Japanese American Veterans Association JAVA ADVOCATE

October 2006 Volume XIV—Issue 3

Inside this issue: JAVA Inducted Into Veterans Day President’s Message 2 National Committee JAVA Appoints New Vice 3 President JAVA was inducted as an associate recognition. He also conveyed Presi- member into the Veterans Day Na- dent Bert Mizusawa’s appreciation and JAVA Quarterly Luncheon 3 tional Committee (VDNC) on Septem- noted that Bert had met with Secretary ber 14, 2006 in a ceremony at the De- Jim Nicholson, HCVA Chairman Steve Dedication of Hershey 4 partment of Veterans Affairs head- Buyer and other key VA officials re- Miyamura Monument quarters in , D.C. cently in Iraq. Shima then introduced JAVA members who served in WWII: Ben Kuroki 4 The VDNC is mandated by Congress, Grant Hirabayashi of Merrill’s Ma- formed by Presidential Proclamation in rauders; Joe Ichiuji, 522nd Field Artil- MIS Role in WWII 5 1954, with the U.S. President as honor- lery Bn, 442nd RCT; and Dr. Norman ary Chairman. VDNC is responsible for Ikari, 442nd RCT. Following the cere- the planning, promotion and coordina- mony, Shima represented JAVA in its Armistice 5 tion of national Veterans Day pro- Day new status by participating in prepara- grams. The Chairman of VDNC is the tions for the Veterans Day program at Meet the Generals 6 Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and Hon- Arlington Cemetery, wreath laying orary Members are the Secretary of De- ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown fense, Chairman and Ranking Member Soldier and the White House breakfast. Latin Americans of Japa- 7 of the Senate Committee on Veterans nese Ancestry Affairs (which includes Sen. Akaka, Mizusawa said that “JAVA’s accep- Literary News 7 honorary chair of JAVA), and Chair- tance in VDNC is recognition of JAVA’s man and Ranking Member of the House leading role in representing Asian Pa- Committee on Veterans Affairs. cific Americans veterans at the na- Sandra Tanamachi Award 8 tional level. It is an honor for JAVA to Executive Director Terry Shima repre- represent our great APA veterans and sented JAVA at the induction cere- Kay Wakatake Promotion 8 their honorable service in defense of mony, thanking the committee for this our nation.”

Letters to JAVA 9 Ben Kuroki Invited to White House Dinner JAVA Witness Act Signing 9 On June 29, 2006, 35 JAVA mem- Donations for JAVA Activi- 10 bers were invited to the White House ties South Lawn for the welcoming cere- mony of Japan’s Prime Minister Editor’s Note 11 Junichiro Koizumi. That same night, Ben Kuroki, a WWII veteran, Eyeglasses Collection at 11 was invited to a State Dinner at the October Luncheon White House, which honored the Japanese Prime Minister. L-R: Julie Kuroki Cooney, Ben Kuroki, First Membership Application 11 Lady Laura Bush, Prime Minister Junichiro Continued on page 4. Koizumi, Pres. George Bush, Shige Kuroki. PAGE 2 JAVA ADVOCATE OCTOBER 2006

Chair. VDNC plans and jointly lay a wreath at the Korean President’s Message coordinates Veterans Day War Memorial on the occasion of To Fellow JAVA programs nationwide, par- the Korean War Armistice Day. I Members: ticularly the Arlington National am encouraged that our comple- Cemetery where the President ment was made up of Korean We hope you like delivers his remarks to the nation American, Chinese American, our newsletter's and military personnel at home Vietnamese American and Japa- new name, the and abroad. JAVA's new status nese American JAVA members. JAVA ADVO- reflects the Department of Veter- CATE, which best ans Affairs recognition of JAVA as Closer to home (at least my cur- describes JAVA's aspiration to the Nation’s lead veterans organi- rent home in Iraq), Veterans Af- represent the interests of our vet- zation for Asian Americans. This fairs Secretary Nicholson and erans and the community at is indeed a great milestone, and House Veterans Affairs Commit- large. I appreciate Warren Tsu- one that every member of JAVA tee Chairman Steve Buyer re- neishi’s suggestion for the name should be proud of. cently visited Iraq, and I had the and Kay Wakatake's effective edi- pleasure of having lunch with torship. Additionally, JAVA is on the them and their staff members, White House invitation list for who were in Baghdad and Balad First, I am pleased to announce Asian American events. On July on a trip to visit "prospective" vet- Cal Shintani as JAVA’s new Vice 27, JAVA's legal counsel, Gerald erans. They are both interested President. He will fill in the large Yamada, who gets invited to the in JAVA’s views on veterans is- shoes of Vic Mukai. Cal is a White House in his own right, wit- sues. graduate of the U.S. Naval Acad- nessed the signing of the Voting emy as noted in the article on Rights Act Reauthorization and In closing, Maj Gen David E. page 3 of the JAVA ADVOCATE. Amendments of 2006 by President Clary, USAF, who recently re- Vic came on board to assist me Bush. This Act renews and turned from Turkey for Pentagon and the Executive Council with strengthens our Nation's commit- duty, will be the quarterly lunch- JAVA’s transition to a nationwide ment to enforce the right to vote eon speaker on October 21st. I organization. With that job effec- for all Americans. hope you can make it. tively done, Vic will continue to provide support while he focuses Also on July 27, JAVA combined Officers on business pursuits. I look for- efforts with the Japanese Ameri- BG Bert Mizusawa, USAR, President ward to working with Cal in his can Korean War Veterans to Cdr (Ret) Calvin Shintani, USNR, new leadership role. Vice President David Buto, Secretary The news this Earl Takeguchi, Treasurer quarter is JAVA’s induc- tion onto the prestigious Executive Council Veterans Day National David Buto, Secretary Committee (VDNC) on Grant Ichikawa September 14. The BG Bert Mizusawa, USAR, President VDNC is mandated by Calvin Ninomiya the Congress, and the Terry Shima, Executive Director President of the United Lt. Col. (Ret) Michael Yaguchi, USAF, States is its Honorary Deputy Executive Director Gerald Yamada, General Counsel JAVA President BG Bert Mizusawa (right) and Major General Joseph F. Peterson in Baghdad, Iraq. MG Peterson has been nominated for Honorary Chairs appointment to the rank of lieutenant general and assignment as Deputy Senator Daniel K. Akaka, U.S. Senate Commanding General/Chief of Staff, Forces Command, Senator Daniel K. Inouye, U.S. Senate Fort McPherson, Georgia. He is currently Commanding General, Civilian COL (Ret) Sunao Paul Ishio, USA Police Assistance Training Team, Multi National Security Transition The Honorable Norman Y. Mineta Command - Iraq. This operation is part of Operation Iraq Freedom. MG Peterson, native of Honolulu, Hawaii, has been deployed to Iraq since Newsletter Editor October 5, 2005. He was commissioned a 2LT on November 3, 1972 and has MAJ Kay K. Wakatake, USA since served in Korea, Germany and a number of stateside posts. OCTOBER 2006 JAVA ADVOCATE PAGE 3 Calvin Shintani Appointed JAVA Vice President

The JAVA Execu- Inc., recently acquired by Man- (ACTD) at the Office of Naval Re- tive Council (EC) Tech International Corp. He has search; Special Assistant for Mo- announced a served in executive-level manage- bilization for the Deputy Assis- change in its ment, corporate development, and tant Secretary of the Navy; Plans membership fol- senior business development posi- Officer, Naval Space Command; lowing the recent tions for various companies. Action Officer, Office of Political- resignation of Vic Military Affairs, Office of the Mukai. President After graduating with distinction Chief of Naval Operations Bert Mizusawa has ap- from the U.S. Naval Academy in (OPNAV). Shintani retired as a pointed Calvin Shintani as Vice 1980, Shintani served on board Commander, U.S. Naval Reserve, President to serve until December the USS Los Angeles (SSN688); in 2000. 31, 2006. A new slate of officers he qualified as Nuclear Engineer will be presented to the EC at and Submarine Officer. His final Shintani has two children, Ryan that time for the 2007-2008 calen- active duty assignment was as (16) and Christina (14), and re- dar years. Lead Operations Briefer to the sides in Northern . His Chief of Naval Operations. While father, Munro Shintani, served Shintani currently is the Senior an officer in the U.S. Naval Re- in Fox Company in the 442nd Vice President of Business Devel- serve (1987- 2000), Shintani’s as- Regimental Combat Team and opment at CACI, Inc. He formerly signments included Liaison for resides with his wife Fran in was vice president of business de- Joint Countermine Advanced Con- Texas. velopment at Gray Hawk Systems cept Technology Demonstrations

July Quarterly Luncheon at Harvest Moon

On Saturday, July 29, 2006, over 90 engaged in organizational work due to an anomaly, to avenge the JAVA members and guests at- with the WWII veterans prepara- mass destruction caused by interna- tended the quarterly luncheon at tory to assuming leadership roles. tional terrorists on 9/11. Nakamoto the Harvest Moon Restaurant in He said JAVA is sound and organi- described his recent deployment to Falls Church, Virginia. Cal Shin- zationally well-positioned for the Iraq. His positive remarks about his tani, retired U.S. Navy submarine future. Iraq experience and the Iraqi people’s officer, served as the Master of resilience provided a story not carried Ceremonies. Following the Pledge After a delicious Chinese gourmet by the media. SGT Nakamoto and of Allegiance and a Moment of Si- luncheon, the program continued his wife Sherry then concluded the lence for fallen comrade LTC Barry with Korean War veteran Gene Ta- program by entertaining the audience Saiki, Terry Shima provided the kahashi speaking about his experi- with three songs, two of which were Executive Director’s report. He re- ence during the war. He described written by SGT Nakamoto while de- ported that JAVA has a solid rela- his command of an all-African- ployed in Iraq. tionship with the White House Asia American unit, how their positions Pacific office and cited President were overrun when the Chinese The next quarterly luncheon will be Bush’s recognition of the 442 RCT entered the war, his capture by the held on October 21 at the Harvest on two occasions, including his sa- Chinese, and his subsequent daring Moon Restaurant. Our featured lute to the 442nd veterans. Kelly escape. He held the audience’s rapt speaker will be Maj Gen David E. Kuwayama, highly decorated com- attention with his sobering story. Clary, Director of Current Operations and Training, Deputy Chief of Staff bat medic, viewed this as recogni- JAVA Vice President, Vic tion to all Asian Americans who for Air, Space and Information Op- Mukai, in introducing the principal erations, Plans and Requirements, served in defense of their country. speaker, SGT Robert S. Nakamoto, Shima said that the post WWII Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Wash- said that Nakamoto is a West Point ington, D.C. General Clary recently JAVA leaders have done an out- graduate with five years military standing job to build JAVA into a returned from his duty assignment as experience and separating as a Cap- Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, national class organization. He also tain. He returned to serve in the recognized the younger veterans Allied Air Component Command U.S. Army, even as an enlisted man Headquarters (NATO), Izmir, Tur- PAGE 4 JAVA ADVOCATE OCTOBER 2006 Monument Dedicated to Hershey Miyamura The City of Gallup, New Mexico bayonet before he was rial Alliance and dedicated a monument to Hiroshi wounded and captured, Victor Muraoka, "Hershey" Miyamura, Medal of Okamoto quoted Jesus in President of Japa- Honor recipient, on August 19, John 15.13: "Greater nese American Ko- 2006. Located in the city’s Veterans love hath no man than rean War Veterans Plaza, the monument is one of this, that a man lay (JAKWV) also seven individual columns to honor down his life for his spoke. Nori Uye- veterans of WWI, WWII, Korea, friends.” For his ex- matsu served as Vietnam, Gulf Wars, WWII "Indian traordinary valor above Emcee, the Rever- Code Talkers," and Miyamura. and beyond the call of end Mark Naka- City, county, state officials, and duty, Miyamura was gawa of Los Angeles some 200 persons, including 45 awarded the MOH. This gave the invocation Japanese American veterans, award was on August 23, and dedication spouses and friends from Los Ange- 1953, after his release prayers, and the les, California, braved the rain to from 28 months in the First Baptist witness history being made for enemy's prison. Church Choir sang Japanese Americans. patriotic songs. Bob In his speech, Miyamura Wada, founding Miyamura, one of the three living displayed the same mod- president of MOH winners in New Mexico and esty and humility that JAKWV, was the an Honorary member of the JAVA, characterized his life. catalyst for this en- was cited by John Garcia Downplaying his role, he deavor. (representing Governor Bill gave credit to others Richardson) in his speech as a around him. After he Miyamura served "state treasure,...truly a legacy in thanked all of his fellow veterans, with the 442nd Regimental Combat the state of New Mexico.” neighbors, family, and members of Team in its final Po Valley cam- the monument committee, Miya- paign. He returned with the unit in The Honorable Vincent Okamoto, mura, his wife Terry, and officials July 1946 for the huge welcome in Los Angeles County Superior unveiled the monument. Mayor New York City, and he marched Court Judge and one of the most Bob Roseborough described Miya- down Constitution Avenue, followed highly-decorated Japanese Ameri- mura as "our humble hero," and by the review at the Ellipse by cans in the Vietnam War, said in other distinguished speakers de- President Harry Truman. Miya- his keynote address that Miyamura scribed Miyamura as being quiet, mura was recalled to active duty was one of "the bravest of the modest, unassuming, and highly when the Korean War broke out on brave.” In describing why Miya- respected. June 25, 1950. mura ordered his men to retreat while he held off the enemy on April Dr. Roy Machida of the Americans 24, 1951, with his machine gun and of Japanese Ancestry WWII Memo-

combat mis- upgraded in 2005 to the Distin- Kuroki sions. Some guished Service Medal, the third Continued from page 1 say his battle highest military award. Supporters against racial of the upgrade included former When Japan bombed Pearl Harbor intolerance is President George H.W. Bush; John in 1941, Kuroki and his brother his 59th mis- R. Doyle, a former Hellcat dive joined the Army Air Corps. Kuroki sion. Bomber pilot, and retired WWII flew 58 missions during World War General Jacob Smart. II, including 28 missions over Japan After leaving in a B-29 Superfortress. He is the the military, The medal upgrade was presented only Japanese American to fly over Kuroki wrote to Kuroki on August 12, 2005, at a Japan. for and owned newspapers in Cali- ceremony in North Platte, Ne- fornia, Michigan and Nebraska. He braska. On August 13, the Univer- Kuroki faced racism throughout his and his wife now live in Camarillo, sity of Nebraska-Lincoln also pre- military career and had to fight California. sented Kuroki with an honorary with his superiors just to get into doctor of letters. Kuroki’s military decoration was OCTOBER 2006 JAVA ADVOCATE PAGE 5 MIS Role Placed into Congressional Record

Although this event took place links to JAVA member Dr. Stan dio of San Francisco. This occurred nearly two years ago, it has not been Falk’s brief paper on the MIS. It prior to the Japanese attack of reported to the general public, in- may be further linked to Hawaii’s Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. cluding veterans. We do so now in Delegate to Congress Joseph R. Far- The demand for Japanese linguists the interest of highlighting this sig- rington’s testimony to Congress on increased proportionately to the nificant event, the placement of the the 100th Battalion and 442nd Regi- increase of documents and POWs MIS story in Congressional Record. mental Combat Team (RCT), which captured by U.S. soldiers. Lin- th The full story is available on the was read into the Congressional guists were recruited from the 100 nd JAVA website at www.javadc.org. Record on March 9, 1945. Done Bn, the 442 RCT, and the intern- shortly after Delegate Farrington ment camps. Even Japanese In 2004, Sen. Daniel K. Akaka re- visited the 100/442nd European bat- American women were pressed into quested a paper on the Military In- tlefront, his testimony is a stirring service with the language program. telligence Service (MIS) experience account of their sacrifices and he- The ultimate tribute to the Nisei in the Asia Pacific War during roic achievements. WWII. Ted Tsukiyama, Esq., histo- role came when General MacArthur rian for MIS Hawaii, and his col- About 6,000 Japanese American said after the war that “never in leagues prepared a five-page paper. linguists served in the Asia Pacific military history did any army know On November 19, 2004, Sen. Akaka theater, including the Occupation of so much about the enemy prior to read the paper into the Congres- Japan. Tsukiyama’s paper said actual engagement.” Tsukiyama’s sional Record, the official record of that the first U.S. Army Japanese paper said there was “not a single proceedings of the U.S. Congress. language school began with an en- case of subversion or disloyalty This Congressional Record is also rollment of 60 students on Novem- charged against the Nisei, and 19 posted on the JAVA website, with ber 1, 1941, at Crissey Field, Presi- Nisei gave up their lives in the line of duty.” Korean War Veterans Armistice Day Program JAVA, the Japanese American Ko- proclamation on July 27 that called Cross. WWII veterans were repre- rean War Veterans, and the newly on the American people to celebrate sented by 442nd RCT veterans Terry activated Asian American Veterans this day with appropriate ceremo- Shima and Yeiichi Kelly Ku- Association joined twelve other vet- nies and activities. Anthony A. Wil- wayama. Gene Takahashi and erans service organizations to com- liams, Mayor of Washington, D.C., Chosei Kuge represented the Ko- memorate the 53rd anniversary of also issued a proclamation that rean War. Glen K. Kikuchi repre- the armistice ending the Korean marked July 27, 2006 as Korean sented the Vietnam War. Royce Y. War. In a program at the Korean War Veterans Armistice Day. Nakatani is a retired Sergeant Ma- War Memorial on July 27, 2006, jor in the Adjutant General attended by nearly 1,000 people in The Korean War Memorial at- Corps. Major Kay Wakatake is a the hot and muggy Washington tempts to express the “enduring lawyer in the U.S. Army Judge Ad- summer, Vice President Richard gratitude of the American people for vocate Generals Corps. Cheney paid high tribute to veter- all who took part in the ans who fought in the Korean War Korean conflict” and to and who are serving in Middle East. project the “spirit of service and dedication Secretary of Interior Dirk Kemp- to the cause of free- thorne and the Ambassador of the dom”, according to the Republic of Korea Lee Tae Sik also program pamphlet. spoke. Members of the U.S. Con- gress, representatives of federal The Asian American agencies, and five ambassadors at- contingent was com- tended on the speakers’ stand. Mili- posed of the following tary attaches of the 21 nations that representatives: fought in the Korean War and 12 Gregory L. Kee, whose U.S. veterans service organizations great uncle, Army Private Sing Kee, also participated in the event. served in combat in France, and For more details on these represen- received the Distinguished Service tatives, please see JAVA press re- President George W. Bush issued a lease at www.javadc.org. OCTOBER 2006 JAVA ADVOCATE PAGE 6

general and flag officers. The vices is as follows: Army – 41; Meet the Generals breakdown is as follows: Chi- Navy – 9; Marine – 1; Air Force One of our readers suggested that nese American – 21; Filipino – 12. For the first two biogra- we provide brief histories of Asian American – 6; Hawaii and Pacific phies, we have selected General Pacific American (APA) general Islands – 6; Japanese Americans – Eric K. Shinseki and Lieutenant and flag officers in the newsletter. 31. Of the 64, there are 28 Briga- General Edward Soriano. JAVA This will be a regular feature in dier Generals; 32 Major Generals; 3 website, www.javadc.org, pro- the JAVA ADVOCATE. Thus far, Lieutenant Generals; 1 full Gen- vides more comprehensive cov- JAVA research knows of 64 APA eral. The distribution among ser- erage. General Eric Shinseki LTG Edward Soriano

“My name is Shinseki, and I am a Lieutenant General (Ret) Edward soldier.” Beneath this modest salu- Soriano retired from the U.S. tation lies a patriot with intelli- Army after 35 years of distin- gence, charisma, courage, determi- guished service on 1 March 2005. nation, integrity, and devotion to service. Soriano has had a very distin- guished and proud career in the General (Ret) Eric K. Shinseki was United States Army. He was the born and raised on the island of first Filipino American to become Kauai, Hawaii. A graduate of the a General Officer in the U.S. U.S. Military Academy in 1965, Army, and at the time of his re- Shinseki is the first Asian American to attain the rank of tirement, was the highest ranking Filipino and Asian four-star general and to hold the position of Chief of Staff American serving in the military. of the U.S. Army. Soriano was commissioned a of infan- Shinseki served two combat tours in the Vietnam War, try upon graduation from San Jose State in 1970. He being wounded twice, the second when his right forefoot has held numerous leadership and command positions was blown off by a land mine. He was slated to be dis- with airborne, light and mechanized infantry units charged on medical grounds, but he appealed and won around the world. Following his initial assignment approval to remain in the Army on active duty. with the 82d Airborne Division, he commanded compa- nies in the 2d Infantry Division, Korea; 9th Infantry After recovering from his second injury, he obtained a Division, Ft. Lewis; and 8th Infantry Division, Ger- Master’s degree in Literature from Duke University and many. He also served as a Recruiting Company Com- taught English at West Point. Shinseki attended various mander, U.S. Army Recruiting Command, Albany, New service schools, but, the schooling he cherished the most York. occurred early in his career. It was Sergeant Ernie King- cade who taught him the practicalities of becoming an He commanded the 2d Battalion, 41st Infantry Regi- officer. Shinseki bonded with his soldiers, whose welfare ment, 2d Armored Division, Ft. Hood, Texas, and the 1st took priority over everything else. Brigade, 4th Infantry Division (Mech), Ft. Carson, Colo- rado. He served as Chief of Staff and Assistant Division rd th Shinseki served as Commander of 3 Squadron, 7 Cav- Commander of 3d Infantry Division (Mech). He also nd alry; 2 Brigade in Germany; and Commanding General served in Operation Joint Endeavor (Bosnia- (CG) of the 1st Cavalry Division at , Texas. In Herzegovina) as the Assistant Division Commander of 1996 Shinseki was promoted to General and named CG of 1st Infantry Division, and Seventh Army in Germany. U.S. Army Europe, allied land forces in Central Europe, He commanded the 7th Infantry Division and Fort Car- and NATO forces in Bosnia. He became Vice Chief of son, Colorado from 1999 to 2001. He served as the Staff of the U.S. Army in 1998, and Chief of Staff in 1999. Commanding General, and , WA In one of his speeches, Shinseki said the foundation of his prior to his retirement. nd th ascension is the heroism of the 442 RCT, 100 Battal- Soriano currently works for Northrop Grumman and th ion, the Military Intelligence Service, and the 1399 En- serves as Director, Defense Programs and Initiatives; gineers. He said, “Because of what they…did on those Program Manager, Homeland Security Training and distant battlefields so many years ago, I have lived my Exercise Programs; and, Senior Manager, Training and life without suspicion, without limitation, with the full Simulations Division, Technical Services Sector. He rights and privileges of citizenship, and with the opportu- and his wife Vivian currently reside in Colorado nity to compete.” Springs, Colorado. PAGE 7 JAVA ADVOCATE OCTOBER 2006 Latin Americans of Japanese Ancestry during WWII Contributed by Mr. James Tanabe

[Editor’s Note: In response to the Japanese language school officials ana, Idaho, Montana and North June 2006 article on Japanese Latin and teachers, Buddhist priests, etc., Dakota for “security” reasons. In Americans, Mr. James Tanabe sent were being arrested without warn- hastily assembled shacks in loca- more background on the plight of ing and taken away. Where to, no tions internees described as hell- these people.] one knew at first. The hunt began holes or forsaken dust bowls that soon after December 7, 1941, using The Japanese began immigrat- were specially selected for them, “enemyPhoto courtesy alien” of lists Grant developed Hirabayashi since they would stay for the duration of ing in earnest to the Americas in the mid 30’s. the late 1880’s. When Japanese the war and longer. immigration to the U.S. was re- The JLAs were abducted from Peru, Nearly 900 [865] JLAs were system- stricted in early 1920, their migra- which supplied about 79% or 1,779 atically pawned off to Japan as pris- tion turned to Central and South souls, Bolivia, Colombia, Costa oner exchanges. At war’s end, the America. Many went to Brazil and Rica, the Dominican Republic, Ec- JLAs own countries refused their Peru—farmers, tradesmen, crafts- uador, El Salvador, Guatemala, return and responsibility. The U.S., men and professionals. By late Haiti, Honduras, Nicaragua, Pa- having classified them “illegal entry 1930s the industrious Japanese nama and Venezuela. The ships aliens,” deported over 1,000 to war- Latin Americans (JLAs) became sailed through the Panama Canal torn Japan, where they fended for economically independent and be- where some JLA men were forced to themselves as strangers and barely came prominent manufacturers, work in construction, land clearing, survived starvation conditions. retailers, farmers, etc. Anti- etc., for weeks to months before be- Japanese sentiment developed. ing transferred to Texas. But at the In 1988, after 43 years, the U.S. U.S. interest in Latin America was New Orleans entry point, the JLAs acknowledged the internment was growing. The U.S. gave Peru mili- were given their new identity of wrong and redressed surviving tary aid. Then came Pearl Harbor. “illegal entry aliens.” From there American internees, but did not Peru broke off relations with Japan; they went to their assigned prison include JLAs. Recently, it has been all diplomatic staff was returned to homes. The majority of JLAs were recognized that these JLAs were Japan and round up of the Japa- kept at the main INS detention fa- also wronged and a movement nese in Peru and other Latin Ameri- cility at Crystal City, TX, and oth- started to provide them some form can countries began under U.S. ers at neighboring Seagoville and of redress. pressure. Word spread that wealth- Kenedy. Still others were scattered ier Japanese merchants, farmers, as widely as New Mexico, Louisi-

Literary News World War II, The River and the Gauntlet: Defeat concentrating on of the Eighth Army by the Chinese Dr. Stanley L. Falk, historian and three events: Communist Forces, November JAVA member, has received infor- Pearl Harbor, 1950, in the Battle of the Chong- mation from authoritative sources, the internment chon River, Korea. By S. L. that Dr. James C. McNaughton’s camp, and mili- A. Marshall, William Morrow & book on the Military Intelligence tary service. The book will be an Company. 1953. 385pp. Service is expected to be published educational reader for young stu- Disaster in Korea, The Chinese Con- in January 2007 and will be avail- dents in our schools to help them front MacArthur. By Lt. Col. Roy able through the Government understand our history, especially E. Appleman, AUS (Ret), Texas A Printing Office. We will publish what it was liked for Japanese & M University Press. 1989. 456 more details when obtained. Americans during World War II. pp. * * * * * Harcourt Achieve will soon pub- lish 40,000 copies for distribution These books are available to JAVA Author Zu Vincent, a professional to schools. members on 4-week loan. Please writer for Harcourt Achieve, has contact Terry Shima at completed writing a book, * * * * * [email protected] or call Stranger in his own Land, about 301-987-6746. During his recent visit here, Gene JAVA member Joe Ichiuji, a Takahashi, donated two books to 522nd veteran. It is written the JAVA library. These books are: about his experience during OCTOBER 2006 JAVA ADVOCATE PAGE 8 Sandra Tanamachi Receives Award from Japan Sandra Chikako Tanamachi re- then handed Sandra the framed cita- He led everyone in a toast of con- ceived the Japan Foreign Minister tion from Japan Foreign Minister gratulations. Taro Aso’s Commendation on Taro Aso and a silver sake cup with Thursday, Sept. 21, 2006. This was the emblem of the Japanese govern- Dr. George Hirasaki, President of presented to Sandra by Consul ment engraved on the bottom side. the Houston JACL chapter, spoke General Yoshihiko next about the history of the cam- Kamo at his resi- paign to change “Jap Road” in dence in Houston, Texas, and then introduced Sandra Texas. About 60 to the audience. Sandra gave her family members, thanks to the many people who friends, and guests helped her with the campaign and were also in atten- dedicated the award to her paternal dance. grandfather, Kumazo Tanamachi, a leader in the Rio Grande Valley of Consul General Texas, who welcomed, encouraged Kamo read the Eng- and helped other Issei families set- lish translation of tle in Texas. She also dedicated her the award, followed award to her maternal grand- by his speech ex- mother, Chika Nakao, who was a plaining why San- teacher in Japan and inspired San- dra was chosen to Front L-R: Kikuko Tanamachi, Sandra Tanamachi, Yoshihiko Kamo, dra herself to become a teacher. receive the award Japan Consul General. Back L-R: Gene Nakayama, Inge Tana- from Japan. He machi, Yuriko Nakayama, Masako Elliott, Willie Tanamachi (442nd RCT), Rena Tadano, Hiroko Edwards, Dean Edwards

Kay Wakatake Promoted to Major in U.S. Army

On August 18, 2006, Kay Waka- year-old twins Peter and Jack were MAJ Wakatake also gave tribute to take was promoted to Major in the also present. the veterans, stating to them “you U.S. Army Judge Advocate Gen- have inspired me; I have become a eral’s Corps (JAG Corps). The im- COL Warren began the ceremony Major because you have broken nd pressive ceremony was attended with a brief background of the 442 down barriers, creating a bright by the Army’s Judge Advocate RCT and Merrill’s Marauders, rec- future for the newer generation of General MG Scott C. Black, The ognizing each veteran individually. Japanese Americans.” As a token Assistant Judge Advocate General He praised the wartime heroism of of her appreciation, she gave each nd MG Daniel V. Wright, and the the 442 , MIS, and Merrill’s Ma- JAVA member the Army JAG Regimental Warrant Officer of the rauders, stating there was “more Corps Regimental Coin. Corps CW4 Carol E. Hauck. COL valor among them than any other Marc L. Warren, Special Assistant organization in the US Army.” to the Judge Advocate General, He also said that with presided over the ceremony. “MAJ Wakatake’s im- Ten JAVA members also attended: pressive academic back- Grant Hirabayashi (Merrill’s Ma- ground, she could have rauders Ranger Hall of Fame), pursued a civilian career Kelly Kuwayama (442nd RCT, Sil- that commanded large ver Star), Terry Shima (442nd financial benefits; how- RCT), Joe Ichiuji (522nd Field Ar- ever, like her predeces- tillery Bn), Grant Ichikawa (MIS), sors, she answered the Chosei Kuge (Korean War), Vic call to duty to serve her Mukai, Earl Takeguchi, Michael country. Promotion to a Yaguchi, and MAJ Sharon field grade officer posi- Nitsche. MAJ Wakatake’s hus- tion attests to her lead- band David Radovich and her two- ership potential.” L-R: COL Warren, Kay Wakatake, and David Rado- vich. Photo courtesy of Grant Hirabayashi. OCTOBER 2006 JAVA ADVOCATE PAGE 9 Letters to JAVA The following letter was sent to JAVA President Bert Mizusawa from the Veterans Day National Committee: Dear Mr. Mizusawa: I am pleased to inform you that the Veterans Day National Committee recommended approval of your applica- tion for associate membership and I wholeheartedly concur. Congratulations. Your selection as an associate member is a significant accomplishment. I look forward to your participation on Veterans Day as we work together to honor those who served. Congratulations again and welcome to the Veterans Day National Committee. Sincerely yours, R. James Nicholson, Chairman

The following letter dated June 15, 2006, was sent to JAVA member Grant Ichikawa from the Hawaii United Okinawa Association:

Dear Mr. Ichikawa, On behalf of the Okinawa Prefectural Government, we would like to extend our deepest gratitude to you for your significant assistance in their undertaking to recognize the United States military veterans who served as interpreters during the Battle of Okinawa and the period that followed immediately thereafter in the rebuilding period of war-torn Okinawa.

We were informed that there were originally about four hundred interpreters who served during this period and Okagesamade ~ Because of you, your valuable collection of names and addresses and promotion of this event, Okinawa was presented with more than one hundred addresses of veterans in Hawaii. As a pre-event of the Fourth Worldwide Uchinanchu Festival later this year and to commemorate the 60th an- niversary since the Battle of Okinawa ended, our distinguished veterans were able to receive this special recog- nition from the Okinawa Prefectural Government.

The Honorable Keiichi Inamine, Governor of Okinawa, personally represented the citizens of Okinawa to ex- press their appreciation to these veterans. Letters of Appreciation were presented to them in a ceremony at the Hawaii Okinawa Center on Monday, June 5, 2006, at 1:00 pm.

As we say in Okinawa, Ippe Nifee Deebiru~Thank you very much for your generous efforts in the realization of this momentous event.

Kariyushi—With much happiness and warm aloha, Laverne Higa Nance, President

Japanese American soldiers who JAVA Witness Signing of Act fought to keep America safe while their family and friends were impris- JAVA was among the special invit- all Americans. It represents a bi- oned in interment camps. Like those ees that witnessed the historic sign- partisan effort in the House of Rep- who crossed the Edmund Pettus ing of the Voting Rights Act Reau- resentatives and Senate and strong Bridge in 1965, Japanese Americans thorization and Amendments of leadership by the President. were patriots whose sacrifices during 2006 by President George Bush on World War II helped to make progress July 27, 2006, at the White Gerald Yamada, who attended as for the equality for Japanese Ameri- House. This Act renews and JAVA’s representative, said “We cans and other minority groups.” strengthens our Nation’s commit- must also remember the sacrifices ment to enforce the right to vote for and contributions made by the See complete press release at JAVA website. PAGE 10 JAVA ADVOCATE OCTOBER 2006

ing is our second upgraded newslet- ducted in partnership with the Li- Donations to ter in color. Our thanks to Mr. Bob brary of Congress, has been inactive Nakamoto, a Korean War veteran mainly due to the lack of a coordina- JAVA Activities and chairman of Base Technologies, tor. We are grateful to Ms. Julia who has donated the printing of the Kuroda for donating the camcorder Newsletter. that started our project, and others Donations to JAVA, a 501(c)(19) like Mike Okusa and interviewees organization, are tax deductible. Quarterly Luncheons. JAVA tries to for their donations. This activity This activity, which is so important have a speaker discuss something provided information for the publi- to the legacy of the WWII genera- new that relates to our organization’s cation of books. Three JAVA inter- tion, needs your support. JAVA's mission. We also invite officials from viewees were featured in two books, major standing operations to which selected government and veterans and another interviewee will be fea- you can make a tax free donation organizations to expose them to tured in a third book to be pub- are as follows: JAVA. JAVA covers the cost of lished by the Library of Congress guests’ meals. National Archives and Research Scholarships. JAVA has two schol- Administration. See article below. Speakers Program. Schools fre- arship funds, the Orville Shirey quently request speakers to discuss Scholarship Fund and the Jack Annual Veterans Day Program. On the JA experience in WWII and more Tashiro Memorial Scholarship November 11, 2:00 pm, JAVA will post-WWII veterans are being asked Fund. Major Shirey, whose family hold its 6th annual program at the to speak. Speakers personally pay lives in the Maryland suburbs, was National Japanese American Memo- for their transportation and adminis- the G-2 (intelligence officer) of the rial to Patriotism. In addition to trative costs. 442nd RCT. Mr. Tashiro was honoring the veterans, this program JAVA’s Treasurer when he passed pays tribute to the 842 Japanese Cherry Blossom Festival and Free- away. Americans whose names are etched dom Walk. For the past four years, on the Heroes’ Wall. JAVA has set up a booth at the Na- To donate, send checks payable to tional Cherry Blossom Festival. JAVA to Treasurer Earl Takeguchi, Memorial Day National Parade. JAVA also contributes to the Free- 7201 White House Drive, Spring- Having participated in the 2006 dom Walk, which also occurs during field, VA 22153. Please specify the Memorial Day Parade down Consti- the week of the Cherry Blossom Fes- activity on the memo line; other- tution Avenue with favorable re- tival. wise, your donation will be applied sults, we have decided to take part to the general fund. If you have again next year. Oral History Project. After complet- ing the collection of oral histories on questions please contact Terry Newsletter. The issue you are read- the WWII veterans, this activity, con- Shima at 301-987-6746 or [email protected].

Yoshida, mamoto Team hard copy collection. NARA Digitization Project Susan Yo- When the program is complete, re- During the past year, 9 researchers shida, Grant searchers, historians, film makers diligently researched files of Na- Hirabayashi, Barbara Nekoba and and inquirers worldwide can easily nd tional Archives and Records Admini- Terry Shima. It’s a tedious job of access the 442 Hawaii and JAVA stration (NARA) for information on plowing through files, identifying databases. In contrast, researchers the 100th Bn, 442nd RCT, Military and marking documents to be digi- must now travel to NARA in Wash- Intelligence Service, 1399th Engi- tized. ington, D.C. to conduct research. neers Bn, 1800 Engineer General Yamamoto and Ichiuji are the re- Due to high gas prices, we have reim- Service Bn, and Japanese American search co-coordinators. Dave Buto, bursed some volunteers for mileage WACs. This project continues the who handles digital scanning, and and light lunch if they remained at record collection (25 linear feet) by Ted Tsukiyama, 442nd and MIS His- NARA all day. The roundtrip com- the late Dr. Richard Susumu Yama- torian, are the project co-chairs. mute is about 40 miles for Maryland moto, his wife Fumie, and Mrs. volunteers and about 70 miles for Maggie Ikeda. The present endeavor Akira Yoshida, resident of Philadel- Virginia volunteers. Your donations preserves documents digitally. phia and a Korean War veteran, has will perpetuate the legacy of the visited NARA daily. Midway, he WWII generation at war and in the The record preservation effort is di- returned to Philadelphia to settle in vided into two parts—research and camps. Please mail checks (“NARA a retirement home , but has re- Project” on the memo line) to Earl digital scanning. Researchers are turned to NARA. Fumie Yamamoto, Joseph Ichiuji, Takeguchi, 7201 White House Drive, Chosei Kuge, Namiko Suzuki, Akira 442nd Hawaii is digitizing the Ya- Springfield, VA 22153. OCTOBER 2006 JAVA ADVOCATE PAGE 11

for voting for a new name for Mike Yaguchi, and Sharon Nitsche. From the Editor the newsletter; Warren Tsu- I am humbled that you all, who neishi submitted the name of have sacrificed so much and en- Thank you to every- the “JAVA Advocate”, and dured terrible hardships, would one who sent com- Harry Honda properly suggested take the time to come to my promo- ments about our new that “JAVA” precede whatever tion ceremony. It truly means a lot format for the June name is chosen. to me. newsletter; I enjoyed I want to express my sincerest I hope you enjoy this issue of the reading all your re- gratitude to the JAVA members JAVA ADVOCATE and the im- sponses and appreci- who attended my promotion cere- provements. As always, if you have ate your suggestions. mony in August: Terry Shima, Kelly any comments, please email at kwa- As you can see, I have listened to Kuwayama, Grant Hirabayashi, [email protected] or send mail to: your comments and made changes Grant Ichikawa, Joe Ichiuji, Chosei Kay Wakatake, 2567 Aspenwood to the newsletter. Thank you also Kuge, Vic Mukai, Earl Takeguchi, Road, Charlottesville, VA 22911.

glasses to third world coun- Donate Eyeglasses at tries in conjunction with a CORRECTION: voluntary eye doctors or- October Luncheon In the June 2006 edition, article ganization known as Volun- “Congress Recognizes Internment teer Optometric Services to Stanley Mataichi Sagara will be of Japanese Latinos” (page 6) Con- Humanity (VOSH), which Sagara collecting used eyeglasses (in com- gressman Mike Honda of Califor- has been involved in for the past plete form with lenses and tem- nia was incorrectly identified as 18 years. Sagara’s last eye care ples) for recycling at the October Congressman Henry Honda. The mission was to JiJiga, Ethiopia in Quarterly luncheon. This is a Li- JAVA ADVOCATE regrets the April 2006. error. ons Club project to supply eye-

Membership Dues: Membership Application FY2006 Veterans, Active Duty, Reservists, National Guard: $30 Associate Member (non-veterans, spouses, widows of veterans): $20 Cadets, Midshipmen: $15 Date: Amount Enclosed:$ Life Membership: $300

Membership: † New † Renewal † Transfer Military Experience (if applicable):

Name: Rank: Dates of Service: Spouse’s Name: Military Campaigns:

Address: Awards/Decorations:

Telephone: (Home) Permission to publish the following on the JAVA website: Yes No (Office) Name † † Rank † † (Cellular) Dates of Service † † Military Campaigns † † Facsimile: (Home) Awards/Decorations † †

(Office) Please make checks payable Earl Takeguchi, Treasurer Email: to JAVA and mail to: 7201 White House Drive Springfield, VA 22153 JAPANESE AMERICAN VETERANS ASSOCIATION

1666 K Street, N.W., Suite 500 Washington, D.C. 20006 Postage

Visit our website: www.javadc.org

Please send correspondence to:

General: Terry Shima, [email protected]; 301-987-6746 Michael Yaguchi, [email protected]; 703-729-1243 Membership: Cal Shintani, [email protected] Round Robin: Grant Ichikawa, [email protected] Newsletter: Kay Wakatake, [email protected]; 253-468-4238 Speakers Bureau: Norman Ikari, [email protected]; 301-869-5543 National Archives Research: Joe Ichiuji, [email protected]; 301-530-0336 Fumie Yamamoto, [email protected]; 301-942-3985 Quarterly Lunch: Grant Ichikawa, [email protected]

Upcoming Events Photos from July Quarterly October 21, 2006: JAVA Quarterly Luncheon Luncheon, 11:30 a.m., Harvest Moon Res- taurant, Falls Church, Virginia. Left: SGT Steve November 5, 2006: Lunch with Lawson Nakamoto and his and Mineko Sakai, Friends and Family of wife Sherri enter- Nisei Veterans, Gilroy, CA. tain JAVA mem- bers at July lunch- November 11, 2006: Veteran’s Day eon on July 29, Program at National Japanese American 2006. Memorial to Patriotism, Washington, D.C. Lunch at 12:00 p.m.; Program at 2:00 p.m.

January 2007: JAVA Annual Meeting

January 31, 2007: Asian Pacific Ameri- Right: The Naka- can Reception for Honorable Norman Y. moto family. L-R: Mineta. William, Luke, February 16-18, 2007: All-veterans Steve, Sherri, Sara. Reunion, New Otani Hotel in Little Tokyo, Bottom L-R: Adam, Los Angeles, CA. Anna.

May 25, 2007: Smithsonian Asia Pacific American department recognition of Ko- rean War veterans.