysical therapy and world ministry.

Royce Kurahara, Sacramento, CA, JosephIchiuji Scholarship. He was accepted at UCLA

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and plans to study aerospace engineering. Hewants to honor his grandfather.

Alison Takahashi, Glastonbury, CT, RangerGrant Hirabayashi Scholarship. He was accepted atBoston College, MA, where he plans to studyeconomics. In her high school history class she wroteabout the men of the 442nd RCT and the MIS.

Kaylee Yoshii, Mission Viejo, CA, KyokoTsuboi Taubkin Scholarship. She was accepted atUC Berkeley. She is believed to be JAVA’s firstgosei (5th generation) JAVA scholarship awardrecipient. Fluent in Spanish, she received ascholarship from the Spanish Embassy for anacademic and cultural journey through the IberianPeninsula and part of South America.

Brittany Kalepa, Honolulu,HI, Dr. Warren TsuneishiScholarship. She wasaccepted at CornellUniversity, NY to studyengineering. She wants tosucceed in her studies tohonor her grandfather, a442nd RCT veteran.

Jenna Hashimoto, Aurora, IL, Betty ShimaScholarship. She was accepted at BradleyUniversity, IL to study medical technology. Herfather is Lt Col Robert Hashimoto, US MarineCorps Reserve.

Margaret Ginoza, Manhattan Beach, CA, EtsuMasaoka Scholarship. She was accepted at VassarCollege, NY where she plans to study science andtechnology. Her grandfather served in the ArmyAir Corps as a tail gunner on a B-17.

Other highlights of the quarterly lunch werethe showing of a six-minute DVD, prepared bythe National Veterans Network and shown at theCongressional Gold Medal Gala dinner inWashington, DC on November 2, 2011. Inaddition, Ambassador John Malott, President ofthe Japan America Society of Washington, DC,(JASW WDC) in his remarks paid tribute to theWW II veterans and expressed appreciation for thepartnership with JAVA in the annual Sakura MatsuriFestival held in conjunction with the NationalCherry Blossom Parade.

AnnouncementsJoint Memorial Service (JMS)

Joint Memorial Service for 100th, 442nd, MISand 1399th veterans will be held this year onSunday Sep. 30, 2012. The MIS will be the hostunit for this year’s ceremony. Major General DarryllD.M. Wong, State Adjutant General, will be thekeynote speaker, and Barbara Tanabe will be theMC. The AJA Council which is made up ofrepresentatives from each of the fourorganizations, urges all veterans, wives, familymembers and friends, who are able, to attend.

Proud to Serveby Susan Uyemura

Japanese American Living Legacy, anestablished nonprofit dedicated to preservingJapanese American history through oral histories, andThe Rafu Shimpo, America’s oldest and largest Nikkeidaily newspaper have produced Proud to Serve the firstcomprehensive listing of Nikkei World War IIveterans that also includes narratives covering majorbattle campaigns, personal stories, historical photos,and other features, many never before published. Itwill also serve as Rafu Shimpo’s first book.

Proud to Serve uses data from the Echoes of Silenceproject created and maintained by the Americans ofJapanese World War II Memorial Alliance.Educational Project Manager, Jim Yamashita, hasbeen leading his team of all volunteers since itsinception in the early 1990’s.

The Rafu Shimpo is also publishing a specialedition that will cover current ceremonies as well ashistorical reprints of news and photographs from theRafu Shimpo’s archives. The special edition will runin a color newspaper format.

If you wish to obtain copies of the specialedition or the book, please contact Rafu Shimpo—(213) 629-2231 or the Japanese American LivingLegacy (657)-515-5501 or www.jalivinglegacy.org fordetails. Hawaii residents may contact the 442nd

Veterans Club (808)-949-7997; 442veterans@hawaiiantel.net for information.

Brittany Kalepa

“Proud to Serve”by Susan Uyemura

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Save the Date!442442442442442ndndndndnd Veterans Club Veterans Club Veterans Club Veterans Club Veterans Club

7070707070ththththth Anniversary CelebrationAnniversary CelebrationAnniversary CelebrationAnniversary CelebrationAnniversary CelebrationMarch 22-24, 2012March 22-24, 2012March 22-24, 2012March 22-24, 2012March 22-24, 2012

Dear veterans,This is a personal note to you, your partner and your loved ones including your children, and

grandchildren, nieces and nephews, sisters and brothers, and friends.

Hip, hip, hooray, the 70th Anniversary is on its way! Imagine, it is almost 70 years (March1943) since you, as very young men just starting out in life, volunteered to join the Army and fightfor your country. Today, you are Congressional Gold Medal awardees and still going for broke, dayby day, and step by step. You are amazing and we think that calls for a celebration!

Indeed, last year was a year of great joy and pride with the Congressional Gold Medalpresentations. Gwen was there in Washington, D.C. and in Honolulu when you were honored. Itwas a thrill to be among you and she will never forget how much she wished her dad could have beenthere, too. Well, it is hard to beat last year’s pomp and circumstances, however, we look forward totrying. The Sons & Daughters are using their best creative juices to put on a celebration like noneother. Please let your families know so they can schedule this weekend into their busy calendars andplan to celebrate with us. To our neighbor island and mainland veterans, please make your travelplans to be here by Friday, March 22, 2012 and stay through the week or at least through the weekend.

We are planning a Meet and Greet Reception on Friday, March 22nd; an event to be announcedfor Saturday, March 23rd; a very special Memorial Service which will be held at the Hilton HawaiianVillage Coral Ballroom, in an adjoining room, immediately prior to the grand finale luncheon, onSunday, March 24th to complete the 70th Anniversary celebrations.

The Hilton has given us a terrific room rate of $177/night. Please contact Ray Kitsu—tel:808-947-7836 or e mail: ray.kitsu@hilton.com for reservations and be sure to advise that you areattending the 442nd RCT 70th Anniversary celebration from 22 to 24 March 2013. Reservations mustbe made before 1 Mar 2013 to qualify for the reduced rate. We are already hard at work to make sureyou and your family will be duly honored on this auspicious occasion and will keep you posted onthe events being planned.

Your brothers in service, the 100th Infantry Battalion, 1399 Construction Engineer Battalionand the Military Intelligence Service are all invited to join in the celebrations so be sure to encouragethem to save the dates as well. We look forward to seeing you and your families next year, if notsooner!

Let’s Go for Broke in Celebration of your 70th Anniversary,

Co-Chairs70th Anniversary of the 442nd RCT

Clayton and Gwen Fujie

Save the Dates!

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Memorial DayNational Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, PunchbowlMay 27, 2012Photos by Wayne Iha

l-r: Tsutomu Oi (1399), Ron Oba (442), Pauline Sato(100th Inf bn)

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Memorial DayHawaii State Veterans CemeteryMay 27, 2012Photos by Wayne Iha

l-r: Takamori Miyagi (RHQ), Noboru Kawamoto (RHQ),Harry Nakayama (100th)

NON-PROFIT ORGU.S. Postage

PAIDHonolulu, HawaiiPermit No. 209

The 442nd Veterans Club933 Wiliwili StreetHonolulu, HI 96826

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED