· - "-~

.. _------ .. _--

100TH INFANTRY BATTALION VETERANS CLUB

MONTHLY NEW.c.;

E * * *

Puase join US to sliare Jt ~t iJ1iant 9'Ou

!From tJ1ie, 10d' Infantry f}Jatta[ion ttleterans tz'uest!ay, !Je6nuuy 13, 2007 from 4:00 p.m.

at tIie C{u6Iiouse, 520 ~/Ot Street (Pari.i'Y18 avaiCabCe at IoCani Sclioo[)

~ 6y tJAurst!ay, !Je6ruarg 8 (946-0272 or ciu6100'fJets@yalioo.com)

Everyone in the 100th Infantry Battalion Veterans Ohana is invited to join us and say "Thank. You from the Heart" to the many individuals and organizations who gave so generously of their time, labor and monetary dQnations to improve and maintain our beloved Clubhou.se this past year. As a small token of our deep appreciation for their dedication to the Veterans, we have invited Mr. Kyle Chock of Pacific Resource Partnership and Representative Scott Nishimoto who spearheaded the volunteer campaign to make the many needed repairs to the Clubhouse. We have also extended an invitation to Mrs. Patty Kawaoka and her housekeeping staff from the Miramar at Waikiki who 6'adopted" the Clubhouse as their community service project and have cleaned the Clubhouse twice a year for the past three years. Also joining us will be the men and women of the Carpenters Union, the Painters Union, 100th/442nil BN, the Honolulu Police Department, the Navy Sea Bees and other community members who pitched in wherever and whenever needed.

Light pupus will be served followed by a short program honoring the many volunteers and donors.

We hope that many veterans will attend this event to share their "old days" stories of the Clubhouse with the volunteers (many of whom are part of the ''younger generation'') who have helped us make "new memories" for the years to come.

If you and your family would like to join us to share in the "arigatoo" spirit, please RSVP to the Clubhouse office (call 946-0272 or e-mail at clublOOvets@yahoo.cQm) by Thursday, February 8 and let us know how many people will be attending.

HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM ALL OF US AT THE PUKA PUKA PARADE

Robert;; Arakakl- content editor and printing 6taff Kunio Fujimoto - dl6tr1butlon and mailing

Mary Hama6aki - proofreader I bulk rate form preparer Jayne Hlrata-Ep6teln - technical editor

Joy T eraoka - contributing writer I prlntlne 6taff I bulk rate form preparer Evelyn T 6uda - contributing writer / con6ultant

Amanda 5te:ven6 - content editor Hlromi Suehlro ~ printing 6taff

..

PRESmENT'S REPORT by Robert Arakald

HAPPY NEW YEAR from the Board of Directors of the 100th Infantry Battalion Veterans Club.

A person born in the year of the boar (puG' a) is said to be fair but materialistic, is polite, reliable and considerate and has many friends from different areas.

Here are two important motions that were made and camed at the December 2006 Board meeting:

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

Non .Polideal Character: Dr. Denis Teraoka read a statement: "The 100th Infantry Battalion shall not endorse, support, oppose, or otherwise allow the use of its name or any of its publications by, for, or against any candidate for elected public office." A motion was made: The 100th Battalion shall not endorse, support, oppose or otherwise allow the use of its name or any of its publications by, for or against any candidate for elected public office. This motion was seconded and unanimously carried

Permanent Monument: Ray Nosaka's request to build a permanent monument, listing the name of evety man who served in the 100th through August 1946 was approved. Mr. Turner. stated that he thinks the Sons & Daughters would be willing to take on the fundraising. .

The 65th Anniversary celebration will be held on June 22, 23, and 24. By now you should have received your information and registration packet. If you have any questions, please call either Joyce Doi at (808) 677-9398 or Mike Harada at (808) 438-9333.

Turner Hall was transformed into a Christmas wonderland by several volunteers, supervised by Skip Tomiyama. The spirit of Christmas was evetyWhere and many commented on how beautiful and creative the decorations were. Good Job!

c ~~ ~.officers--wer~swom .. in=b~.~~~oka at the=1amta.ty-----H:, 266'1- board meeting:

President: 1 st Vice President 2nd Vice President Secretai)' Treasurer

Robert Arakaki Stanley M. Akita Michael Harada Albert Matsumoto Albert Turner

On December 2, the Board members were invited to a Mahalo luncheon at the Hale Koa Hotel honoring the Nisei World War II veterans. The luncheon was sponsored by the National Japanese American Memorial Foundation, chaired by Dr. Raymond Murakami and Director Gerald Yamada. Each of the Nisei units received a beautiful commemorative ctystal bowl in recognition of the tremendous contnbution made by them. The bowl is on display at our clubhouse in the showcase near the front entrance.

A group of veterans from the lOOth attended the ceremony at Pearl Harbor on December 7 to pay tribute to the survivors and those who died on that fateful day 65 years ago. The ceremony opened with an Hawaiian blessing followed by a moment of silence, missing man flyover, and presentation of colors. The keynote speaker was Tom Brokaw, former NBC Nightly News anchor and author of The Greatest Generation. His speech was followed by wreath presentations, benediction, rifle salute, taps and postlude. The veterans who attended were Kenneth Otagaki, Kazuto Shimizu, Rikio Tsuda, Robert Arakaki and Office Manager Amanda Stevens. They were escorted by Lt. Col. Colbert R. H. Low, 100th Bn. Reserves commander; SM Harold Estabrooks, and FS Beau Tatsumura. We were vel)' fortunate to be transported to and from the clubhouse to the ceremony site by the military organization.

On December 7, Command Sgt. Major Bert Hamakado volunteered to transport Saburo Nishime and Seisaburo Taba to and from their homes to attend the ceremony to commemorate the attack on Hickam Air Field 65 years ago. Both of our veterans were presented with a beautiful poster of an American fighter plane and an American flag. The poster has been framed and is now displayed in the clubhouse office.

2

On December 13, Don Matsuda, Seisaburo Taba, and Robert Arakaki, escorted by Amanda Stevens, attended the burning of a life size zero fighter plane (kamikaze) which had been pieced together from 25,000 pieces of photo of the zero by Katsushige Nakahashi, an art professor from Japan. The burning took place at the University of Hawaii, symbolizing a spiritual rebirth and burning away of impurities and sins of the world.

If you'd like to know what's happening with the grants for the Apartment and the Education Resource Center, be sure to read the past issues of the Puka Puka Parade - Office Manager's Report. Each month, Amanda updates the readers on the status of the grants and other club business.

S. TANAMACBI VISITS PPPVOLUNTEERS by Joy Teraoka

It seems like a distant dream ago when we last gathered for collation at the clubhouse. That was on November 24, 2006, aIid here it is already January of a new year! The Puka Puka Parade is going into production again, and it is time to report on who were our faithful collating volunteers for November's newsletter. We had several "guest" volunteers: Douglas Mizuno whose father, Larry, was with A Company; Kenneth and Richard Kawamura, visiting from Michigan and nephews of MIS James and Yoshie Tanabe; and Dick Hamada who served with the OSS in Southeast Asia during World War II.

Another very distinguished visitor to drop into the clubhouse during collation was Ms. Sandra Tanamachi, the dynamic civil rights activist who challenged the body of commissioners in Beaumont, Texas to change the derogatory name "Jap Road" from something less racially demeaning to a more acceptable name. Through her efforts and dogged determination she rallied many AlA veterans' organizations and individuals to send letters and petitions to the Beaumont commissioners and to members of the U. S. Congress to effect this change. It took several years of concerted effort to educate the commissioners on the significant history of the 100th/442nd RCT and all the AlA soldiers including Tanamachi's uncle who lost their lives in the battle to save the 36th Division's Texas "Lost Battalion" in Vosges forests of France. Finally her efforts paid off and this road and a few others in that state were renamed. Today she serves on many AlA national organizations in her dedication to preserve the history and legacy of the Nikkei in America. Gayle Miyasaki served as her guide and host during her trip to Hawaii where she met many of the veterans who wrote letters to support her crusade.

Among our regular volunteer collators were: Bernard Akamine, Alfred Arakaki, Robert Arakaki, Akira Akimoto, Kunio Fujimoto, Mary Hamasaki, Ed !kuma, Susumu Kunishige, Don and Kimi Matsuda, Joichi Muramatsu, Saburo Nishime, Tom Nishioka, Kay Oshiro, Seie Oshiro, Nancy Sakaki, Mamoru Sato, Kazuto Shimizu, Hiromi Suehiro, Goro Sumida, Denis and Joy Teraoka, Martin Tohara, Rikio and Evelyn Tsuda, and Ukichi Wozumi.

To all the guests and regular volunteers, a sincere thank you.

During our January 2007 collation, we held a volunteer's bento luncheon

MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR MIlfI-REUNlON 2007 by Ann Kabasawa

ATTENTION!!! ATTENTION!!! ATTENTION!!! 21 ST ANNUAL MINI-REUNION IN LAS VEGAS

DATES: SUNDAY, OCTOBER 21,2007 - THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2007

We all had fun at the past Mini-Reunions and are looking forward to another one in October. Please watch for the registration form in the next issue of PPP. The premium seats go out very fast, so if you are interested in those seats, please let me know as soon as pOssible. If you have any questions, please call Ray Nosaka at 737-4864 or Ann Kabasawa at 734-0841 or e-mail me at diverseinnovations@hawaii.rr.com.

This is the Year of the Boar-maybe your Lucky 7 year????

Remember our motto: "ENJOY YOURSELF. IT'S LATER THAN YOU THINK!!"

The Puke Puka Parade is the monthly newsletter of the World War 1I1CJO'h Infantry Battalion Veterans association (aka Club 100). It is published at 520 Kamoku Street, Honolulu, HI 96828.

r~~;;-;:'=~~;en;;;;;;;~;;;;;;';;;;~=~;;;~;;;;;--;~;;o"~;'=:n-;;~'~_~~.;;: .. ;~~ ) Battalion Veterans AssocIation. We welcome readers to send signed written comments via mall to PPP Editorial Committee. 520 Kamoku ~ ) Street. Honolulu. HI 968~ or via e-mail to pukapukaoarade@yahoo.CQID ? .,..""' .... ~"WL..-."""'''' ...... ..."-..r.""'-n.-.t,...,...,.~..."..." ... '!,...,. ..... ...,.~'''Fl~~~~ ..... ...,.~ .... " ... "...,.~ .... _..." ... _...,..-.. ... 't...,...." ..... ...,,....,..... .. .." ..... .",...".." ... _ .... ~ .. ..."..."...,....,..."..,....,....,.~~..,.~...,...."-.s.....,.-..:...."",....,...,...." ... t."".."...,,...,. .. '-... '1. ... " ... , .... ""-..:. ....

3

REGISTRATION PERIOD NOW OPEN FOR 65TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION by Pauline Sato

By now, you 'should have received your registration forms in the mail for the 65th Anniversary Celebration, scheduled for Friday, June 22 to Sunday, June 24, 2007. If you did not receive the forms, please call the Clubhouse office. If you have Internet access, you can download the forms off our new website: home.hawaii.rr.com/ong>ukapuka. (In your browser, type that address exactly and do not type ''www" in the beginning.) All forms must be mailed or hand delivered with checks or credit card information.

Planned activities include: Registration packet pick up, Hospitality Room at Clubhouse, Memorial Service, Bash/Casino/Crafts, and Banquet Luncheon at the Hilton Hawaiian Village. Some events are free whereas others require fees. You can save by sending your registration forms by the early bird deadliDe of Friday, April 6. There's plenty of time, but please don't wait too long as we all know how time flies.

Please note that there is no separate registration fee for the weekend. All fees, if any, are included in the separate activities.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact either Joyce Doi at (808) 677-9398 or email her at jmdhawaii@Yahoo.com or Mike Harada at (808) 438-9333. If you are able to volunteer in one or more of the activities, please contact Warren Yamamoto at daisyy@hawaiiantel.net. Volunteers are needed!

Speaking of volunteers, a big mahalo goes out to those who assembled the registration mailing on Sunday, January 7. Their names are listed below. Sons, daughters and grandchildren are listed with notation of veteran's name and company.

Kunio Fujimoto, Joy Teraoka, and Mary Hamasaki Lorna, Gary, Kara, and Garin Fukushima (Thomas Ibaraki, A) Kay, Gary, and Vern Mizushima (Jack Mizushima, C) Kay Okimoto (Masaharu Saito, Rural) Jienton Kamirnoto (RojrurQ "Poison" Kamimoto, Cl­Vicki Ho (Richard Nakahara, A) Barbara and Shayna Hanai (Y oshio Saito, A) April Yukitomo (Stanley Akita, C) Dexter and Carolyn Tanaka (Charles Tanaka, B)

Mahalo also to Amy Muroshige and Ann Kabasawa for providing ono refreshments!

~~ NAME COMPANY DATE OF DEATH

Paul T. Sakamoto HQlHilo October 11, 2006

Kunimitsu Tamai HQ October 28, 2006

Joseph Juichi Suzuki B November 17,2006

Roy Tsujio Honbo HQ November 20, 2006

Takeshi Omuro ClMaui November 21, 2006

Goichi Shimanuki ClMaui November 22, 2006

Rokuro Yamase DlKauai November 25, 2006

Etsuro Sekiya D November 29, 2006

JunEnomoto Medics January 5, 2007

4

THE RESULTS ARE IX - PPP READERS SURVEY by Jayne Hirata-Epstein

In the October 2006 issue of the Puka Puka Parade, we asked readers to fill out a survey and return it to the PPP staff. We received 73 completed surveys and would like to thank those people who took the time to complete and return the surveys to us. We were incredibly blessed (and pleasantly surprised) to have received a number of monetary donations with the completed surveys. We will put these donations into the Puka Puka Parade fund to use towards the purchase of paper, inkand other items needed to get the newsletter to you ''hot off the press."

Here are some of the interesting results of the PPP Readers Survey:

More than half of our readers are widows of lOOth Infantry Battalion veterans (37). The next largest group consists of lOOth Infantry Battalion veterans (22). PPP readers also include veteran family members including two sisters, two daughters and two wives. The PPP is also received by an S&D member, a MIS veteran, a friend of a deceased veteran, an Honorary Member of the 100th, a "supporter' of the 100th and an active duty soldier currently attached to D Company.

Like the veterans themselves, the PPP has and will continue to travel to many lands. While a majority of the PPPs remain on Oahn (35), it is sent to homes on the Big Island (Hilo), Maui (Kahului and Wailuku) and Kauai (Ele'ele and Lihue). We also have PPP readers throughout the Mainland including California (Belmont, Irvine, San Diego, San Francisco, San Mateo and Torrance), Illinois (Skokie) and Washington State (Renton). The PPP is also mailed out to a home in Italy.

Based on the survey responses, it is clear that our readers look forward to receiving the bright blue printed copy of the PPP in their mailbox and don't want to switch to an e-mailed version. As only 6 of the 73 respondents requested that the PPP be sent via e-mail, we have decided we will stick to distributing only a printed version of the PPP. However, if you would like to also receive the PPP via e­mail, please call or e-mail the Clubhouse after the pUblication date of the issue and it will be sent to you. The e-mailed PPP will have better quality photos then the print version.

We were most happy to learn that a majority of our readers would like to continue to receive the PPP in the future. Five readers asked to be removed from our mailing list but this was due to duplicate copies being sent or the recipient having passed away.

We received a few suggestions from our readers on how to improve the PPP and would like to let you know we have already begun to implement some of the suggestions.

One respondent reminded us to "please remember that not all recipients of the PPP own computers." In response to this, we are asking that anyone submitting an article that includes contact information include a phone number and/or mailing address instead of only an e-mail address. At the PPP, we will also have "hard copies" of some articles available for review rather than sending articles upon request via e-mail for those without computers.

Another reader commented, "Surveys like this to be cut and mail( ed) in should be on the last page of the ppp so we can keep the articles in the back for others to read." We will make every effort to accommodate this request by placing anything needing to be "cut out" on bottom of the second to the last page of the PPP so that only your mailing address would be removed.

A reader from California asked for "more Mainland coverage". We would love to include more articles featuring events across the state of Hawaii as well as on the Mainland and even worldwide but can only do this with your help. If you have any photos, stories or articles to share from your neck of the woods, please pass them along to the PPP by mail, e-mail or drop them off at the clubhouse. Everyone LOVES photos so please send them too. We can scan your original photos and return them to you or you can send them as e-mail attachments.

Every member of the PPP team was extremely overwhelmed by the many well wishes and messages of support that we received from you, our dear readers. While most readers told us they enjoyed the entire PPP, a reader from California is a fan of Stanley Akita, writing, "I enjoy Stanley's Comer, after all, laughter is the best medicine." Another indicated they eqjoyed "coverage of current news of club activities, its members and their families."

Many readers included messages of appreciation, many specifically addressed to our former Editor, Joy Teraoka. Here are just a few: "You are doing excellent work. Keep it up!", "Your PPP is excellent. Very informative and interesting. I read through the last page with great interest", "Great job -no suggestions", "I have enjoyed the PPP for years", "Congratulations on your journalism skills, hard work in publishing the PPP ... I look forward to receiving the newsletter", ''No room for improvement.

5

Mahalo to hardworking staff for giving of your precious time", "I look forward to receiving the PPP each time", "The PPP is the only communication through which 1 am made aware of the ongoing activities of the Club 100. The PPP is very essential for me as well as enjoyable. Thank you to loy and her staff for the outstanding publication!"

We were brought to tears by many of the heartfelt notes you included with your surveys md words of encouragement that you passed along. A woman who is the sister of a l00th Infantry Battalion veteran who was killed in action wrote, "Kanoshii omoide. As my brother was KIA, I can't reminisce but I do write letters (to the people he befriended while on leave). Seeing the men at the Memorial Service, I think of my brother who would be like them. Old soldiers never die, they just fade away when day is done. I enjoy reading (and) receiving the PPP. Thanks to you all. God bless."

If you would like to get involved in producing the PPP, please call Amanda at the Clubhouse (946-0272) or e-mail atpukapukaparade@yahoo.com. Just let us know what you like to do and we will find the perfect spot for you on the PPP squadron - be it writing articles, taking photographs, xeroxing, collating, whatever. As one survey respondent who is a frequent PPP volunteer stated, "We can always use more help."

NlSEIVETERANS FEATURED IN NEW JERSEY NEWSPAPER SERIES

The following two articles are excerpts from the eighth and ninth articles in a nine-part series featuring the experiences of Nisei soldiers during World War IT that were published in The Monmouth Message, a newspaper published at Ft. Monmouth, NI. These articles appeared in the December 22, 2006 issue. The seven other articles in the series, all written by Renita Foster, are:

Part One: "Pearl Harbor Attack Energizes Niser' featuring Ted Tsukiyama (MIS, 442nd RCT) and the experiences of the Varsity Victory Volunteers;

Part Two: "Freed from One Camp, He Helps Liberate Another" featuring Joe Ichiuji (442nd RCT) and his life in the Poston Relocation Center in Arizona;

Part Three: "Veteran 'Went for Broke' To Serve His Country" featuring George Sakato (442nd RCT) and the rescue of the 141st Regiment, 36th Infantry from the Vosges Mountains;

_ _ ~art Four~ __ -'-'Mlgch_~_Freedotn_Fjll~witl;t Danger"_f~-J.immie Kanaya (442nd ReT) and his experiences as a POW in Warsaw;

Part Five: "'Merrill's Marauders,' Nisei Helped Shorten World War TI" featuring Grant Hirabayashi (530~ Composite Unit [Provisional]) and their battles in Burma;

Part Six: "Soldier Becomes 'Armored Angel', Freeing Prisoners" featuring Tad Nagaki (442nd RCT) and his experiences in China, Manchuria and Korea;

Part Seven: "Japanese-American Officer Finds Old Home an Atomic Wasteland" featuring Harry Fukuhara (MIS) and the impact of the atom bomb on his family in Hiroshima.

Copies of all nine articles in the series are available at the Clubhouse.

BUSBlDO CODE OF ETHICS PLACES BONOR ABOVE ALL ELSE by Renita Foster, Public Afralrs OfBcer

An exclusive enlisted Nisei military unit, the first of its kind, was activated on June 12, 1942. Called the 100th Infantry Battalion (Separate), it was comprised of 1,432 prewar draftees from the Hawaii Provisional Infantry Battalion. "We loved the idea," said Goro Sumida, who served in the 100th as an Infantry Scout, "We were all Hawaiian boys who were good friends and couldn't wait to show our stum"

Grandstand their "stuff' was more like it. Armed with an extraordinary philosophy known as "Bushido" (way of the warrior), the 100th distinguished itself with phenomenal soldiering skills at Camp McCoy in Wisconsin and Camp Shelby, Mississippi. "Bushido is the very core of the Nisei," explained Terry Shima,. Executive Director of the Japanese American Veterans Association. "Bushido is the way they desired to serve America in Europe and Asia during World War IT despite all the discrimination after Pearl Harbor."

Bushido, a Samurai code that places honor above all else, consisted of at least five major principles governing behavior in life and was taught religiously to all Nisei children. A few of these principles are:

On - obligation, debt of gratitude. One should always pay back a debt to one's country,

6

organization, or person. Giri - a sense of duty and honor, or duty and honor bound. Gaman - internal fortitude. Troubles are to be kept to oneself. Do not show hurt. Haji - shame. Do not bring shame to your family name. In war, fight for your country. Be careful and try to return but die if you must. Shinbo - endurance, perseverance, persistence. Success comes from shinbo.

Because of Bushido, Nisei children who pledged allegiance to the American flag did not think twice about fighting for it. To them, it was the natural thing to do. "Bushido also explains why the Nisei volunteered for dangerous missions in Asia under Merrill's Marauders and the Office of Strategic Services," continued Shima. "Many of them were convinced they would not come back alive, yet they offered to serve."

Sumida and Robert Arakaki, who joined the 100th Infantry Battalion in Italy as a Replacement in 1944, declared it was the Bushido philosophy and training that made them exemplary soldiers and squelched any and all fears that come with combat. "For extra luck:, I also carried an omamori. It was sort of a pouch with red beans that were supposed to sprout because of the moisture inside. The beans stood for good health and growth," said Arakaki.

Two Nisei soldiers designed the l00th colors during basic training. The eagle's breast featured a crest with an ape leaf: symbolizing the gift of life in the Hawaiian culture. A mahiole, or feathered helmet worn by Hawaiian chieftains, was added to remind them of their roots. The ribbon in the eagle's beak bore the battalion motto, "Remember Pearl Harbor."

To add to their outstanding basic training record, five Soldier's medals were awarded to the 100th at Camp McCoy for "heroism while not in combat". During training one day, several Nisei soldiers risked their lives to prevent the drowning of several local residents in a frozen lake.

After deploying in August 1943, the Nisei warriors fought in combat for the first time on September 2, 1943, near Salerno in Southern Italy. Although it suffered heavy casualties, the Battalion fought well, earning six Distinguished Service Crosses in its first eight weeks of combat.

Despite their superior fighting tactics and courageous spirit, casualties continued to be heavy. Within five months, the initial number of 1,432 Nisei soldiers had dwindled to 521. The "little iron men" of the 100th were now known as the "Purple Heart Battalion."

Before the war was over, more than 33,000 Niseis had served in America's greatest conflict. In November 2000, they were recognized by a grateful nation, which built the National Japanese American Memorial in patriotism in Washington D.C. located near the U.S. Capitol Building. "The contributions made by the Niseis in World War II settled once and for all the question of loyalty," said Shima, "They set a precedent for those that followed them like in Korea where Niseis were now repairing cryptography machines. Later in Vietnam, Niseis were flying fighter planes and bombers."

At 86-years-old, Goro Sumida is one of about 300 members left from the original 1 OOth Battalion. A regular at the 100th Infantry Battalion Veterans Club in Honolulu, Hawaii, he still plays poker, his favorite card game learned during the war. "We only made $21 a month and by the time you finished paying for everything like haircuts you only had about $10 left. So we decided the best thing was gamble with it," laughed Sumida.

Along with playing cards, Sumida and Arakaki, President of the tOOth Infantry Battalion Veterans group, relive the "good old days". Arakaki emphasizes how proud they all were to have their own Nisei unit and all that they accomplished. "It may not fit anymore, but I still have that uniform," said Arakaki with a huge grin, "And Bushido still rules my life today - I'm not afraid of anything because that is the way I learned."

The Bushido legacy thrives today in the tOOth Battalion, 442nd Infantry (Army Reserve) - the only infantry unit in the U.S. Army Reserve - which combines the identities of the tOOth Infantry Battalion and the 442nd RCT. Many of its soldiers are descendants of the two original Nisei units and it has been adopted by the lOOth Infantry Battalion veterans. Based at Fort Shafter, Honolulu, Hawaii, the tOOth Infantry Battalion has reservists from Hawaii, American Samoa, Guam, and Saipan. Just over a year ago, they were activated and deployed to Iraq.

Smiling proudly, Arakaki says, "I think they live Bushido better than we did!"

7

VETERANS KEEP MEMORIES ALIVE AT HAWAIIAN PUNCHBOWL by Renita Foster, Public Affairs Oft1ce

For the last 13 years, Bernard Akamine has volunteered his services at Punchbowl Cemetery in Honolulu, Hawaii. And the drive there almost always reminds him of another journey - one he made just over 65 years ago, the day after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, December 7,1941.

Akamine and co-worker, Darwin Garrett arrived around 7 a.m. on December 7, 1941 at the Wahiawa Naval Radio Station where they were installing electrical lines. Because it was Sunday, the area was quieter than usual. Shortly after starting work, they heard what sounded like Army maneuvers. The crew shrugged it off until another worker happened to tum on his car radio and learned Pearl Harbor was under attack.

"Jim, another employee, ran to the office to tell the boss about the assault," said Akamine. "The boss told him that ifhe wanted to go home and drink, that was fine, he didn't have to make up stories. It wasn't until Jim insisted that the boss come to listen to the radio that he believed it was true." Akamine and his supervisor headed to the radio station's commandant. His reaction to the breaking news was also one of disbelief. He even accused the men of lying until his repeated phone call attempts all went unanswered. Once again, a radio provided the essential proof.

The commandant ordered all the workers to a bomb-proof building. For almost four hours, Akamine sat with nearly 50 civilians, Navy personnel, and dependents in the underground facility for protection against further attacks. Most were still in shock, and they waited in silence. "When nothing had happened by noon, we were ordered to hook up teletype machines. That was the only type of communication working since the radios weren't prepared yet," said Akamine, "We stayed up all night getting them operational with no time out for sleeping or eating."

The men were fInally allowed to leave the next afternoon, but only for showers and a change of clothes. Garrett asked for permission to check on his brother, Robert, stationed at Hickam Army Air Field. Accompanied by Akamine, the two men rode in foreboding silence, anxiously wondering what Robert's status might be. When the guards refused Garrett and Akamine entry, Garrett pleaded with them to contact the barracks. No answer or connection could be made and the two men were ordered to leave.

Akamine continued working on the radio station for the next two weeks. Afterwards, he was sent to install electricity in the mess hall. A few days later, a Caucasian officer came by and ordered Akamine off the job, yelling, "No Japs!" "I happen to be Nisei, a second generation Japanese American. So I didn't care for the remark, but I didn't let it upset me because in my heart I knew I was an American," said Akamine, "And the Caucasian workers that took over did a terrible job. The refrigerator compressors and lights burned out. We had to eat canned food until they were able to fix the problem. There were accusations of sabotage, but we Niseis knew we were not responsible because we were forbidden to work on that job."

A few days after December 7, Garrett received a telegram from his mother informing him that his brother was killed during the Japanese attack. Told his brother had been buried in the temporary cemetery at Schofield Barracks, Garrett went to the area where crosses were still being placed into gravesites. There he found the cross with his brother's name on it. Bursting into tears, Garrett knelt in front of it.

Garrett learned what had happened to Robert when he was finally given access to the barracks where his brother had been quartered. Bullet holes were everywhere on the sides of the building where Robert's unit had been asleep when the attack began. Thunderous noise had awakened the soldiers. When they ran outside to see what the commotion was, the men were gunned down and killed.

The 2,335 servicemen and 68 civilians that included Americans and Japanese killed in action were buried in temporary graves around the island. After Punchbowl Cemetery was built in 1948 and dedicated a year later, 776 casualties from the Pearl Harbor attack, including Robert, were reburied there.

Darwin Garrett had left to join the Army Air Corps, but Akamine had returned home to Honolulu after serving with the 100th Infantry Battlion in Europe, and attended Robert's graveside committal service. Although Robert's interment was over half a century ago, the memory has never left Akamine. That image and the call for volunteers at Punchbowl for the 50th Pearl Harbor Anniversary motivated Akamine to volunteer.

His duties include answering questions, training new recruits, and helping visitors looking for gravesites like Ernie Pyle's, the famous World War n correspondent who is buried there. There's also

8

interest in the late Senator Spark Matsunaga and Ellison Onizuka, the first astronaut from Hawaii who perished in the Challenger disaster. Additionally, Akamine shares stories about his friends interred there and visits Robert as well. "Sometimes, when people learn I served with the 100th Infantry Battalion in Europe, they ask how could I fight against my own brothers. 1 answer, 'I was and am American, fighting with my brothers and for my country'."

After the 50th Anniversary, Akamine realized that the Visitors Center was open daily, but the main office was closed on Saturday and Sunday, leaving visitors without any assistance on the weekend. Akamine decided continuing to volunteer would be a good cause for his 100th Infantry Battalion Veterans Club, especially since their motto is "For Continuing Service." "Luckily, the club president agreed, and we were able to recruit more volunteers like the 442nd Regimental Combat Team Veterans Club," said Akamine, "This was a real blessing since a lot ofus are aging and have to drop out."

Akamine still remembers the bittersweet celebration when word came on May 2, 1945, that the war in Europe was over. Jubilation soon changed to sorrow as the soldiers began thinking about those who died and those who were severely wounded. Aware of the sudden mood change, the battalion chaplain called all the soldiers together. He explained and reassured the unit that God had a purpose for everyone; the purpose of those who were killed was to die for their country. The purpose of those who survived was to look forward to going home, starting families and careers, and rebuilding communities by being good citizens.

"I can still hear those comforting words today," said Akamine. "That sermon and my work here at Punchbowl help me remember those who died so that their sacrifices were not in vain."

NEW ADDITIONS TO THE GO FOR BROKE NATIONAL EDUCATION CENTER

The Go For Broke National Education Center recently announced two new additions to its organization. The first is General Eric K. Shinseki (U.S. Army, Retired) who has agreed to serve as the Go For Broke National Education Center's national spokesperson. "We are fortunate to have someone of General Shinseki's credentials, passion, and commitment as our national spokesperson," said Christine Sato-Yamazaki, President of the Go For Broke National Education Center. "He is very dedicated to the Go For Broke mission to ensure the Japanese American WWII veterans' story is understood. His outreach will bring a broader base of nationwide supporters to continue our education and preservation initiatives."

Born in Lihue, Kaua'i, Hawai'i, General Shinseki served in the Army for 38 years. Prior to assuming his duties as the 34th Chief of Staff, United States Army in 1999, he had served simultaneously as Commanding General, U.S. Army, Europe; Commander, Allied Land Forces, Central Europe; and Commander, NATO Stabilization Force, Bosnia-Herzegovina. His service also included two combat tours with the 9th and 25th Infantry Divisions in the RepUblic of Vietnam.

The second new addition to the organization is Ms. Ellen Endo who assumed the newly-created position of Chief Operating Officer on January 2,2007. Ms. Bndo has served on the Board of Directors of the Go For Broke National Education Center since 2004 and brings with her a wealth of community and entertainment industry experience.

Ms. Endo is the daughter of the late MlSgt. Masami Endo, a World War IT veteran with Service Company (442nd RCT) and has fond 'memories of her late father's dedication to military service. Unlike many of his Army brethren anxious to return home after World War II, MlSgt. Masami Endo was determined to stay in Europe and his commitment to the Army lasted 12 years~ including service during the Korean War. Re-en1isting in the U.S. Army extended his tour of duty, but it also meant that he would be able to stay close to Giovanna, the young Italian woman he hoped to marry despite the Army's policy discouraging such unions. Masami and Giovanna persisted and eventually were allowed to wed in a Catholic ceremony in Pisa. Daughter Ellen was born in Livorno (Leghorn), Italy.

STANLEY'S CORNER by Stanley Akita

How do you catch a unique rabbit? Unique up on it. How to you catch a tame rabbit? Tame way, unique up on it.

Where do you find a dog with no legs? Right where you left him.

Why do gorillas have big nostrils? Because they have big fingers.

What do fish say when they hit a concrete wall? Dam!!!!

What do you get from a pampered cow? Spoiled milk. 9

ABLE CHAPTER NEWS by Tommy Nishioka and Sharon Tanaka'

Able Chapter's annual Christmas party was held on December 9 and it was a tremendous success despite a low attendance. Unfortunately, many of our members are incapacitated due to illness and we can't expect a huge turnout any more.. However, we were very happy that our invited military personnel attended the party. These military boys help us regularly during our clean-up days at the clubhouse - and believe me, they do work very hard!

The party was a huge success, thanks to the Alfred Arakaki family headed by daughter-in-law Mary Arakaki. She and her daughter-in-law did a bang-up job of moving the program along flawlessly. She is a pro and hopefully, she will continue to help us in the future.

MAHALO to the Morikawa family for conducting the games for the children, including a piPiata. They also donated many prizes for the games. We are very thankful for their willingness to conduct the games every Christmas.

We want to acknowledge the following donations with thanks: Cash donations from Thomas Ibaraki, Don Matsuda, Naoki Takamura, Robert Arakaki and Jane Hirokawa; door prizes from Margaret Morikawa, Gordon Tanaka, Jane Hirokawa, Sgt. Major Tatsumura, Allison Tiwanak, and Barbara Lowe; beverages from Nancy Sasaki and Goro Sunlida; and food and desserts from Gordon Tanaka, Mrs. Robert Sato, Barbara Lowe, Sharon Tanaka, and Sgt. Major Daido. Ifwe missed some donations, we sincerely apologize for the omission and want to say thank you for your contributions.

We couldn't have done it without our kitchen help: Barbara Nishioka, Irene Morikawa, Margaret Morikawa and Mark Arakaki, who did the dishwashing. Our bartenders were K.iku and Gordon Tanaka. Thank you to all. .

We missed Saburo Hasegawa, Kazoo Kamemoto, Gladys Kawakami, Tokuichi Hayashi, and Sam Inouye at the party. We hold them in our thoughts and hearts and hope that they will be well throughout this New Year.

Able Chapter has decided to hold the next Christmas party during daylight hours so the veterans can see where they Il!e driving. A fabulouslunr;heQn is~!Ilg pl~ _.'

BAKER CHAPTER NEWS by Evelyn Tsuda

Our Christmas party was held on December 3 at the JCC's Manoa Ballroom, Even though it was early in December, we could not help but get into the Christmas spirit because of the lovely holiday decorations in the ballroom. Over 140 persons,. including seven toddlers, were there to enjoy the buffet lunch, entertainment by Shigeru Hotoke's Gleemen Plus and Dr. Jerry Barnett with his bones, guessing games with some hilariously funny guesses, loads of door prizes (Ann Kabasawa and her crew made sure everyone had a "gift") and, of course, a visit from Santa Claus.

A big MAHALO to Drusilla Tanaka, who chaired the event, and her hardworking family and helpers. Thank you to the following for their generous cash donations and door prizes which added to the success of the party: Bernard Akamine, Humi !ha, Ann Kabasawa, Kay Katahara, Patti Kawaoka, Mr. and Mrs. James Miyasato, Joe Muramatsu, Kenneth Muroshige, Hiroshi Shimazu, Robert Takashige, Drusilla Tanaka, Marge Toma, Tom Tsubota, Connie Yamamoto, Mark Arakaki, Robert Arakaki, Yukiye Hamakado, Dr. Barnett, Yukio Tanji, and Alma Takata. (Did I miss anyone; if so, please forgive me.)

We received a thank you letter from Helping Hands Hawaii for the $200 donation which our chapter made to The Advertiser Christmas Fund. Incidentally,

you may have noticed a huge gallon jar in the clubhouse lobby with a lot of pennies in it. The collection was started by "China" Yamashina, and other

generous souls who visited the clubhouse contributed to it. When it was finally cashed, there were about 8,900 pennies and other coins, worth about $90.00.

The amount was donated to Ala Wai School to buy school supplies for the underprivileged kids.

We recently received generous cash donations from the following veterans and/or families: Charles Tanaka, Fred Kurisu, Carol Anamizu in memory of her father "Poka", and Jessie Nakayama in memory of Roy. We appreciate their thoughtfulness and continued support.

Lastly, we wish you all Good Health and Happiness in the New Year.

10

CHARLIE CHAPTER NEWS by Wayne M. Nagao

Happy New Year, everyone I Hope you had a fun and peaceful holiday season. Our chapter president Kazuto Shimizu was in Japan in November and Treasurer Warren Iwai was in Hokkaido and Tokyo in October. I will try to get details of their trips and report them in a future article.

Our annual Charlie Chapter Christmas party was held on December 16. About 50 people attended the luncheon party unlike the year before when we had over 90 in attendance. We would like to increase the attendance next year so please kokua. The veterans in attendance were Takeichi Onishi, Kazufu Shimizu, Stan Kimura, Jack Mizushima, Oscar Miyashiro and Warren Iwai. One guest veteran from Baker Chapter, Raymond Nosaka, was present.

The party started off at 11:00 a.m. with Warren Yamamoto taking the mike. Let me add Warren, as usual, did an outstandingjob as our main man. Thank you, Warren, and also thanks to Arlene Sato for her tireless effort cleaning up and putting things in order at the clubhouse for this party.

Mike Harada, 100th Inf. Bn. Vets 2nd VP, came to celebrate and gave us an informative speech to clarify the future direction of the mother club and to talk about the new Descendants Chapter. He encouraged descendants to attend a meeting on January 28, Sunday at 9:00 a.m. This chapter is still in a preliminary stage so nothing is etched in stone yet. I will keep you readers apprised.

The party then shifted to food. The feast was awesome with Japanese, local and international foods. Thank you very much for all the ono foods and you know who you are. The desserts were awesome, too. Mahalo to all.

We kicked off the entertainment with Santa Claus, played by yours truly, giving out toys to the children. Then around I :00 p.m., Warren started our bingo game. It was fun as usual and we had lots of winners - some multiple winners like me. The names of some contributors of grab bag and bingo prizes are Oscar

Miyashiro, Cheryl Hoffman, Ann Iwai, Wayne Nagao, Phyllis Bagood, Kay Oshiro and Jean Obara. Thank you all very much for being so generous. If I have omitted'

any names, please accept my apology.

Thanks to all the hardworking folks who packed the leftover foods for everyone to take home. Although we did not have the number of attendees like last year, we still had a great time eating and playing games.

We wish you a Happy, Healthy, and a Prosperous New Year - Year of the Boar.

DOG CHAPTER NEWS by Belen lfikaido

HAPPY NEW YEARI Did you enjoy your ozoni with lots of mochz'?

Dog Chapter held its Christmas party on December 17, 2006 at the clubhouse. According to "Jits" Yoshida, we had 102 in attendance (members, wives, widows, children, grandchildren and guests). We received numerous door prizes, including two semi-koa ukuleles donated by Bob Ogata. The ukuleles were won by Ronald Kihara (Rhoda Kawamata's brother-in-law) and Luke Yoshida (grandson of "Jits" and Mildred Yoshida).

We had a terrific program coordinated by Joy Teraoka, our program chairman: line dancing, Quinten and Scuppy Nishime (grandsons of Saburo Nishime) playing the piano; Tiffany Yoshida (granddaughter of "Jits" and Mildred) playing the violin, David and dad Cline Ardo strumming the ukulele (David is the grandson of "Doc" and Mildred Hosaka), Douglas Teraoka singfug; and ballroom dancing by Douglas and Amy Doh (Douglas is the son of Denis and Joy Teraoka). Denis and Joy joined in the ballroom dancing and Andy Matsunaga (brother of the late Spark Matsunaga) and Saburo Nishime played the harmonica.

After the delicious buffet luncheon catered by Leeward Drive-In, it was time for the children's games. Finally, it was time for the arrival of "ole" St Nick and his elf with presents for the children. We had many lucky number prizes for everyone to take home. To all of you who donated door prizes, desserts and cash so generously, thank. you. Also, mahalo to those who helped with the cleanup.

11

General chairman was prexy Saburo Nishime; and he was assisted by attendance coordinator Mary Hamasaki; program, Joy Teraoka; children's games, Annette Harada; finances and desserts, "Jits" Yoshida; door prizes, Moriso Teraoka; invocation, Cline Ardo; taking care of the bar, the Nakayama brothers, Harry, Paul and Arthur; ordering of the food, HelenNikaido.

To Mr. Yamaki and Joy of Leeward Drive-In, thank you for the delicious food and tsukemono. We all enjoyed them. The "ono" pupu (oama) was hooked and cleaned by Rhoda Kawamata and fried by Rhoda, Mildred Yoshida and Mildred Hosaka. It's hard work. not to mention, getting burned by the hot oil, too. Thanks, ladies

RURAL CHAPTER CHATTER by Ted Bamasu

AKEMASIDTE OMEDETOO! Happy New Year to the Rural Ohana and the rest of the lOOth Ohana (family).

The Chapter officers for the year 2007 are as follows: President Ted Hamasu Vice President Kenneth Kaneshige Secretary Masaharu Saito Treasurer Susumu Ota Auditors Mitsuo Nagaki and Kay Okimoto

The directors of the lOOth were invited to a luncheon at the Hale Koa Hotel on 2 December 2006. It was a luncheon for the AJAs who participated in wwn and was sponsored by the National Japanese American Memorial Foundation. Attending were President and Mrs. Arakaki, Mr. and Mrs. Akita, Dr. Denis Teraoka, Alfred Arakaki, Saburo Nishime, Seisaburo Taba, Edward Ikuma and Ted Hamasu.

Our deepest sympathy to the Iwasa family and relatives for the loss of Mrs. Michlno Iwasa. Her private funeral service was held at the Mililani Makai Chapel on 2S November 2006.

volunteers.

The Hawaii Community Foundation will manage the One Puka Pu/ca Scholarship Fund. Two scholarships will be offered this year. You will find more information about the scholarships in future-issuesoftlte ppp;

On February 13, 2007, the 100th veterans will gather to say thank you to the volunteers from various organizations who helped the club with its repair and maintenance projects. The gathering will begin at 4:00 p.m. at the clubhouse. Light refreshments will

be served. We would like to see as many of you as possible to say thank you to the

There will be no chapter meeting in February.

IlAUI CHAPTER NEWS by Stan Izumigawa

The Maui Chapter started. the year with 19 veterans on its roster, 13 of whom are original IOOth, the other six being replacements, five of whom came from the 442nd. Several are inactive members who have not participated in any of our gatherings for many years, three are in Hale Makua (a nursing home facility), and a few others are somewhat incapacitated with or by a medical or physical condition. That leaves 9 who are generally involved members and we usually have six or seven (plus the ladies) present at our lunch gatherings. Our December function was cancelled because of a perceived lack of interest.

Our board (the officers) will be meeting shortly to develop the schedule of activities (lunch meetings) for 2007. We are faced with a dilemma, however, as long-time treasurer and PPP correspondent Tom Nagata has announced that he is no longer physically able to carry on those responsibilities and must regrettably relinquish those roles. Unless someone is willing to serve as treasurer, the question arises: Can we continue as usual, and if not, what is next?

We tried to address the question of the future of the club last year but could not come to any conclusion, in part, because it didn't seem urgent. Depending upon how things go or don't this year, we may need to raise the question again.

On Saturday, January 13 our Sons and Daughters group along with the Maui Adult Day Care Center organization (which has an operation at the Nisei Veterans Memorial Center) recognized, honored and thanked looth, 4420d and MIS veterans for their service, accomplishments and who they are etc .. Each

12

veteran present was introduced by name: From the lOOth they were Tom Yamada (also MIS), Art Kurahara, Tsukio Yamagata, Edward Nishihara, Willie Goo and Stan ·Izumigawa. The affair, held at the NVMC facility, included lunch, entertainment, lots of talk and socializing, some "speeches," and bingo with everyone getting something. Our ladies who attended included Ed's and Willie's spouses plus Lillian Miyagawa and Fusae Yamato.

It would have been great if more of the veterans could have attended but there must have been about 50 or more people present, counting spouses, widows and other family members. I thought this was the best of the joint get-togethers we have had in the last few years and I ended up having two beers instead of my usual one. Maui no lea oil

This column is getting kind of long so I will close for now and in the next issue will try to list the names of the other members, who are ailing and stuff like that.

HEADQUARTERS CHAPTER NEWS by Jan Sakoda

Happy New Year to everyone!! I Here's wishing your new year is off to a great start!

We want to extend a belated but very hearty and heartfelt THANK YOU to Brian Akimoto who engineered and chaired our Christmas party along with his cadre of assistants who worked hard to make this such a successful party for the 133 attendees!

Brian Akimoto writes:

Alicia and I would like to thank all who helped plan and participated in the HQ Christmas party. Mahalos to Jan Sakoda for coordinating the gingerbread house decorating, Andy Hirano for helping at the bar, Rodney Robello for directing the steak/chicken preparation, Dot Tamashiro. Doris Aimoto, and Jen and Kim Naguwa (Ed /kuma's granddaughters), for helping at the reception table, and Mr. Komiyama for collecting the money.

Also. Bryan Oshita for being MC. Melvyn Uchida for the invocation, Cindy Oshita for coordinating the games, Patrick Hirano for being Santa, Malcolm Hirano for announcing the door prizes, Alvin and Eleanor Shimogaki for handling the grab bag, Mrs. Nakasone for leading the caroling, Lois and John Nakagawa for helping allover and with serving the food, and for Elsie Oshita's grandson for his karate kata performance. Also, thank you Mr. Moriwake, Mr. Taba, Mr. and Mrs. Ushijima (all the way from Hilo!), Mrs. Shinoda, Mr. Akimoto, and Ani's Bakery who donated cash, gift certificates, beer, and other door prizes.

Also, the dessert table was full of sweet and tasty treats. Thank you for taking the time to bring them. Lastly, thank you all who helped prepare the food to take home and clean up of the hall. We were done in about 30 minutes and left to go home around 8: 15. May you all have a Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year.

Jan's note: You may also wonder why we listed all the people above; if you've ever planned a big event, you'll realize how grateful we are to all the helping hands to accomplish such an enormous task! There were many more people who contributed, but are not able to name each one.

November 2006 turned out to be a real sad month for Headquarters Chapter. We lost three buddies in the one month period: Ronald Miwa, Roy Honbo, and Kunemitsu Tarnai. All three were in the Communications Section of Headquarters Company and all three were original 100th guys. And more recently, we lost Jun Enomoto, an original member of Medics Chapter. Our heartfelt condolences go out to all their loved ones.

The newly-elected officers for 2007 are: President - Seisaburo Taba; Vice President - Dorothy Tamashiro; Treasurer - Arthur Komiyama; and Secretary - Janice Sakoda.

Ed !kuma, our President for many, many years, would like to thank everyone for helping make his job an enjoyable one and encourages everyone to continue their support of the incoming officers.

Our "get well quickly" greetings go to Seisaburo Taba who was in the hospital recently for kidney problems. Dot Tamashiro, VP and filling in for Seisaburo, sends a double dose of wishing Seisaburo a complete and speedy recovery!

13

Our next meeting will be held 10:00 a.m. on February 10,2007 at the clubhouse. Please make every effort to join usl

And again, if you have anything to add to our column, I welcome your phone call at 737·7778.

ENTER OUR CONTEST: There is a very large "old" photograph of a number of 100th Infantry Battalion men, posted on the bulletin board in the clubhouse. See how many men you can identifY from the photograph. The one who identifies the most men in the photo will win a prize, courtesy of Ed Ikuma. Hint, hint, 2 are from "A", 2 from "B", 2 from "C", 2

I from "0", 5 from "HQ". Submit your guess to Amanda GOOD LUCK I !!

MADTLAlm CHAPTER NEWS by Sam Fujikawa

Happy New Year Greetings to everyone! We hope the holiday season has been a good one and the New Year will bring many wonderful things for all.

On Saturday, January 13, the 4~ Annua1100/442 Veterans Association Installation Luncheon was held at the Proud Bird Restaurant in Los Angeles. The overflow of attendees filled the banquet hall to capacity and enjoyed a full program ably MC'd by SSG Bob Brennan of the Army Reserve. Christine Sato-Yamazaki gave an encouraging update of the Go For Broke National Education Center where so

many of the veterans are involved in volunteering and supporting various events and projects to further the development of the Center. She announced that General Eric Shinseki (Ret.), who has become the National spokesman, will be traveling nationwide to spread the importance of telling and adding to teach and preserve the memory of the legacy and accomplishments of the Nisei veterans. Jason Young, Counselor from the Department of Veterans Affairs, gave an update on the many benefits available to veterans and urged all who have not yet taken advantage of, should be sure to get in touch with his office. He is there to

help counsel and help navigate the VA system for helpful benefits.

A delicious lunch of steak or chicken with all the trimmings was served., Guest Speaker, Chief Warrant Officer WjJljam J>ozzi, United States NavY, gave 3 briefipg of the 1!l{lIly p_~~_of the_current Armed Forces, their bravery and dedication to their duties, and their loyalty to the country, and their access to the types of equipment as they serve locally and overseas.

Installation of the 2007 Officers· President John Wakamatsu (Co. F), 1st Vice President, Harrison Hamasaki (Co. H), 2nd Vice President and Treasurer (to be announced), Secretary Marie Yee (Co. H). Trustees Maj. Russell Nakaishi (Co.'L), Wayne Fujita (tOOth), Ken Shigemitsu (Co. H) - was followed by the Roll Call of Officers and Administration of Oath. Entertainment by SSG Bob Brennan's enthusiastic two Radio Skits, amazing Swing Dance Performances by Laura Shigemitsu, Anthony Winn, Mae-Lae Louie, Giovanni Quintero and the raftle rounded out the afternoon topped off by the many raftle prizes awarded to the lucky winners. l00th members attending the enjoyable event were Ken and Hisa Miya, Ed and Amy Nakazawa, Toke Yoshihashi, Harry and Harumi Sasaki, Hank and Elsie Hayashi, Chuckie Seki, Bill and little Kiana Seld, Harrison Hamasaki, Toddie Gates, Harry Fukasawa, Noby Okamoto, James Ogawa, Steve and Sonya Sato, and Sam and Teri Fujikawa.

Our next meeting will be March 17. This coming weekend, on Friday, January 19, Jason Young is having one of his meetings for and with the veterans receiving disability benefits at the Shinenkai luncheon at The Sea Empress Restaurant in Gardena. In February, we will be having our annual InstallationIV alentine Luncheon that Beverly Picazo will be arranging as she always does with her special expertise every year.

GRAHAM SALISBURY RECEIVES LITERARY AWARDS

Well known author Graham Salisbury, whose books have been written about in previous issues of the PPP, recently won the Oregon Book Award for Young Adult Literature for his children's book, Eyes of the Emperor, which tells the story of a young Nisei soldier who is sent by the US Army on a secret mission after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Judge Louise Borden remarked that "Salisbury's first person story about loyalty, courage, honor, understanding and fear is a powerful book."

For more information on Mr. Salisbury or his literary works, please visit his website at www.grahamsalisbury.com. Thank you to Drusilla Tanaka for passing along this information to the PPP.

- 14-

FAMILY SUPPORT GROUP by Drusilla Tanaka

REVERSE MORTGAGE INFORMATION SESSION by Jean Seki

• Sunday, February 25, 2007 • 11 a.m. Lunch (Please order in advance by calling one of the numbers below; pay $6

per lunch at the door) • 12 noon Session begins (AU are welcome; sessions are free of charge; let us know

how many will be attending (use same numbers as lunch reservation) so that there are enough hand-outs for everyone.)

Mrs. Jean Se~ eSA, President of Reverse Mortgage Specialists Hawaii is our guest speaker. Sons and daughters are encouraged to attend to learn how this option may be a financial benefit for your parents (or yourselves in the future). Telephone lunch reservations to: Bernard Akamine (734-8738), Marie Yoneshige (536-9921) or Ann Kabasawa (734-0841) by February 19,2007.

DONATIONS TO THE SONS II DAUGHTERS by Evelyn Tsuda. Amanda Stevens

(Editors' Note: Hereafter, based on information receivedfrom the Sons & Daughters, the lOrlhlnfantry Battalion Ojflce will report S&D donations.)

Mahalo Nul Loa to the following donors for their thoughtful gifts which were received by the Sons & Daughters between September 15,2006 and January 15,2007:

For the Veterans Club: Florence Miyashiro Wallace T. Onuma Seitoku Akamine Bessie Nakasone Steven Shinohara Robert Takashige LynnOtoshi ClaraImai Lynn Shimizu May Furuya Jessie Nakayama

For the Puka Puka Parade: Seitoku Akamine Oliver Sekimura Katherine Wirsing Midori Hirano Jessie Nakayama Gertrude Uyeno

$200.00 in honor of Charles Miyashiro 100.00 50.00 in memory ofHiromu Kobayashi 50.00 in memory of Stella Tanigawa

1,000.00 in honor of Francis Shinohara 100.00 in memory of Roy Honbo 25.00 25.00 25.00 25.00

100.00 in memory of Roy Nakayama

50.00 in memory of Hiromu Kobayashi 100.00 100.00 100.00 50.00 in memory of Roy Nakayama 25.00 in memory ofKiyoshi Uyeno

For the One Pu/ca Pub Scholarship Fund: Kazuto Shimizu 30.00 in memory of Ed Harada Kazuto Shimizu 40.00 in memory ofMieko Tsubota Jessie Nakayama 100.00 in memory of Roy Nakayama Shigeru Tsubota 1,000.00 in memory ofMieko Tsubota Dr. Coolidge Wakai 300.00 in memory ofHajime "Piccolo" Kodama Kazuto Shimizu 50.00 in memory of Stella Tanigawa and Kay Tanigawa

For the BuDding Maintenanee Fund: Ethel Teruya 1,000.00 in memory of Wallace Teruya Gertrude Uyeno 100.00 in memory ofKiyoshi Uyeno

For the Chapters: Yukio Tanji Jessie Nakayama Midori Hirano

50.00 to Baker Chapter for Christmas party 100.00 to Baker Chapter in memory of Roy Nakayama 50.00 to Headquarters Chapter

For the Sons & Daughters: (no information received)

- 15 -

REMINISCENCE -IN MEMORIAM THE lOOTS INFAlfTRY BATTALION, FORGOTTEN CHAPTERS

by Saburo Rishlme

The following is a continuation of a list of those KIA at one of the battle sites where th~ men of the l00th Infantry Battalion (as one of the three Battalions of the 133rd Regiment of the 34th Division) fought. This is the list for C-COLLI and covers the period of time from November 23 to December 12, 1943.

1. Arita, Hiroaki B. Company B 30 November 1943 2. Chinen, Onao Company A 29 November 1943 3. Fuji~ Richard Toshio Company B 30 November 1943 4. Fujiyama, Takeo Company A 1 December 1943 5. Goya, Yeiko Company C 30 November 1943 6. Hanida, Tamotsu Company C 29 November 1943 7. Hasemoto, Mikio Company B 29 November 1943 8. Higa, Yeiko Company A 30 November 1943 9. Hikichi, Harry Nobuo Company A 1 December 1943 10. Ichimura, Kenichi Company A 30 November 1943 11. Igarashi, Shigeo Company B 3 December 1943 12. Ihara, Kazuo Company A 29 November 1943 13. Kawata, Albert Goro Company A 29 November 1943 14. Kaya, StephenMitsugi Company A 29 November 1943 15. Kina, Shomatsu E. Company C 9 December 1943 16. Koizumi, Hayato Company B 27 November 1943 17. Kubo, Yoshio Company A 1 December 1943 18. Kuraoka, Jerry Sadayoshi Company A 29 Novemger 1943 19. K~ Ichiji Herbert Company B 7 December 1943 20. Kutara, Masaji Howard Company B 3 December 1943 21. Mashita, Masatomo M. Company A 30 November 1943 22. Masumura, Lawrence Kidan Company A 29 November 1943 23. Matsukawa, Hiroshi Company A 1 December 1943 24. Mito, Kazuo Company A 30 November 1943 25. Miura, Toshio Company A 30Novemb-er 1943 26. Morl, Kiyoto Company D 5 December 1943 27. Nakamura, Edward Etsuzo Company D 29 November 1943 28. Nishitani, Taro Company A 30 November 1943 29. Okimoto, Richard Masao Company A 30 November 1943 30. Oshiro, Wallace Hideo Company C 29 November 1943 31. Otaguro, Tadashi Company D 3 December 1943 32. Perras, Francis J. Company A 4 December 1943 33. Sato, Shukichi Company F/l00 (Hill 600) 3 November 1943 34. Seshiki, Hihumi Company C 7 December 1943 35. Shimizu, Takeo Company C 29 November 1943 36. Taguchi, Hitoshi Bob Company B 30 November 1943 37. Takahashi,Itsuo Company D 5 December 1943 38. Tanimoto, Teruto Company C 3 December 1943 39. Toma, Yasukichi Jerry Company A 30 November 1943 40. Uchima, Yasuji M. Company A 30 November 1943 41. Uemoto, Kazumi Company A 30 November 1943 42. Yamamoto, Masaru Company A 29 November 1943 43. Yasui, Yoji O. Company C 1 December 1943

This list will continue in the next issue of the PPP with D· CASSINO.

NISEI GRANDMA IS NFL PLAYER'S HERO by David Flemiag, BSPIf The MagaziIle

We were walking to lunch in the gritty but quaint warehouse section of New Orleans, the infamous Convention Center two blocks straight ahead, when Saints linebacker Scott Fujita began talking about the toughest person he had ever known. It wasn't Deuce McAllister, Joe Hom or even Mike McKenzie. Fujita wasn't talking about himself: either. He certainly qualifies, though. Fujita was given up by his birth mother when he was six weeks old and adopted by Helen. and Rod Fujita of Oxnar~ Calif. Helen is white. Rod is a third-generation Japanese-American who was born inside a Japanese internment camp in Arizona during the post-Pearl Harbor paranoia of World War n. When Scott begins to talk

-16 -

about the strongest person he's ever known it is clear he is speaking more about inner strength. And., for him, no one personifies that trait quite like his regal grandma, Lillie Fujita.

It was 1941, a few days after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, when Lillie was crossing the street in Berkeley and another female student ran up to her, screaming in her filce: "You little Jap. why don't you go back home!" Lillie is a tiny, demure woman. At Scott's wedding reception he got down on his knees to dance with his grandma only to discover he was still too tall. But that day in 1941 she roared back: "I'm an American too and a better one than you arel" Two months later President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued Executive Order 9066: the forcible evacuation of 120,000 Americans of Japanese descent to ten internment camps. The Fujitas lost hundreds of acres of farmland in Ventura County when they were forced to relocate to army barracks in Gila River, Ariz.

Incredibly, Lillie's husband., Nagao Fujita, enlisted to fight for the very country that was imprisoning his family after he graduated from college. Deployed to Italy, he fought with the Japanese­American 44200 regiment, one of the most decorated battalions of the war. (In his wedding program, Scott dedicated the day to his grandfather, who went on to become one of the first bilingual attorneys on the west Coast. He died in 1987.)

Despite the clapboard barracks, intense heat and sandstorms, a pregnant Lillie tried to make the best of her imprisonment. She taught school while other internees developed an irrigation system to grow crops that they traded with the locals. Yet when she speaks of the experience, no matter how hard you try or what buttons you push, you cannot detect a single hint of bitterness or anger in Lillie's voice. "We approached it like this: If we can't get out of this then we better try and make the most of it," Lillie says. "I got to teach right away and use my education. The truth is, if it wasn't for the evacuation I probably never would have left California." Nearly five years later the U.S. government closed the last of the internment camps. Forty-two years later Lillie received a reparations check for $20,000 and a personal letter from George Bush.

Growing up, Scott was deeply affected by his family's internment and it still angers him that the subject was largely ignored by his teachers. To counter that he studied and wrote on the subject frequently when he was at Cal. "I'm so far removed from the topic, but when I think about it, it makes me bitter and angry," he says. "The thing is, I've never heard a single hint of negativity in my grandmother's voice. Part of the culture is to make the best of everything, to not feel sorry for yourself and to move on -- I'm honored to have been able to absorb that into my own life."

Fujita has the letters, government documents and black-and-white photQ$ from his Japanese internment research on his computer desktop at home. There are posters informing all citizens of Japanese descent that they have six days to register with the government and report for evacuation. The most poignant shot I saw was of a desolate barracks inside one of the camps, still proudly flying the American flag. The photo leaves you speechless -- the whole notion of a country founded on principles of freedom, equality and civil liberties imprisoning its own citizens under the guise of patriotism. But what's truly unspeakable to someone like Lillie Fujita, someone who has earned the right to speak. her mind on the topic, are the corollaries she sees to what's happening today and the idea that maybe we haven't evolved quite as much as we all think in the past 60 years.

"Anyone who was in a Japanese internment camp sees similarities to what is going on right now, we really do - and it's bard to believe," says Lillie. "We were being accosted by fellow citizens and blamed for things we didn't do and I think American citizens from the Middle East are getting the exact same treatment today. You would think that we'd learn from the experience of Japanese internment, but we haven't done that I'm afraid." Here, Lillie's soft voice trails off a bit. "I guess, in the end., that's just human nature, It she says.

I wait a long time before responding, trying to come up with a way to argue her point. But I can't.

(Editor's Note: Thank you to Mr. David Fleming for granting permission to publish his article in the PPP. Mahalo to Lillian Helton [daughter ofSusumu 0ta1 for forwarding this article to the PPP.

In case you were wondering. Scott Fujita is not biologically half-Japanese but explained his situation thusly, "] actually felt ] was half-Japanese. People say, 'No, you're not.' At heart, ] just feel that way. ] 'm not a moron, and I'm not delusional. ] understand] don't have a drop of Japanese blood running through my body. But I think] can say, and my brother [Who is also 100% Caucasian and adopted1 would probably agree, when you don't have one blood relative in your life you've ever known, it's more the relationship you build in the family that actually cares for you and loves you that kind of takes precedence over that. ")

- 17-

OFFICE MANAGER'S REPORT - FEBRUARY 2007 ISSUE by Amanda Stevens

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT UPDATE: Avin Oshiro and I met with Stephanie On and Keith Ishida from the City & County of Honolulu, Department of Community Services, on January 18,2007. Avin and electrical engineer, Rodney Kuroiwa, brought us up to date on the progress of the apartment project and the scope of work. The grant will cover electrical upgrades for the apartment building. We are in the process of having the board adopt the procurement policy.

lOOTH INFANTRY GRANDDAUGHTERS - 55TH CHERRY BLOSSOM QUEEN CONTESTANTS: Christin Mayumi Sumida (the granddaughter of Leighton "Goro" Sumida) and Kristi Toshie Tanigawa (the granddaughter of Sakae Tanigawa) are candidates for the 55th Cherry Blossom Festival Queen. Christin is the daughter of Mark and Sheila Sumida and is a graduate of the University of Hawaii at Manoa in Elementary Education. Kristi is the daughter of Denis and Karen Tanigawa and is a graduate of the University of Hawaii at Manoa in Business Administration, Marketing. If you'd like to purchase the annual Festival booklet which is filled with photos of all the beautiful contestants and past Cherry Blossom Queens and more, please call·me. The funds raised will support the Festival. If I've failed to mention any contestants who are "1()()'h" grandchildren, gomen nasaL

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR ANGELS: I'm not sure if you've noticed but there were holes on the piano cover in Turner Hall, for years. Wen, two little angels - - Dot Tamasbiro and Doris Aimoto -­came in one day last year, with their needles and thread and repaired the weathered cover. I thank them, 'and all of the people who have taken the initiative, showing this clubhouse and its precious items tender loving care.

The younger generation is ustepping-up-to-the-plate" to help the vets. As mentioned in the President's Report, on December 7, 2006, Sgt. Major Bert Hamakado (son of the late Masami Hamakado) transported and escorted Saburo Nishime and Seisaburo Taba to and from Hickam so they could attend the 65th Anniversary of the Attack on Hickam Field Remembrance Ceremony. Also, on that same day, at the 65th Anniversary Commemoration Ceremony of the December 7, 1941 Attack on Pearl Harbor -[at Kilo Pier 8/0] members of the 100th/442nd Bn. escorted the 100th Infantry Battalion Veterans to this major event. These individuals were: looth Battalion Commander Lieutenant Colonel Colbert K. H. Low; lOOth·Battalion Command Sergeant Major Harold P. Estabrooks; First Sergeant Beau A. H. Tatsumura and our dedicated driver, Sergeant First Class Oscar Alvarez. LTC Low assisted Robert Arakaki with the wreath presentation on that day. The keynote speaker was Tom Brokaw. Mr. Arakaki, Mr. Shimizu, Dr. K~nneth Otagaki, and Mr. Rikio Tsuda represented the club

, . I.'. \\:~-..

\:; '~\.

\ \. '

(442 RCn and our president, Robert Arakaki.

-18 -

OFFICE "MAHALO" REPORT - FEBRUARY 2007 ISSUE by Amanda Stevens and Evelyn Tsuda

We acknowledge receipt of the following donations, with much thanks:

tOOth Infantry Battalion Veterans: Mr. & Mrs. George Soper Don & Kimi Matsuda Hide Yamashita Robert K. Loo Esther S. Kondo Akira Akimoto Rhoda Kawamata Richard & Mildred Hosaka Jiro & Jennie Yukimura Ann Honbo

In memory of Roy Honbo " " " " " " " " "

25.00 20.00 20.00 25.00

100.00 100.00 20.00

Donald & Suzanne Wong Arthur & Frances Komiyama

" "

100.00 20.00 20.00 50.00 50.00 50.00 20.00 25.00

" Gloria Tamashiro Kay Oshiro

In memory of Stella Tanigawa "

Arthur & Frances Komiyama Susan Suzuki-Gagarick Thursday Karaoke Class

In memory ofMieko Tsubota In memory of Kay Tanigawa In memory of Joseph Suzuki

100.00 150.00 100.00 100.00 Dr. Americo Bugliani

Paul Tamura Levi and Diane Faufata Benjamin Kodama Reynold Kagiwada Martin Fujimoto

Puk! Pub Parade: Susumu Kunishige

Aileen S. Yoshino Masako Hamada Shigeko Yoshimura Wallace Ichiyama Lois Harvey MasaruAbe

"For the good work"

1M of Robert Toma, Tom Fujise, Mitsuyoshi Fukuda, Naoji Yamagata

50.00 100.00 100.00 250.00

100.00 100.00 25.00

100.00 100.00 20.00

100.00

Building Maintenance Fund: Wallace Ichiyama Kazumi K. Harada In memory of Edward Harada

100.00 500.00

One Pulm Puka Scholarship Fund: In lieu ofkoden for 29 deceased veterans Albert & Jane Oki In memory of Roy Honbo

1,160.00 25.00 25.00 25.00

200.00

"

Kenneth Otagaki

In memory of Mieko Tsubota In memory of Stella Tanigawa In memory of Mieko Tsubota

Ron Yamada let us know that there are plans to screen the award-winning documentary Citizen Tanouye at the historic Mission Memorial Auditorium in Downtown Honolulu on Saturday. March 24. 2007. Citizen Tsnouye documents the life lessons that eight ethnically diverse students from Torrance High School in Califomia leam through their research of Tech Sgt Ted Tanouye (442nd RCT. a Medal of Honor awardee. and a THS alumnus) whose family was incarcerated in Relocation camps in Jerome and later. Rohwer. Arkansas. During the research process which includes interviewing veterans. the relevance of history is brought into focus as the students draw parallels to their own lives and realize the effect that this experienCe will have on their Mures.

There are tentative plans to have a screening at 10:00 am with closed captions but if there is enough interest, there may be a second screening added (without captions). If you would like to attend. please contact Amanda by March 1st.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS FOR FEBRUARY 2007

ABLE ............................................... Saturday, Febru.&ry' 24 ........................ ~ ............. 8:00 am. BAKER ................................... Saturday, February 17.................................... 1 :00 pm CHARLffi ................................ Saturday, February 24 .. Lunch at Ishitani Residence. 12:00 noon DOG ....................................... Saturday, February 17 ..................................... 9:00 am HQIMED .........•....•.................. Saturday, February'·lO .................... ,; ..... : ......... 10:00 am. RURAL ............. , ..................... No Meeting HAWAII CHAPTER ................... Thursday, February' 22 at AJA Mem. Vets. Hall..... 11 :00 am MAUl CHAPTER ...................... No Meeting BOARD MEETING .................... Friday, February 9 ......................................... 10:00 am HEARTFEL THANKS EVENT ...... Tuesday, February 13 at Clubhouse ..................... 4:00 pm LINE DAN'CIN"G ....................... Wednesday, February 7 .................................. 9:00 am CRAFTS/CROCHET .................. No Classes FAMILY SUPPORT ................... Sunday, February 25 ...................................... 11:00 am

ATTENTION - NEW PROCEDURE: Article deadline for every issue of the PPP will be on the 15th day of each month. (please submit articles on time or they may not be included in the issue.)

IMPORTANT NOTE: CoUating for this month will be on WEDNESDAY, l February 28 at 8:30 am. Baker' Chapter is responsible for providing ~ « manpower and refreshments, but everyone is welcome to kokua. ~ Volunteers' bento lunch will follow collation. " • Please send Chapter news, articles, comments or anything to do with the PPP to pukapukaparade@yahoo.com. ... ....

~1tI-..., For Club business, questions or correspondence, address to: clubl00vets@Vahoo.com.

100th Infantry Battalion Veterans Association 520 Kamoku Street Honolulu, HI 96826-5120

FEBRUARY 2007 ISSUE

NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. Postage

PAID Honolulu, ill

Permit No. 158