Parade. Puka-Puka. President s Message

Transcription

1 1 0 0 T H I N F A N T R Y B A T T A L I O N V E T E R A N S C L U B Puka-Puka Parade J U N E N O. 0 5 / President s Message by Pauline Sato As I write this month s message, Memorial Day is right around the corner. Fortunately in our community, there are multiple ways to honor those who have passed, especially veterans. Mahalo to those who have organized and invited us to events at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (Punchbowl), the Hawaii State Veterans Cemetery (Governor s Memorial Day Ceremony), Waialua Lions Club Memorial, Ala Moana (lantern floating), Hawaii Kai, and elsewhere. And mahalo to our veterans and descendants who will represent the 100 th at these ceremonies. While our veterans can surely believe it s been 70 years since they became part of the 100 th Infantry Battalion, it is hard for me to fathom that they have been and stayed together for that long! There are not many organizations that have such longevity. We should all be proud of the tradition we have been upholding for now seven decades. The Hawaii Herald will be coming up with an issue marking our 70 th anniversary. Karleen Chinen and her team are working hard to put this together. Please support them with information if you are asked for it as well as by purchasing copies to keep and share with others. And if you know of sponsors who could help support this issue, please let Karleen know. As a reminder, please register for our 70 th anniversary banquet on July 8 if you have not done so already. We are eager to include as many generations as possible for this momentous occasion that will be rich with information, entertainment, and opportunities for socializing. This event would not be possible without hard-working volunteers putting all the myriad pieces together. They are too many to name here but please know you all are very much appreciated. Speaking of volunteers, we need to find more people to help on weekends at Punchbowl. For many years, we have helped families find graves of their loved ones and provided other information. Bernard Akamine, who recently passed, was one of the most dedicated volunteers at Punchbowl. Descendants -- Please help keep this tradition of Continuing Service at Punchbowl going! Please contact Bert Hamakado at club100dc@gmail.com or call the office at to see how you can help. As I ve written and spoken about multiple times in the past (and will continue in the future), now is the time for our younger generations to get involved and help in whatever way possible to keep our organization healthy and strong, not just for our own benefit, but to help others in our community. Our lives are better because of the hard work and sacrifices of our parents and grandparents before, during, and after WWII. It s our turn to step up! Aloha, The Sato family (Barbara left, Bob center, Pauline right) at the National World War II Memorial in Washington, DC

2 In Memorium Katsumi Hanada of Maui Passed away on April 18, 2012 Ken Miya of California Passed away on April 19, 2012 Our deepest sympathy to their families. Arrivederci, Paesano Bernardo! by Jayne Hirata-Epstein A few years ago, I received a phone call from my friend, Beau Tatsumura of the 100 th /442nd. My voice was shaky and he asked me if I was okay. I told him I had been crying because one of the veterans had passed away. In his usual no-nonsense Beau style, he said, You better get tough because it s only going to get harder when the veterans you are close to pass away. As much as I hate to admit it, he was right and hearing of the passing of Baker Co. veteran Bernard Akamine really shook me to the core. Bernard has been a part of my life since Day One at the 100 th both figuratively and literally. If you look around my very messy house, you ll find a handmade creation by Bernard in every corner. Hanging on the doorknob on my front door is a bright blue wooden geta with the words Please remove your shoes. Mahalo that Bernard made for me when he overheard me discussing my inability to get my husband s cousin from Los Angeles who was visiting us for a few weeks to remember to take off his shoes. Now Bernard usually painted Please hemo your slippas on these getas but as he knew my husband was a haole, he changed the wording into a more Caucasian friendly request. And guess what? It really worked no more dirty Gucci loafers walking through my living room! On my first day working in the Clubhouse Office, Bernard came down and bought me a few jars of delicious jelly and asked me what my middle name was. As soon as I told him, he thanked me and left for home. I wondered why he asked but figured it must have been for one of the many research projects that he always seemed to be working on. `A few days later, he returned with an adorable wooden pencil and note holder that he had made for me. It was in the shape of a dog since he and I shared a crazy love for all things canine and painted on the front in katakana was Hatsue, my middle name. That doggie sat on my desk the entire time I worked in the Office and still keeps me on task now that I work from home. Things came full circle on my last day of work when Bernard brought in a beautiful photo frame with the 100 th logo in it that he presented to me and added, So you don t forget us when you aren t here. That brought tears to my eyes that day and even now, when I look at it, the emotions well up inside as I think of the time and feeling that went into that gift. It just sums up the person Bernard was always working hard behind the scenes to give of himself and share his knowledge and graciousness with others. And yes, like many of you, when it is mango season, we bust out the Bernard Akamine original homemade never fail to get the big ones picker. And yes, like many of you, when the doggies make doodoo in the yard, we use the Bernard Akamine original homemade gallon shoyu can dust bun. And yes, like many of the other fortunate ladies, if I go to eat somewhere with less than clean floors, I use my Bernard Akamine original homemade 100 th Battalion tabletop purse holder. Bernard was always my go to guy for whatever 100 th related task needed to be done. Whenever a request came in for a school presentation, he and Robert Arakaki would work together to select just the right roster of veterans that they felt best met the needs of the students. While I joked with them that it was based solely on who wanted to enjoy a free cafeteria lunch on the designated day, I know that Bernard took great pains to make sure that there was always a nice mix of veterans from each company so the students would get a full picture of the wartime experiences of the 100 th. He himself would always develop a presentation from scratch for each school, inquiring about what the students already knew about the WWII AJA soldiers or what other subjects they had been studying. His stories always captured the attention of the kids, regardless of their age, as he punctuated his words with pictures, books, coins, medals and many other items that brought the history of the 100 th to life with them. Once he started speaking, he was no longer just a special guest for History Class but became everyone s Grandpa Bernie who was just talking story to his kids and grandkids for a short time. 2

3 I don t know if he truly realized how deeply his words touched the students and teachers but I recently found this out first hand. When my younger son, Rysen, was in Kindergarten, Bernard called me to come up to his house to pick up something for Rysen to take to school. Rysen had apparently told him that they were studying caterpillars and butterflies but all of the ones they had in jars had died. That same day, Bernard went home and went to work on sprucing up his ever-popular Butterfly Box as well as collecting caterpillars and milkweed to put within. Needless to say, the Butterfly Box was a big hit and the students invited Grandpa Bernie to join them for a celebration on the day they released the butterflies into the sky. As was Bernard s way, he brought along a DVD on Monarch butterfly migration and some handouts for each of the 75 kids. When the Butterfly Box was opened and the newly hatched butterflies flew the coop, I don t know who was more delighted the kids or Bernard. Most of the teachers know that I still volunteer at the 100 th so they often ask Rysen (who is now in Second Grade) how the veterans are doing. The Second Grade teachers also have a bond with the veterans as back when my twins were in Grade 2 (they are now in 8 th grade), the students interviewed veterans from the 100 th, 442 nd and MIS for a school project including Bernard. Rysen told them that Grandpa Bernie of the 100th had passed and that we were all very sad about it. One of the teachers came to me and said that the teachers had decided they would not tell the children about Bernard s passing as it would be too much for them to bear. She explained that even though they were two years out of Kindergarten, the students still spoke often and fondly about the great Grandpa Bernie and his magical Butterfly Box. I could not help but think that this was how Bernard would have wanted it to have these children smile as they remembered the time they spent with the happy Butterfly Wrangler and not shedding tears over his passing. So Bernard, this is the way that I, too, will choose to keep you in my heart. I will giggle at the memories of the many PPP discussions we had over the years - whether it was too easy to tell who the Who Dat? person was in your column or whether certain colorful words were kid and politician friendly. I will always appreciate the help and guidance you gave to my cousin who wanted to learn woodwork from you but ended up learning so much more about life and living. I will smile when I get behind the wheel of my car and hear you say, Hey, why did you buy this Cracker Box like my granddaughter? And each and every time I go in and out of my front door and hear the click clack of the geta, I will picture your delightful grin and know that when I meet you in the next world, there will be another Bernard original handmade geta hanging on the Pearly Gates made by you so I remember to take my slippers off before stepping into Heaven. Mahalo from the Akamine Family The widow of the late Bernard Akamine (B), Jeanette Akamine, sent a heartfelt letter to our office recently with words we felt important to share with our readers. Please extend our family s appreciation to the Board of Directors, the members and the staff of the 100 th Infantry Battalion Veterans for their thoughtfulness during my late husband s illness and upon his passing. The moral support and encouragement he received from the members meant so much to him. The kind words and warm remembrances upon his passing touched our hearts. The assistance from members and especially from the Descendants Chapter for his memorial celebration was outstanding. After he attended the Family Support Group session on Planning your memorial service, he directed us to just have a party at the Clubhouse. Because of the tremendous help we received from the Club, his final wish was realized. An Award Winning Renovation by Susan Muroshige On May 2nd, the Building Industry Association - Hawaii held its 27th Annual Renaissance Awards banquet at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel. There were numerous awards announced for new commercial and residential projects as well as remodeling projects. The 100th Infantry Battalion Education Center was the Grand Award winner for a commercial project under 5,000 square feet! This was a fine recognition by their peers of the general contractor and architect. Dean and Gene Asahina of Universal Construction, Inc. and the architect, Steven Kutaka of ecoform, Inc. worked diligently and overcame 3

4 many frustrating obstacles to create an exhibit area that would honor the men of the battalion. They worked closely with the media display team of Arnold and Eloise Hiura and Stephan Doi. This whole team had a passion and commitment to the project which I appreciated very much. Education Center Blessing by Pauline Sato We ve enjoyed the renovations since they were completed last October. On opening day, we asked Kahu Raymond Kaimialoaʻa Ganotise to conduct a traditional Hawaiian blessing. It was a very special moment and we thought we d share his words, which have set us on the right course. If you haven't visited the Clubhouse recently, please come by and see our award -winning new exhibit area. Come Visit the Clubhouse and Education Center by Pauline Sato Many of you have been to the Clubhouse since the construction of the Education Center but many more have not. We welcome members, ohana, and friends to come visit us anytime during office hours (Monday Friday, 9 am 1 pm) but especially at our Open House on Saturday, July 7 from 10 am 3 pm. We are opening the Clubhouse on this day before our 70 th Anniversary Banquet in anticipation of out of town visitors but welcome anyone who wants to come. We ll have some refreshments but nothing in particular planned other than a casual time for folks to come on down to see the exhibits and just talk story. Please RSVP by June 29 by calling our office at if you would like to come so that we may plan ahead. Parking will be available at Ala Wai School. E mau kiaʻi mai ka po mai, O guardian, from remote antiquity, E nana ia mai ka hale, Watch over this building, Mai luna a lalo From top to bottom, Mai kahi kihi a kahi kihi From one corner to the other, Mai ka hikina a ke komohana a ka akau a ka hema, From east to west, south to north, Mai loko a waho, From the inside to the outside, Kiaʻi ia, mālama ia, Watch over and protect it, E ola i ka hana hale, Grant life to those who work herein, E ola i ke kana kipa mai, Grant life to the visitors that come, E pale aku i na hoʻopilikia i keia ka hale, Ward off all that may trouble in this building, Amama, ua noa lele wale aku la hoʻi. Amama, the kapu is freed, the prayer has gone on its way. 4

5 Japan Prime Minister Noda Meets President Obama and Japanese American Representatives by Terry Shima Japanese American Veterans Association Following their summit meeting on April 30, 2012 in Washington, DC, President Barack Obama and Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda issued a US-Japan Joint Statement: A Shared Vision for the Future which confirmed the US-Japan alliance as the cornerstone of peace, security, and stability in the Asia Pacific region for the past 60 years. The statement also announced a number of cooperative initiatives in the area of security cooperation, economic partnership, cultural and people to people exchanges. Prime Minister Noda arrived at the nation s capital on April 29, Ambassador Ichiro Fujisaki held a small reception at his Official Residence that evening comprised of representatives from government entities, private sector and the community. Three members of the Japanese American Veterans Association (JAVA) were invited: Mr. Robert Nakamoto, immediate past president, Mr. Grant Ichikawa, a member of the Board of Directors, and Mr. Terry Shima, Executive Director. In his remarks, the Prime Minister expressed his gratitude for the US relief and reconstruction aid following the March 2011 tsunami and gave a glimpse of his position for the summit meeting the next day by saying he was determined to lead the efforts to build a solid partnership between the two nations. During discussions with JAVA representatives and Mr. Hideki Hamamoto, President, HHTransPac Inc. who is active in U.S-Japan relations, Ambassador Fujisaki informed the Prime Minister about JAVA and the Congressional Gold Medal awarded to the Japanese American World War II soldiers who served in the 100 th Infantry Battalion, the 442 nd Regimental Combat Team and the Military Intelligence Service. Noda asked the Nisei to convey his congratulations and best wishes to veterans and families of these units. On April 30, 2012, Prime Minister Noda attended a State Department dinner hosted by Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton. JAVA President Gerald Yamada, who was invited to this dinner, reported that Clinton, in her welcoming remarks, pointed to the 3,000 cherry trees, a gift from Japan of 100 years ago, as the symbol of enduring friendship between the America and the people of Japan. She announced a gift of 3,000 dogwood trees for the people of Japan from the American people. She also offered a toast to the Japanese and American people, To our enduring friendship and partnership, and to a future we build together of peace and prosperity for ourselves and the world. Prime Minister Noda meets Japanese Americans in Washington, DC. L-R: Ambassador Fujisaki, Hideki Hamamoto, Prime Minister Noda, Bob Nakamoto, Terry Shima. Photo by Embassy of Japan Don Asman and Wife on Mission to Malawi, Africa by Joy Teraoka The Reverend and Mrs. Don Asman were off to Malawi in the southern part of Africa in May. They spent two weeks at the Malama Feeding Sites, taking part in a program under the auspices of the United Church of Christ organization and Makiki Christian Church. In volunteering their services to this destitute country, they assisted in feeding the needy and in administering medical aid at the mission s clinic. They also took bundles of fabric for clothing from Gloria Tamashiro s stash of materials (wife of the late Ben Tamashiro, 100 th s D Co.). In their retirement, the Asmans still carry on God s work. Surely this journey will have given them many heartfelt experiences and precious moments to remember. 5

6 Clubhouse Spring Cleaning by Arlene Sato On Sunday, May 6, at 8:00 am while most of you were probably still in bed sleeping, 25 volunteers came to clean our clubhouse. Members of the International Executive Housekeepers Association, headed by their Community Service Committee Chair Gary Nushida, brought professional cleaning supplies and equipment. Gary s dad is the late George K. Nushida of A Company. They quickly cleaned the bathrooms, entry area, and lounge. Director of maintenance at Arcadia Pauline Taufa, and her gang scrubbed our kitchen and made it look brand new. The current officers were elected under the "old" bylaws to one year terms ending in December The officers elected in the November 10, 2012, election will serve two year terms beginning January 1, The present list of officer candidates include: President- Lloyd Kitaoka 1st Vice President- Irene Anzai (incumbent) 2nd Vice President- vacant Treasurer- Janice Trubitt (incumbent) Candidates can be nominated for all the above positions. The candidate must submit a petition signed by at least 15 regular members in good standing to the Nominations Committee at least 30 days prior to the election date (October 11, 2012). Petitions may be submitted to the club office for transmittal to the Nominations Committee. We hope that members who are willing to work hard for the best interest of the club will consider running for office. 70th Anniversary Banquet Update by Janice Yokoyama Trubitt Ms. Jowana Lobendahn, teacher at Washington Middle School, brought a dozen eager teenagers. Among them was the great-granddaughter of the late Yoshio Saito of A Company. They cleaned the jalousies and floors. Thanks to all these volunteers, our clubhouse is so clean. Announcements & Upcoming Events Club Election Date Officer Nominations Sought by Warren Yamamoto, Nominations Committee Chair The elections for the Executive Board of Directors of the 100th Infantry Battalion Veterans will be held Saturday, November 10, 2012, 9:00 a.m. at the Clubhouse. This notice is in conformance with the newly adopted bylaws to announce the election date by June 1 of the election year. 6 There are only two weeks left! This is an important year to celebrate so remember to get your reservations in for the 70th Anniversary Banquet before the June 18th deadline. Our Banquet will be held on July 8, 2012 at the Honolulu Country Club in Moanalua beginning at 10 am. Please mark your calendars and register now! Indecisive? Unfortunately, no refunds will be given after June 22 if you should change your mind. If you need a ride to the banquet, please indicate this on your order form or call the Clubhouse office at Your help and goodwill is crucial for the success of this banquet. Can you spare a few hours? Throughout the week before the banquet, we will be busy preparing. Volunteers are needed to help out with putting the favors together on June 30th at 9 am. On the day of the banquet, we will also need about 5 strong people to be greeters/helpers at the entrance of the Honolulu Country Club to assist veterans and handicapped guests. Please call the Clubhouse to enlist to help out and let's make this 70th Anniversary a BIG celebration!!! VETERANS - Please wear your red/white/blue crochet leis to the banquet so that you can be easily recognized. Red, white, and blue were chosen as our theme colors since we would have just celebrated the

7 Fourth of July. If you don t have a lei, please inform the office and we will get you one. Out of town guests and those who want to visit the Clubhouse are welcome to come to the OPEN HOUSE on Saturday, July 7 between 10 am and 3 pm. Clubhouse Landscaping Meeting Scheduled by Pauline Sato Mahalo to those who heeded my call for volunteers to create the new landscaping for the Clubhouse! Our first meeting will be on Thursday, May 31 from 3-4 pm at the Clubhouse. Our landscape designer will be the renowned horticulturalist, Heidi Bornhorst. She has worked on many projects, including at the Honolulu Botanical Gardens and Hale Koa Hotel. She knows how to propagate and care for just about any plant and will help us figure out what is best for our situation. If you are interested in participating in this meeting, which will focus on gathering ideas and feedback on potential themes of design, please contact Pauline Sato at 100thpresident@gmail.com or call the office at Go For Broke! Memories of a Hawaiian Japanese Nisei Film Screening by Hiroyuki Matsumoto by Larissa Nielsen On Friday May 3, veterans and wives gathered in the Education Resource Center to watch a very special film screening of Go For Broke! Memories of Hawaiian Japanese Nisei. Mr. Hiroyuki Matsumoto, the film s producer and director from Japan, brought his film to share with the veterans whom he interviewed several years ago. In Japan, the hardship of the immigrant of the first generation is known. Mr. Matsumoto states in his flyer. He continues to say, However, the hardship in the different style of the [Hawaiian Japanese] Nisei is not known. I am shameful as the same Japanese. I wish that [all] Japanese [will] know the Nisei s achievement and sacrifice by this movie. The film is a 97-minute documentary with interviews from Robert Arakaki, Robert Sato, Edward Ikuma, Goro Sumida, Stanley Izumigawa, Hiram Hagiwara, and Arthur Kurahara, to name a few. The film is very touching, honest and raw as the veterans shared their experiences as soldiers of war and as Hawaiian Japanese Nisei. Go For Broke! Memories of Hawaiian Japanese Nisei won the Best of Hawaii film award in the 2012 Honolulu Film Awards. Mr. Matsumoto will continue to finish his film and hopes to hold an island-wide screening in mid- June. He is currently looking for a location to hold it. Thank you, Mr. Hiroyuki Matsumoto, for sharing your film and passion with us! The Sons & Daughters of the 442nd RCT invites... Families of the 100th, 442nd, MIS and 1399th to spend the day with us at: Family Fun Day at THE PACIFIC AVIATION MUSEUM Saturday, July 14, 2012, 9:00 am-5:00 pm Cost per person $20.00* (retail $47.00) [*$10 tax deductable donation to museum & $10 for bento lunch & drink] Visit includes admission to the museum, a guided tour (including flight simulator) and the bento lunch (for those 6 and older). Children 5 years and younger are free (no bento included). Tours will start at 9:30 am, 10:00 am, 1:00 pm & 1:30 pm. Lunch and program from 11:30 am 1:00 pm. Parking is available on Ford Island ONLY if you complete the parking section on the sign up form. Otherwise, a shuttle service is available from the Arizona Memorial Visitor Center for a fee of $3 per person. Please complete the sign up form (available at the 100 th Clubhouse office), including the parking request portion and submit to Gail Nishimura by Friday, June 22, Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor on historic Ford Island occupies World War II-era hangars that still bear the scars of our nation's first aviation battlefield. 7

8 Reconnecting to the Past We recently received an from Sgt. Ty W. Krout (via Shirley at the 442 Club), who is looking for information about a friend of his late father. If you can help him, please contact Sgt. Krout directly. Mahalo. Hello, I am looking for information on members of the 442 in Italy, 42-43, during the war. My Father was a medical corpsman and during that time was instrumental in saving a Japanese 442 soldier. He only new the man as Tai and didn t know how to spell the name. I was born in 55, first son, and he named me after this man whom he befriended. Not knowing the Japanese spelling, I got Ty. Well, dad passed this last November, and I was going through his military service records and I thought of figuring out who Tai is. If you can help me, let me know. Or, pass me on to someone who has a list of those in the 442. We have some pictures of Casino, and Naples where dad worked in a medical unit as a surgery technician. I have tried the national records, and that was no help at all. I am a Vietnam Vet, and contacting other vets is usually the best method. My father s name is Henry W. Krout, Tech-3. Thanks in advance. Ty W. Krout Sgt, US Army, Communications Specialist twak0928@gmail.com Chapter News Headquarters Chapter News by Janice Sakoda Daughter of Gary K. Uchida Hope everyone got the message that our May meeting was cancelled. President Dot Tamashiro had a funeral, Vice President Elsie Oshita had a doctor s appointment and Secretary/Treasurer Jan Sakoda was on Kauai. Speaking of Elsie, I heard that her green thumb was turning brown... maybe from too much use? Hope it turns back to your regular green thumb soon. Elsie was the one who encouraged me not give up on that dreaded nut grass. If you re at all familiar with nut grass, you ll know that it is the bane of all gardeners! She told me that every night, she and her husband used to go out in the yard to pull out nut grass. After some period of time, they were successful in getting rid of all of it! So I ve been (trying to) diligently attack the nut grass and lo and behold, I think I have it under control... in a small patch in my yard... a very, very small patch. But the rest of the yard is seeing a proliferation of that dreaded stuff. Yikes! Don t forget to sign up for our BIG 7-0 anniversary banquet which is scheduled for July 8th. Our own Janice Trubitt is chairing this committee and I know she and her committee are hard at work to make this a great success. If you can, please volunteer to help. If you don t, you cannot grumble, okay? I m writing this article from our hotel room on Kauai; my husband and I arrived today and will be here a week for a little vacation. We ll be spending Mother s Day with Ed s aunty and cousins whom we see only once a year so it ll be nice to spend time getting to know them better. The good news for this month is that there is no bad news! Yay! So, another short column this month. Please plan to join us at our next meeting, Saturday, June 9, starting at 10:00 a.m. Baker Chapter News by Cecilee Tanaka At the last meeting, we had most of the regulars and a few new faces. In attendance were: Randy and Anne Kuroda, Riki and Evelyn Tsuda, Robert and Nancy Arakaki, Sonsei and Elaine Nakamura, Susan and David Hokama, Charlie Tanaka, Violet Yamamoto, her daughter Brenda, son-inlaw, grand-daughter Kori-Jo Kochi, Bert Kuioka, Aki Nosaka, Jeanette Akamine, Cecilee Tanaka, Helen Kodama, Ann Kabasawa, Drusilla Tanaka and guests, Pauline Sato and Lloyd Kitaoka. Mahalo to the Yozo Yamamoto family for the delicious home-made mochi, to Jeanette Akamine for the unagi sushi, to Ann Kabasawa for the lemon bars, to Robert Arakaki for the cold drinks, and an assortment of snacks from anonymous donors. Club President Pauline Sato and Vice President Lloyd Kitaoka were invited to the meeting to help explain what the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the 8

9 Legacy Organization is all about. It seems very complicated and it s difficult to understand because some of the important issues are confidential and cannot be discussed. However, there seemed to be a general feeling that the Club should present the draft MOU to the Legacy Organization and see what happens. The overall objective is to improve communication and cooperation between the two organizations. President Pauline suggested that we all keep an open mind about this. If you were not able to attend the meeting and have questions or concerns regarding this matter, please contact President Pauline Sato directly. As promised, Evelyn Tsuda brought the words and a tape recording of all the songs that we will be singing at the 70 th Anniversary banquet in July. We had a good time trying to stay in tune, but next we need to work on volume. Everyone was encouraged to practice in the shower before the next meeting! There are three members who were ill recently: Kay Takaezu, Bette Takahashi, and Marie Yoneshige. We wish them a speedy recovery and hope they are feeling better soon. The Baker Family Day event on August 4 is almost here. Baker Chapter members will get an RSVP form in the mail instead of taking up space in the PPP. If you don t get your form by June 30, call Drusilla Tanaka at or her at drusillatanaka@gmail.com. We will accept donations of door prizes, pūpū, and desserts. It sounds like tons of fun with all the games and ono food, so make sure you no miss out and send in the RSVP. Next meeting is June 3 at 11am. Note the earlier start time. I hear there s going to be a special event at the meeting, so come earlier at 11am. Dog Chapter News by Joy Teraoka Doggies, this is a reminder to send in your reservation form for the 70 th Annual Banquet if you haven t done so, as the deadline for submission is June 18, The banquet will be on July 8, 2012, at the Honolulu Country Club. Our next Dog Chapter meeting at the Clubhouse is scheduled for Saturday, June 2, 2012 at 9:30 a.m. Mainland Chapter News by Sam Fujikawa Mainland vets are busy with many events happening all at the same time. The Los Angeles Area celebration for the Congressional Gold Medal Award has many of the veterans and the sons and daughters very involved in the organizing of the event. Many of our members are assisting with the planning that will involve an anticipated large number of attendees on June 9th at 9:00 AM at the Go For Broke Monument in downtown Los Angeles. The event will be co-hosted by the 100th Infantry Battalion Veterans, the 100th/442nd Regimental Combat Team, MIS Veterans of Southern California, Japanese American National Museum, JACL Pacific Southwest District, and Japanese American Bar Association. This celebration joins with the many other ones already being held all over the United States and Hawaii to commemorate a truly historical once in a lifetime, honor awarded to the legacy and contributions of our Nisei World War II Veterans. Our sons and daughters are working on the Annual 100th Reunion in Las Vegas that is scheduled for October 21 thru October 25 this year. Registration forms have been finalized and will be mailed out next week as we have already been asked by quite a few new friends if they could join us this year. The more the merrier is our motto. The enthusiasm of the sons and daughters last year added to the good time had by all. Our next meeting is scheduled for June 16 at the Go For Broke Center. We are saddened to report the passing of Ken Miya, Co. A, our very faithful, active member. He and his late wife, Hisa, were so much an important part of our local chapter, always participating in all of our events, meetings, reunions and activities. Our heartfelt condolences go to his daughters Carolyn (Mark Fong), and Amy - and family members. A funeral is scheduled for May 19th at the Gardena Valley Baptist Church. 9

10 SENPAI GUMI OF THE 100 TH by Ted Tsukiyama Editor s note: This is a continuation of Ted Tsukiyama s summary of the booklet, Senpai Gumi, by 100/MIS veteran Richard Oguro about the first group of 100 th men who were recruited from Camp McCoy for the MIS. (fourth of eight parts) Upon graduation SADAO TOYAMA was held back at MISLS assigned to research and translation functions until receiving orders in February 1944 to join a team which was sent on a 60-day Pacific Ocean voyage under Australia over to Celon, India destined for duty at SEATIC (Southeast Asia Translator Interpreter Command) in New Delhi, India. From SEATIC teams of translator/interpreters were sent out to American and British units fighting against the Japanese Army in Burma. Toyama was first assigned to General Stilwell s headquarters in Shadazup, Burma, then joined the 5332 Brigade (better known as Mars Task Force) in its arduous battle driving the Japanese out of Northern Burma up to February Back in the SEATIC pool, Toyama was then assigned to a team led by Ed Mitsukado to join the British Army at Bombay, India for its invasion of lower Burma where he heard glad news of the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and the surrender of Japan. Peace notwithstanding Toyama and Harry Uyehara were assigned to the Royal British Commandos and sent to Hong Kong to help British Army officers negotiate the terms and ceremony of the Japanese surrender at Canton, China. When ordered back to New Delhi, Toyama succumbed to a severe attack of malaria and had to be hospitalized at a U.S. hospital in Kunming en route back to New Delhi. After enduring months of delays in India, Toyama boarded a troop ship in Karachi and sailed through the Suez across the Atlantic to see the welcome sight of the Statue of Liberty on December 2, Toyama s army career somehow ended at Camp McCoy, Wisconsin where he received his discharge on December 6, 1945, exactly 4 years from the date of the attack on Pearl Harbor! BEN YAMAMOTO had one of the most storied, actionpacked MIS adventures of all of the Senpai Gumi MIS. Yamamoto s 5-man team was assigned to a continental destination, the super-secret Byron Hot Springs resort tucked away in the hills east of San Francisco. The MIS had converted Byron into a highly classified POW interrogation center where high level Japanese POWs were subjected to intense interrogation conducted mostly by MIS linguists. As part of the first MISLS graduates to be assigned to Byron, Yamamoto spent a pressure-packed 13 months interrogating Japanese POWs to the point of exhaustion until he was relieved and then transferred to the choicest of all assignments, the JICPOA (Joint Intelligence Center Pacific Ocean Area) in Pearl Harbor Hawaii! But because Nisei were not allowed in JICPOA Headquarters at Pearl Harbor, the Nisei MIS worked translating captured enemy documents and were quartered in the Home Furniture building (titled JICPOA Annex ) where they were fed at McKinley Grill and allowed weekend passes to go home! Good times came to an end in 1944 when Yamamoto was assigned to Headquarters Company, 4 th Marine Division and then shipped off to participate in one of the bloodiest battles of the War, the invasion of Iwo Jima. Yamamoto beached on the fourth day of the invasion and immediately dug in to protect himself from an all night Japanese mortar barrage. Yamamoto faced a more immediate danger when he found himself staring into the barrel of a.45 automatic held by a Seabee officer demanding to know who the hell he was (a Jap sniper in Marine uniform?), from which he escaped after displaying his ID as an interrogator with the 4 th Marines. Yamamoto regretted he had not stuck it out at Byron as he pondered over the lesson that a Nisei on the front lines can easily be shot by his own troops than as by the enemy. On Iwo Jima Yamamoto had little occasion to interrogate enemy prisoners since they all chose to fight and die rather than be captured. After the fall of Iwo Jima Yamamoto returned to Hawaii with the 4 th Marines to rest and then prepare for the beachhead landing at Kagoshima, Japan when the joyous news was received of the atomic bombing and Japan s surrender. Yet Yamamoto was sent off to Guam to help process Japanese POWs, translate surrender speeches and interpret for the Marine officers. Next he was ordered to Sasebo to work with Japanese naval officers to take inventory of stored torpedoes, during which time he was able to drive over to Nagasaki to view the bombed out remains of that city, a sight which Yamamoto exclaimed defied all comprehension, after which he drove back to Sasebo visibly shaken and in deep silence. After completion of his Sasebo assignment, Yamamoto took a wild, 20-day ride on a Navy destroyer to Hawaii landing at Pearl Harbor 20 pounds lighter, where he won his discharge on November 15, 1945, four years and a day after his induction into the Army. 10

11 In Appreciation Thank you so much for the generous and thoughtful donations which were received between March 13 and April 12, General Operating Fund $50 Shizuko Akamine in memory of Bernard Akamine $50 Jan Nadamoto $50 Paul & Charlene Fukunaga in memory of Bernard Akamine $100 Paul & Charlene Fukunaga in memory of Seie Oshiro $100 Bob & Kay Ogata $200 Kenzo Kanemoto in memory of Bob Takashige $200 Tokuji Yoshihashi in memory of Ben Tagami Scholarship $25 Lois Nakagawa in memory of Seie Oshiro Puka Puka Parade $25 Terri Wakuzawa in memory of Seie Oshiro $25 Terri Wakuzawa in memory of Bernard Akamine $50 Christine Marcello in memory of Bernard Akamine $50 Jeanette Akamine in memory of Miyako Tsubota $100 Mary Hamasaki in memory of Bernard Akamine $250 Jeanette Akamine in memory of Bernard Akamine Education Center $250 Jeanette Akamine in memory of Bernard Akamine We apologize for not acknowledging the donations to the Education Center received last month. A heartfelt thank you goes to Mrs. Michiko Takashige for her generous donation of $2,000 in memory of her husband, Robert Takashige. We had also received anonymous donations of $21.35 in the Education Center Donation Box. Lastly, we sincerely appreciate the significant and generous donation from the Helen Nikaido Trust. Photo Pop Quiz! For those of you who tried to answer last month s Photo Pop Quiz, the phrase de porc dans la poche means pork in a pocket, referring to the crispy gau gee. Why in French? We were hosting lunch for guests from Bruyeres, France, at the Clubhouse last October. Here s the next quiz: What is the important document that President Barack Obama signed on October 5, 2010? Send your guesses to us at club100vets@gmail.com. 11

12 June 2012 Calendar of Events EBOD Meeting BOARD Meeting ABLE Chapter BAKER Chapter CHARLIE Chapter DOG Chapter HQ/MEDICS Chapter RURAL Chapter DESCENDANTS Chapter BANQUET Committee LONG-RANGE PLANNING SCHOLARSHIP Committee NOMINATION Committee LINE DANCING ZUMBA CRAFTS PUKA PUKA PARADE Saturday, June 16, 8:30 am Saturday, June 16, 9:30 am Saturday, June 23, 8:30 am Sunday, June 3, 1:00 pm No meeting Saturday, June 2, 9:30 am Saturday, June 9, 10:00 am To be announced To be announced Saturday, June 30, 9:30 am To be announced To be announced To be announced Every Wednesday, 9:00am, Turner Hall Every Wednesday, 10:30 am, Turner Hall Every Tuesday, 9 am Collating on Saturday, June 23, 9:00 am. Dates and times subject to change. Please contact your Chapter President, Committee Chair, or the Office for more information. Puka-Puka Parade The Puka Puka Parade is the monthly newsletter of the 100th Infantry Battalion Veterans organization. It is published at the 100th Infantry Battalion Veterans Clubhouse, 520 Kamoku Street, Honolulu, HI 96826, eleven times a year. The opinions expressed in the Puka Puka Parade are those of the individual author and do not necessarily reflect the position of the 100th Infantry Battalion Veterans. The deadline to submit articles for the July 2012 issue is June 11, Please send your articles, comments or questions about the Parade via to pukaparade@gmail.com via fax to (808) , or via mail to: Puka Puka Parade 520 Kamoku Street Honolulu, HI If you would like to be removed from the PPP mailing list, would like to receive the PPP via , have a new mailing address, or have any questions, please contact the Clubhouse Office at (808) or club100vets@gmail.com 100th Infantry Battalion Veterans 520 Kamoku Street Honolulu, HI Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage P A I D Permit No. 158 Honolulu, HI RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED PUKA-PUKA PARADE - June 2012 ISSUE 05/2012

13 P U K A - P U K A P A R A D E N O. 0 2 / PPP Additional Information Bert Takeuchi, producer of the independent documentary film, "Valor With Honor," would like to inform our members about his film, which is based on over 35 video interviews on the Nisei WW2 veterans that served in the 100th Infantry Battalion and 442nd RCT. He said, The film is touring the country and has been shown in LA, SJ, NO, NY, Auburn, Lodi, and SF. He also said that the film is being reviewed at the Honolulu Doris Duke theater for a possible screening as part as one of their film programs. The dvd is on sale at For more information, you may reach Mr. Takeuchi at: torasanfilms@yahoo.com 13