100th Infantry Battalion Veterans aka Club 100

08/12/2020

100-year-old MN WWII vet crosses finish line on 100-mile walk for charity

Yes, our World War II veterans are Supermen

Mickey Nelson crossed the finish to cheers having raised more than $100,000

08/11/2020

Kamala Harris Is Biden’s Choice for Vice President

If you have been in a cave today...

A former rival for the Democratic nomination, she will be the first Black woman to be nominated for national office by a major political party.

08/11/2020

Fascinating story of Koreab War veteran Gene Takahashi who commanded an all-black battalion during his timr of service. Thank you to the NVC in Seattle for sharing

Gene Takahashi’s experiences in Korea began shortly after the end of the Second World War. He had enlisted in the Army late in that war, after spending most of it with his family in an Arizona internment camp for Japanese Americans. After the Japanese surrendered, Takahashi was sent to Korea for occupation duty for 18 months. Called up from the reserves to serve in Korea, Takahashi found that his language skills with both Japanese and Korean were highly prized. He was named platoon leader of an all-black unit, and he was captured by the Chinese in November 1950 when they entered the war. He escaped, made it back to Seoul, and rejoined the fighting. Wounded by enemy machine-gun fire in March 1951, Takahashi saw his wartime service come to an end while recuperating.

https://go.usa.gov/xfVzk

08/11/2020

This was posted in a Japanese American Facebook group I belong to. Does anyone know of a veteran names James I Shimizu?

"Okay JAs, I'm looking for someone and I know someone here knows something so let's help an old veteran out.

The story: my mom works in elder care. One day, she took a client's sewing machine to a repair shop in or around Greenville, South Carolina. She got to talking with the man who runs the shop and he told her this story of his best friend in the service, James I. Shimizu of San Francisco. I've copied her note below in hopes that we can reconnect these old friends or at least tell this sweet old man what happened to his best friend. He even invited him home on leave to South Carolina in a time where anti-Japanese sentiment was still very strong. Message me or comment here if anyone knows who this is or his family. Arigatou Gozaimasu!

The note:
Hey Mandy, I think the man Jerry Simmons is looking for is James I. Shimizu. He would be about 80. He was stationed in Connecticut in 1960 with Jerry and they were in the army. After their tour James reenlisted in the Korean War because he could be furloughed to Japan where he wanted to reconnect with family. He may be deceased. James often spoke of San Francisco. Please put your super special detectives to work. Thank you"

There is a James Isao Shimizu born in 1937 who served in the Army in Vietnam and is buried in a cemetery on the Mainland. He would seem to be too young to have served in the Korean Conflict.

You can PM me or email me at [email protected] and I'll pass it along to the person who is trying to find him.

08/11/2020

Update on Rainbow Drive-In, founded by 100th veteran, the late Seiji Ifuku

On August 4, we were notified that one of our staff members at our Kapahulu location has tested positive for COVID-19. We closed our store for overnight deep cleaning and sanitization and contacted the Department of Health. The employee is recovering at home in self isolation, following the advice of his/her doctor. The individual was not involved in the preparation of food and was last on premises on August 1. The affected employee was working in an isolated area and therefore had minimal contact with customers or other employees.

The health and safety of our employees and customers is our highest priority. In response to the pandemic, we have introduced strict protocols at all of our locations and have taken the necessary steps to ensure the safety of our staff, customers and community. Mahalo for your support during these unprecedented times.

08/11/2020

Congratulations to all of the awardees of JAVA Scholarships including several 100th descendants.

IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 10, 2019, Vol. 2, No. 6
Photos accompany this press release

$25,000 in JAVA Scholarships. Continuing the Legacy of World War II Nisei Military Service and Encouraging Future Military and Public Service

Washington, DC. The Japanese American Veterans Association (JAVA) announced 13 winners of the annual scholarship award program for 2020. Outstanding students from around the country applied for the scholarships. The candidates for the JAVA scholarships were incredibly talented and accomplished; and all applicants would be worthy of receiving a JAVA scholarship to continue the legacy of the Nisei service to country, despite facing tremendous obstacles placed by their government.

The $5,000 memorial scholarship honoring the late U.S. Senator Daniel K. Inouye’s iconic career of military and civilian public service was awarded to T.J. Okamura, of Redmond Washington. The grandson of George Okamura, 442nd RCT, T.J. is currently a U.S. Army Specialist in the Military Intelligence Corps. In the fall, T. J. will begin working on a Master's in International Studies with a focus on Japan at the University of Washington. He will also participate in the U.S. Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps while concurrently enrolled at the University of Washington. In his essay, T.J. wrote, “It is one of my ultimate goals that whatever I do will give back to the community that shaped who I am. … (being the) recipient of the Daniel Inouye Memorial Scholarship would be an honor that I hope to carry forward for all Japanese Americans.”

The $3,000 Founder’s Scholarship named for JAVA’s founder, the late Colonel Phil Ishio, his wife Constance and their son Douglas Ishio, was awarded to Caitlin Emi Takeda, of Northridge, CA. The granddaughter of Harry Arita, MIS, Caitlin just completed her senior year at Brown University and will begin her first year at Brown University Warren Alpert Medical School this fall. For her undergraduate senior thesis project, she made two summer pilgrimages to Heart Mountain where she documented and photographed Nisei she met. In her application, Caitlin wrote, “[b]y the end of the two summers, I had taken the photo of over thirty Nisei. I compiled these photos into a photobook that I titled, Nisei. It serves as a reminder of the sacrifices that my grandfather’s generation made so that I could live a safe and happy life, and as a way to honor my grandfather’s legacy. I plan on giving a copy of the book to each of the internees who is featured. Giving back to the older Japanese American generations is something that I plan on doing for the rest of my life.”

The Kiyoko Tsuboi Taubkin Legacy Scholarship, a $2,000 award in honor of a longtime patron of JAVA was awarded to Rhian Kohashi O'Rourke, the granddaughter of Hiroshi Kohashi, 442nd RCT. Rhian, a graduate of Wellesley College, was a U.S. Fulbright Scholar Research Grantee in Amman, Jordan. She currently attends Johns Hopkins University and is pursuing an MBA and MA in Government. After she finishes her duel degree program, Rhian's goal is to do public healthcare research and advocacy. In her essay, Rhian shared, “[p]ursuing a graduate degree has reawakened my hope that I can create a better future for myself and positively contribute to society…. Because my grandfather was a member of the 442nd, this scholarship holds special meaning for me. Despite his permanent disability from the war, my grandfather’s motto was ‘do the best you can.’”

The following JAVA Memorial Scholarships were awarded to graduating high school seniors, each in the amount of $1,500:

Kiara Emi Kubota Stromberg, received a JAVA Memorial Scholarship in honor of Dr. Americo Bugliani and his liberator, Paul Sakamoto, 442nd RCT. Kiara is the granddaughter of Yoshio Kubota, MIS, and is from San Jose, California. She will attend the University of California, Los Angeles, and plans to study Comparative Literature.

Chloe Elyse Hana Nelson received a JAVA Memorial Scholarship, in honor of Ranger Grant Jiro Hirabayashi, MIS. Chloe is the granddaughter of Takashi Torakawa, MIS, and is from Exeter, California. She will attend the University of California, Los Angeles, and plans to study Biology.

Sophia Daniel received a JAVA Memorial Scholarship in honor of COL Jimmie Kanaya, a three-war veteran - WWII, Korea and Vietnam. Sophia is the grand-niece of Isamu Hoshino, and is from Honolulu, HI. She will attend Kapiolani Community College and plans to study Environmental Science.

Kylie Reiko Ginoza received a JAVA Memorial Scholarship in honor of CWO 4 Mitsugi Murakami Kasai, MIS. Kylie is the great-granddaughter of Iwao Takamori, 100th Bn/442nd RCT, and is from Wailuku, Hawaii. She will attend the University of Utah and is interested in Engineering and Biology.

Helena Kimiko Nukuto received a JAVA Memorial Scholarship in honor of Sergeant Ben Kuroki, a gunner in the U.S. Army Air Corps, 505th Bombardment Group. Helena is the granddaughter of Tadashi Nukuto,100th Bn, C Company, and is from Canton, OH. She will attend the University of Cincinnati and plans to study industrial design.

Camille Yuriko Tom received a JAVA Memorial Scholarship in honor of Victor Matsui, MIS, and his wife Teru Matsui. Cami is the granddaughter of James Ogawa, 100th Bn/442nd RCT and is from Gardena, California. She will attend Biola University and plans to study Communications Sciences and Disorders.

Dawson Hideo Gomez Tokishi received a JAVA Memorial Scholarship in honor of past JAVA President and Korean War veteran, Bob Nakamoto. Dawson is the great-grandson of Harold Okumura, MIS, and is from Kahului, Hawaii. He will attend Pacific University in Oregon and plans to study business.

Joseph Paul Nakasone received a JAVA Memorial Scholarship in honor of Major Muneo Michael Okusa, MIS. Daniel is the grandson of Edwin Nakasone, MIS, and the son of U.S. Army General Paul Nakasone. He will attend Dartmouth College and plans to study History.

Sarah Keiko Sakakihara received a JAVA Memorial Scholarship in honor of Betty Shima, lifelong partner of Terry Shima, 442nd RCT. Sarah is the grand-niece of Katsuyoshi Hamamoto, 442nd RCT, and is from Wailuku, Hawaii. She will attend California Polytechnic State University and plans to study Civil Engineering.

Grace Xiang Bost, received a JAVA Memorial Scholarship in honor of Major Orville Shirey, 442nd RCT, and his wife Maud Shirey. Grace is the granddaughter of Yukio Yokoe, 442nd RCT, and is from San Mateo, California. She will attend the University of California, San Diego, and plans to study Psychology.

JAVA thanks the Scholarship Committee, Mrs. Chris DeRosa, Chair; Ms. Dawn Eilenberger, JD, former Deputy Director of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence; CDR Janelle Kuroda, JAGC, USN; CAPT (Dr) Cynthia Macri, MC, USN (Ret) and Mrs. Mary Murakami.

The future of our nation is in great hands, knowing these young individuals will be at the forefront.

JAPANESE AMERICAN VETERANS ASSOCIATION
CONTACT: Neet Ford – phone# 202-494-1978, [email protected]
P.O. Box 341198 Bethesda, MD 20827

08/10/2020

Commemorating Redress in the Archives - Densho: Japanese American Incarceration and Japanese Internment

From Densho, a history of the battle to win redress, reparations and most importantly, an apology from the US government.

On this anniversary of the signing of the Civil Liberties Act of 1988 we’re highlighting some recent additions to Densho’s archives that focus on the Redress Movement. Along with our existing digital content, these new collections together provide more information and context to the Japanese Ame...

08/10/2020

In 1942, Minidoka was opened.

On this day in 1942, the Minidoka Concentration Camp was opened in Hunt, Idaho. Approximately 9,397 Japanese Americans were incarcerated at this site where they would face the harsh landscape and weather of the west. Idaho's governor did not want the camp to be built; unfortunately, this was not because he felt the incarceration was wrong. Rather, he stated that he did not want Japanese Americans in the state of Idaho. Despite acts of discrimination being dealt upon the incarcerees of Minidoka, this site would still become the home to the highest percentage of men who volunteered to serve with the 100th/442nd & MIS out of all the camps. Today's image depicts a Nisei WAC standing in front of Minidoka's Honor Roll.

Image courtesy of the National Archives #JapaneseAmerican #JA #AmericasConcentrationCamps #WWII #Incarceration #JAMP #JapaneseAmericanMemorialPilgrimages #Memorial #Pilgrimages #Pilgrimage #OralHistory #Nikkei #Issei #Nisei #Sansei #Yonsei #Gosei #AmericanHistory #History #ForgottenHistory #NeverAgainIsNow #StopRepeatingHistory #potd #Japanese #American #America #USA

08/10/2020

100th ‘ohana - as there will be no Grave Decorating this year, I am working on a video to honor our 100th World War II veterans and 100th/442d Army Reservists who were killed in action or passed away post war.

If you are related to or a friend of a 100th or 100th/442d serviceperson who has passed, I invite you to be a part of this video by sending a photo of the deceased. Any photo of your choice is welcome.

Please email the photo to me (Jayne Hirata, the PPP editor) at [email protected]. Please include the name of the veteran, what company he served in, and who is sending the photo (I plan to say “In memory of (vet) of (company) from (sender)). You may also include a message but please know, the more you write, the smaller the font will be and harder to read.

If you can send that to me by the end of the month, that would be great. This is only the 2nd video I will be working on so I need as much time as possible.

I’ll post the video here on the Saturday, September 26 at 9;00 which is the date we had planned for the in-person Grave Decorating event.

08/08/2020

Duty to Country | FilVetREP

Thank you to our friends at the Seattle NVC for letting us know about this soon to open online exhibitiom about World War II Filipino veterans

Duty to Country is an online educational project produced by the Filipino Veterans Recognition and Education Project (FilVetREP.org) Once complete, the project will be a state of the art interactive, web-based educational program accessible to the public. It will provide compelling historical accoun...

08/08/2020

Free Zoom presentation on Sunday at 8:00 am about the 100th and 442nd. You will need to register to join in.

For those of you who with an interest in the 100th MIS and 44nd RCT Japanese American military units during WWII, please join us this Sunday, August 9 from 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. for a book presentation and historical discussion on the Nisei veterans via Zoom with Mike Malaghan, author of the Picture Bride trilogy of historical fiction novels. Mike will go into the 44nd RCT and several inflection points of historical significance for the Nisei who served, as dramatized in his new novel, A Question of Loyalty, the second title of the Picture Bride Trilogy. Register for free online at: http://bit.ly/aquestionofloyalty

08/08/2020

U.S. Army Reserve

A little late but still very important

#PurpleHeartDay

Today, we pause to recognize and honor the brave men and women who were killed or wounded in combat.

08/08/2020

Veterans benefits 2020: Most unique or newest state benefit - VAntage Point

For our many veteran members

VA worked with state representatives to compile a list of the most popular unique or newest benefit for Veterans, part of a five part series.

08/08/2020

Our Wine Gang’s party place!

AUGUST SPECIAL: Special Miso Soup + Sushi Combination - $14

You get a container of Sunrise's Special Miso Soup and 6 pieces of nigiri sushi and 4 pieces of California roll. Discounted from regular price of $16. Call 737-4118 to place an order.

This is not your ordinary miso soup. The broth has a shrimp base with Chinese cabbage, Spam, tofu, egg, mustard cabbage and daikon!

Note: Nigiri selections may differ from photo posted below.

08/08/2020

See all Japan’s 47 prefectures in 130 seconds via this stunning tourism video

Since we still cannot go to Japan...

See Hokkaido, Hiroshima, Okinawa, Osaka, Kyoto, Gunma, Niigata and more in this gorgeous new JNTO video

08/08/2020

More on Purple Heart Day

In commemoration of Purple Heart Day, the National Veterans Network would like to remember the men and women who were wounded on the battlefields or paid the ultimate sacrifice in the U.S. Armed Forces.

S. Sgt. Kazuo Komoto was the first Nisei in the Military Intelligence Service to receive a Purple Heart. After recovering from his wounds, he visited his family at the Gila River Concentration Camp in Arizona and showed the Purple Heart to his younger brother, Susumu.

The Purple Heart medal, originally known as the Badge of Military Merit, was established by George Washington on August 7, 1782. It was designed with Washington’s image on the front, and the words “For Military Merit” inscribed on the back. During WWII, those in the military services were eligible for this award if they had been wounded or killed in action against an enemy of the U.S. To learn more about the story of the Purple Heart, visit https://armyhistory.org/the-purple-heart-the-story-of-americas-oldest-military-decoration-and-some-soldier-recipients/

#JapaneseAmerican #WW2 #WorldWar2History #AsianAmerican #USA #USHistory #JapaneseAmericanHistory #Soldier #Military #Nisei #Veteran #Freedom #WhatisFreedom #HonoringVets #PurpleHeartDay