DECEMBER 2010 - JANUARY 2011 ISSUE NO. 11/2010

2010 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

by Mike Harada

Dear Members,

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all! I hope this message finds you in good health and full of cheer during this holiday season.

Congratulations to the newly elected 2011 Executive Board of Directors. President Pauline Sato; 1st Vice President Irene Anzai; 2nd Vice President Avin Oshiro; Treasurer Janice Trubitt; and Secretary Amy Muroshige. I wish them well in their upcoming tenure and hope all goes smoothly during their administration.

This is a bittersweet time for myself as I wind down my term as your President. I know you will be in good hands and hopefully some of our past accomplishments will help the club as we move forward.

No doubt there were some things which did not go as well as we had hoped and there were those that I hope continue to serve you members for the long term.

The Education Center still has a ways to go before completion. We had hoped the renovations work was further along. I regret the inconvenience this has placed on you and ask for your understanding and patience as work progresses. We have tried to minimize your disruptions for Clubhouse use but may have fallen short of your expectations. I am still confident that we will provide a suitable end state which we can all be proud and pleased.

The fiscal state of our club is a bit more stable. A volunteer organization like ours needs to be ever mindful that our available funding is limited and a better budget process which limits our spending is crucial. We are blessed to receive much by way of donors and need to honor your intentions. To this end, 2010 Treasurer Gary Nakayama is working to identify which accounts were shorted and a payback plan to reimburse.

We are blessed with a hard working committee that has focused their efforts to update our club’s by-laws. The by-laws will provide the governances which guides our club for years to come. Once completed, membership should have a clearer understanding of how our club operates. Additional club policies would also be needed by various other committees but the frame work for our club should be well established. That effort continues and I am

continued on next page

Robert Arakaki and Mike Harada present Major Gen-eral Robert Lee with a shadowbox of his medals

during Major General Lee’s recent retirement party. (Photo courtesy of Wayne Iha.)

\Ç `xÅÉÜ|tÅ \Ç `xÅÉÜ|tÅ \Ç `xÅÉÜ|tÅ \Ç `xÅÉÜ|tÅ Neil Hichiro Matsumoto (Able Co.) passed away on November 20, 2010

Rocco G. Marzano of San Diego, CA (Charlie Co.)

passed away on September 13, 2010

bâÜ wxxÑxáà áçÅÑtà{ç àÉ à{x|Ü ytÅ|Ä|xábâÜ wxxÑxáà áçÅÑtà{ç àÉ à{x|Ü ytÅ|Ä|xábâÜ wxxÑxáà áçÅÑtà{ç àÉ à{x|Ü ytÅ|Ä|xábâÜ wxxÑxáà áçÅÑtà{ç àÉ à{x|Ü ytÅ|Ä|xá

2010 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE continued from page 1

hopeful membership will receive the updated by-laws in 2011.

Thanks to all those who provided feedback to our recent poll inquiry regarding officer term limits and membership eligibility. It does make sense to me that our Executive Board of Directors’ officer terms be more than a year and that we need to seek ways to expand our membership base. Our by-laws need revision and the Board of Directors needs to take a hard look at what is appropriate for membership.

In a democratic society, citizenship voting is a key and essential right and is only demonstrated by action. In our case this would be membership voting. I am particularly proud that our club has gotten started on the process of electing your executive positions to the Board of Directors. Having had the first two voting events to include all eligible wives, widows and descendants members is a particularly momentous event. I’d be the first to admit we do not have a perfect voting system but we do have a voting opportunity. Establishing this opportunity can now serve our club’s future.

I could not end my tenure without thanking 2009-2010 1st Vice President Avin Oshiro and 2009-2010 Secretary Lois Nakagawa for their years of service while I was President. Both Avin and Lois provided exemplary support for the last two years and I don’t think our club would be as successful without their support. Thanks goes to for 2010 2nd Vice President Mimi Nakano and Gary Nakayama for their diligence this past year as well.

And to you our members, thank you for putting up with me. It’s been an honor and a privilege to have served you. Many of you have provided me your insights for which I am grateful and appreciative. Thank you one and all. Aloha. Mike

2011 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE by Pauline Sato

Mahalo nui loa for your vote of confidence in me and the rest of the newly elected Executive Board of Directors for the 100th Infantry Battalion Veterans in 2011. It is truly heartwarming to have your blessing as we carry out our responsibilities for the benefit of the organization and its members. (Photo below of Pauline with her parents, Robert and Kazue Sato [Co. A] in front of Osaka Castle in October 2010. Photo courtesy of Pauline Sato.)

As President, I will work closely with the Execu-tive Board (Irene Anzai, 1st Vice President; Avin Oshiro, 2nd Vice President; Amy Muroshige, Secre-tary; and Janice Trubitt, Treasurer) as well as the rest of the Board. I will listen to your concerns and ideas to improve the organization’s operations and pro-grams. I will also talk to others in the community who may be able to assist us.

We know we have a challenging road ahead of us during these difficult economic times, but I am confi-dent that we can accomplish what we set out to do if we can put our differences and individual needs aside and work collaboratively for the benefit of the group and with respect to those who have passed before us.

Much has been accomplished the past few years under the leadership of Mike Harada and I want to express my gratitude to him, the entire Board, and all of you for sticking together while crossing the hills and valleys together.

Please know that you can contact me at my email address: 100thpresident@gmail.com and phone num-ber (808)497-5323. Mahalo and Happy New Year!

EDITOR’S COLUMN by Mimi Nakano

Congratulations to the 2011 Executive Board of

Directors — Pauline Sato, Irene Anzai, Avin

Oshiro, Amy Muroshige and Janice Trubitt!

Mahalo for the Opportunity to Serve as 2nd VP:

Thank you for the opportunity to serve in the capacity of 2nd VP of the 100th Infantry Battalion Veterans. I have learned a lot about this organization, its activities, events, and members. Having the responsibility for 100th Infantry Battalion 68th Anniversary Banquet, the 100th Infantry Battalion Joint Memorial Service Committee, the Puka Puka Parade Newsletter, the PPP Guidelines, while serving as 2nd VP of the 100th Infantry Battalion Veterans and teaching five college classes, taught me about what multitasking accomplishes and its limitations.

More importantly, by exemplifying values like collaboration, cooperation, passion, perseverance, respect, selfless service and teamwork to benefit the whole rather than an individual, the 100th Infantry Battalion 68th Anniversary Committee demonstrated the characteristics that made the 100th Infantry Battalion (Separate) an exceptionally, remarkable group. Thank you Tommy Nishioka, Robert Arakaki, Evelyn Tsuda, Carolyn “Skip” Tomiyama, Delores Akinaka, John Miyata, Reid Mizue, Lisa Mizuire, James Nakatani, Kay Okimoto, Tricia Okimoto, Arlene Sato, Shelly Santo, Steven Takushi and Warren Yamamoto - you’re da best!

Mahalo to 100th Infantry Battalion volunteers of the 100th Infantry Battalion Joint Memorial Service Committee. Thank you, Alfred Arakaki, Bernard Akamine, Bert Hamakado, Ann Kabasawa, Avin Oshiro, Dorothy Tamashiro, and Warren Yamamoto. Your work supported the at–large 2010 Oahu AJA Veterans Council’s 5th Joint Memorial Service Committee Members. Mike Harada, Wayne Iha, Mark Matsunaga, and Lois Nakagawa – thanks for your leadership. Pauline Sato—thanks for serving as Mistress of Ceremonies.

Mahalo to Bernard Akamine, Jayne Hirata-Epstein, Arlene Sato, and Dot Tamashiro for your consistently, diligent work on ensuring that the Puka Puka Parade Newsletter is formatted, printed and collated and that our volunteers are well-cared for. To all of the Puka Puka Parade (PPP) Newsletter volunteers, thank you for your service. Mahalo to Amy Muroshige and Arlene Sato for serving as

proofreaders.

Now that all of the major 100th Infantry Battalion activities and events are over and Fall 2010 semester will soon come to an end, I will return to completing the revision of the PPP Newsletter Guidelines.

The by-laws revisions may significantly affect the long-range plans of the 100th Infantry Battalion Veterans organization. To save the Long-Range Planning Committee from working on a plan only to find that the plan cannot be implemented because of the by-law revisions, the 100th Infantry Battalion Long Range Planning Committee has not met this year.

Have a wonderful, safe holiday season!

PPP COLLATING by Jayne Hirata-Epstein

A small but mighty crew worked a double shift to collate the November 2010 PPP. Thank you to Aki Akimoto, Robert and Nancy Arakaki, Edward Ikuma, Tommy Nishioka, Seie Oshiro, Nancy Sakaki, Ma-moru Sato, Kazuto Shimizu, Dot Tamashiro, Drusilla Tanaka, Stanley Tanaka, Takako Umamoto, Marie Yoneshige, and Isamu Yoshihara for their hard work. The volunteers were treated to a delicious lunch thanks to the generosity of snowbird Jerry Barnett from Iowa.

Mahalo to the “behind the scenes” volunteers - proofreader Amy Muroshige; Xerox expert and sup-ply delivery person Gary Nakayama; proofreader, computer/printer whiz and general laborer Arlene Sato; table “king” Isamu Yoshihara; and collating “queen” Dot Tamashiro.

Bernard Akamine has decided to “retire” from the PPP after many, many years of dedication. I will miss reading his Baker Chapter News, his won-derful wartime remem-brances, his fun jokes and his “Who Dat?” column (Dat’s Bernard in the photo). His hard work is reflected in every aspect of the PPP from the wooden mail boxes to the collating process. Thank you, Bernard, for all that you have done for the PPP and the Club.

EDUCATION CENTER UPDATE by Susan Muroshige

CLUBHOUSE RENOVATION

There has been an unexpected permit requirement that has caused a delay with starting the actual con-struction in the Clubhouse. The permit application for the Clubhouse renovation was submitted to the City’s Building Office. It must be reviewed by five sections. As of mid-November 2010, the application had passed through three sections and is currently being reviewed by the other two sections.

The Building Office notified our contractor that the permit application has also been sent to the De-partment of Land Utilization. The Clubhouse is pres-ently classified as “nonconforming use” for the A-3 residential zone in which it is located. This classifica-tion had been “grandfathered in” since the building was constructed in the early 1950s and was acceptable as long as no renovations were done to the building.

However, since renovations are planned, we must apply for an Existing Use Permit. The purpose of this permit is to “recognize the hardship imposed upon uses that were legally established, but may not comply with the current zoning standards.” Upon approval, it will change the Clubhouse’s classification to “conforming use.” This status will help the 100th in the future if permit applications for further renovation are submitted.

Applying for this permit involves preparation of new drawings and documents. The contractor will be completing them about the first week of December 2010. The Department of Land Utilization has said it takes about 45 days to process the application after it has been received. Hopefully, by mid-January 2011, we will have everything that is needed.

In the meantime, no work will be done in the Clubhouse. The contractor has been able to take measurements so that fabrication of the new cabinetry can be started off-site. Of course, we would have pre-ferred to minimize the amount of time the Clubhouse looked unsightly, but the permit requirements were not expected to include the Existing Use Permit.

STAFFING UPDATE

Pam Funai, Project Manager: As of January 2011, Pam will have a reduced role. She received a terrific job opportunity with the Hawaii Community Foundation. Pam will continue to oversee the devel-

opment of the website until the end of March 2011.

Jan Sakoda, Financial Administrator: I ne-glected to announce in previous PPP articles that Jan, the daughter of the late Gary Uchida (Headquarters Co.), joined the project in August 2010 on a part time basis. Jan handles the processing of payments, creates the monthly financial report for the CPA and quarterly reports for the Department of Defense. She also helps with many other tasks, too numerous to name.

Marc Mizuire, Project Support Assistant:

Marc, the grandson of Susumu Kunishige (Able Co.), continues to work about 12 hours a week. He has been a great help with technical issues, including re-searching information on equipment and the 100th’s history, setting up computer equipment, and digitizing documents.

Jason Clements, Writer: Jason, the grandson of Richard Hamada (Headquarters Co.), joined our staff on November 29, 2010. Although we have several freelance writers doing specific stories, I realized we needed to have a full time writer to develop the con-tent for the website. Jason has a Master of Arts degree in English from the UH-Manoa.

Katelyn Rice, Web Content Coordinator: I also realized we needed to have a full time person who had training and experience in organizing content. One of the most important tasks will be to read all the previ-ous Puka Puka Parade issues and determine which ar-ticles need to be saved for the website’s archive. Each article has to be catalogued. Katelyn has a Master of Science degree in Library and Information Science from Simmons College in Boston and experience in evaluating documents.

Jan, Marc, Jason, and Katelyn will be working out of our small project office next door to the Clubhouse. I will continue to be in touch with everyone by e-mail or phone and will be in Honolulu frequently.

DONATIONS TO THE EDUCATION CEN-

TER

$25 Baker Chapter in memory of Hisami Fujita (Baker Co.) $100 Mitsue Miyamoto in memory of Toshio Miyamoto (Charlie Co.)

Continued on next page

EDUCATION CENTER UPDATE continued from page 4

$100 Wendy Maeda in memory of Katsumi Maeda

This is the FINAL

Puka Puka Parade for 2010.

There will be no January 2011 issue so there will

be NO COLLATING sched-uled in December 2010.

The first issue of 2011 will be the February is-

sue. Everyone is invited to

help collate in Turner Hall at the Clubhouse on

Friday, January 28, 2011

at 8:30 am

(Baker Co.)

Your donations are very much appreciated and will be used to sustain the Education Center after the grant is completed.

HEADQUARTERS CHAPTER NEWS by Janice Sakoda – 737-7778

We’re only a few days away from our Christmas party on December 11th; don’t forget to RSVP if you’re coming. Even though the deadline to RSVP is December 4, you can still let us know after that date. Since we’re combining with C Chapter and we are not catering the food, we can add a few more people without any problem as long as we know you’re coming.

The Mini-Reunion in Las Vegas was again enjoyed by all who attended. I’m sorry I wasn’t able to fully enjoy myself as I was coming down with a cold, but, nonetheless, enjoyed meeting new friends and getting reacquainted with others. It was good to see 27 veterans in attendance.

We send our warm wishes to Arthur Komiyama and Seisaburo Taba and hope they regain their strength and health to attend our Christmas party.

Headquarters had their annual election in November and the officers were re-elected for another term. The only exception is I (Janice) am now Secretary/Treasurer as Mr. Komiyama stepped down from this position in October. So Dot Tamashiro is President, Elsie Oshita

is Vice President and everyone else has sworn to help us out. (Photo on the left is of Doris Aimoto, Dot Tamashiro and Jan Sakoda from the 100th/442nd Line Dancer’s “Thank You Luncheon” in November).

Since there is not much to write this month, and since I was asked, I’m going to write a little about our trip in October.

In looking back, it was a vacation full of contrasts: temperatures of 32 degrees (with snow!) in Sonora Pass just north of Yosemite and 99 degrees in Los Angeles; elevations of 9,620 feet at the Sonora Pass, and 200 feet below sea level in Death Valley; bright lights in Las Vegas and sobering moments at Manzanar.

Ed and I flew 5 hours from Honolulu to Los Angeles, waited 2 ½ hours to get our car (the computer was down), then drove 5 hours to Las Vegas. Needless to say, we were quite tired when we checked in just before midnight. Days prior to the banquet was filled with lunch with Ed’s sister and her husband (who just happened to be there from L.A. for a Kaimuki High School class reunion), taking a friend from Honolulu (in Las Vegas for the same class reunion) shopping at various quilt shops, getting tickets and seeing Jersey Boys (getting the discounted tickets saves you money, but it sure takes a lot of time!). We got to meet old and new friends at the Mini-Reunion. The banquet was fun as our table was a combination of Hawaii and Mainland friends. Each person received a

Continued on next page

HEADQUARTERS CHAPTER NEWS Continued from page 5

goodie bag and the table was decorated with good-luck frog dolls and bookmarks handmade by our own Jayne Hirata-Epstein.

After leaving Las Vegas, we explored Death Valley (good thing it was October as the weather was starting to cool down to mid-80 degrees); somehow, the barrenness of the desert was beautiful as the sunlight shifted along the rocks. Next, we spent a few hours at Manzanar, where parts of the internment camp were recreated and names of all who lived at this camp were displayed. Seeing the names of relatives of Janice Trubitt (daughter of Albert and Yaeko Yokoyama, Medics) - her maternal grandmother, mother, uncle Sadao Munemori and another friend’s father made it more sobering to us. (Sadao Munemori was the only Japanese American to be awarded the Medal of Honor during World War II. We learned that when a grenade landed in his foxhole, he sacrificed himself in order to save his buddies.) By the time we left Manzanar, it must have been in the high 50s and getting cold. And it wasn’t even winter yet. I can’t imagine living there as the internees did.

Ed and I spent a few days in the Bay Area, primarily San Francisco and Occidental, just north of San Francisco. It was during the time of the 2010 World Series so it was exciting being able to eat dinner and have those around glued to the television set and cheering the San Francisco Giants on. We went to visit my college roommate in Occidental. Now some people go to the Wine Country to go wine tasting, we go to sightsee. We went to see The Old Faithful Geyser of California, which is one of three geysers in the world with the designation "old faithful." These are the geysers that perform at regular intervals. However, because of the inclement weather, we “had” to do some wine tasting. Unfortunately, (or fortunately for the wineries), I’m not much of a wine drinker so I had a little bit of very few wines.

We ended our three-week trip in Los Angeles where we visited with Ed’s sister and her husband and were able to enjoy a (too) short visit with our son, who is in the Physical Therapy program at Chapman University.

Now it’s back to the “real world”, but to be honest, there’s no place like home! And there’s no place like living in Hawaii, there the gentle tradewinds blow and you can go out in December in tee shirt, shorts, and rubber slippers!

DOG CHAPTER NEWS by Joy Teraoka

The next Dog Chapter meeting will be on Satur-

day, December 4, 2010 at 9:30 am in the TV Lounge

at the Clubhouse.

Recently, it was nice chatting by phone with some

of our Doggie member wives whom we haven’t seen

in ages. Gloria Tamashiro, Helen Nikaido and Mil-

dred Hosaka informed me they are doing okay, but

unfortunately, they “don’t get around much anymore”

— the theme song for many of us octogenarians.

Take care; we miss you.

There’s still time to sign up for the Dog Chapter Christmas Party. Fill out the Registration Form on page 15 of this issue of the PPP and send it to “Dog Chapter” or call Karleen Chinen at 255-5798, Joy Teraoka (218-7222), or Mary Hamasaki (955-9039). RSVP by December 11.

2011 PUNCHBOWL DOCENT PROGRAM by Drusilla Tanaka

The 2011 schedule for the Punchbowl Docent Pro-gram is being compiled and there are a lot of dates to fill due to the retirement of several Docents. Please consider becoming a volunteer Docent, giving three or four Saturdays out of the year to this valuable commu-nity service. One family will be turning their experi-ence into an "intergenerational" event by having Nisei Veteran, Sansei Daughter and Yonsei Granddaughter be a team. The veteran can "talk story" with the visi-tors about December 7, 1941 or about his experiences in Europe, while the Sansei and Yonsei tend to the visitors needing help with the computer kiosk. The younger ones can also eavesdrop when Grandpa is telling his stories. Sansei Daughter also provides the transportation for the team, so it's a win-win situation for the team and also for the visitors. Here is a chal-lenge for all 100th families--get your team together and call Drusilla Tanaka at 235-1343 or e-mail her at drusillatanaka@gmail.com. Training is provided, no previous experience is needed.

INFORMATION REQUESTED

Hideaki Honma, a Japanese national, is looking for information on the late Susumu Hata (Dog Co.). Mr. Honma is doing research on the topic of Japanese Americans (including Mr. Hata) who played football in Japan at Meiji University prior to World War II. He is particularly interested in Mr. Hata’s WWII experiences. Please contact him at Hideonuma@nifty.com.

MAINLAND CHAPTER NEWS by Sam Fujikawa

GREETINGS ONE AND ALL. Our 100th club had our Annual Mini-Reunion in Las Vegas on Sunday, October 17 through Thursday, October 23 for Mainlanders and through Friday, the 24th for the Hawaii members. It was so wonderful to see and visit with everyone again. Even though we had more people than we expected, we somehow managed and hope everyone had a truly rewarding good time. So many sons and daughters pitched in to give us much needed help - we are absolutely and thoroughly grateful. Our regular 100th members have reached the “slowed down” stage so we really appreciated everyone’s participation.

Sunday afternoon, after we were assigned our rooms and supplies were unpacked in the Hospitality Room, all kinds of snacks and food appeared on the tables for everyone to enjoy. So many delicious donations also appeared - it’s no wonder our 100th reunions have become so famous. We were so happy to welcome the Hawaii contingent that arrived safely, a little after 11:00 pm and all the other members from different parts of California, Las Vegas, Washington, Colorado, Georgia and Jean Miyasato’s faithful group from Montana. How great it was to see everyone.

The ever popular slot tournaments with Mas Takahashi in charge started off on Monday morning. First place winner was Aki Nosaka, second place winner was Emily Onaga, and third place winner was Chuckie Seki. Afterwards was the shopping tour to Trader Joe’s with Chuckie Seki and Chiz Ohira making sure no one got lost. Participants returned with many shopping bags full of purchases.

The Hospitality Room was kept filled with veterans, families, friends and lots of food to munch on. Across the hall were sessions of friendly, fun craft sessions led by Chiz Ohira and an exhibit of rare photos of the 100th members, many taken overseas during WWII.

Tuesday was a short day as the Hospitality Room had to be closed early so that preparations for the banquet in the ‘Ohana Room could be made. Over 140 people attended the informal enjoyable banquet with Kaui Masuda’s welcoming music. Intricately woven ti leaf leis provided by Takako Umamoto were presented to everyone. A lively entertainment program included harmonica renditions by Robert Arakaki and Mike Harada as well as Toe Yoshino and

his roster of karaoke singers. A fun-filled door prize session, led by Sharon Shimazaki, Gayle Tanaka and Robert Tanaka, had many lucky winners going home with wonderful gifts including lovely scarves handmade by Chuckie Seki. Credit goes to all the sons and daughters who got up to perform their impromptu fun performance that we all look forward to every year.

Importantly, we hope the huge American flag that hung above the stage area of the ‘Ohana Room, next to the 100th logo banner, was noticed when we all spoke the Pledge of Allegiance. The beautiful flag was donated by Joyce Yoshino of the Chicago Reunion Group through Steve and Myrtle Noguchi of Las Vegas who had received it as earmarked to be given to our 100th Infantry Battalion Veterans. It was handmade by Grace Kido whose husband was in the MIS.

This year, the Wednesday tour was to the newly renovated Hoover Dam. James Wilson, our good friend and accommodating bus driver, drove a full bus load of 100th members to see the spectacular views of the bridge high above the area where the bus was able to park. According to the enthusiastic reports we received from Kaui Masuda and others about this trip, there were many photos taken from this lofty vantage point. We hope that some of these photos that were taken will be shared with those of us that weren’t able to make the trip.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone for the many thoughtful gifts of plaques, a huge photo album, the 100th logo snow globe, all the very special leis that we will treasure always. Thank you also for all of the wonderful omiyages from so many that we will share with club members at our monthly meetings.

We wish also to express our thanks for all the many donations of money and food that were so generously given to make our reunion such an enjoyable one for everyone. We are especially appreciative of all the support and help from everyone - in the Hospitality Rooms, at the Banquet, and even to help with the packing up and cleaning the Hospitality Room before our return to LA.

We are working out an arrangement for the sons and daughters to take over from next year as they wish to continue having these reunions. We have already been told that the 2011 Mini-Reunion has been scheduled and rooms at the Cal reserved from October 23-28, 2011. We will keep all of you posted.

VETERANS DAY 2011 by Jayne Hirata-Epstein

As you might guess, the weeks leading up to Vet-erans Day and the day itself were very busy ones at the Clubhouse as the veterans and their spouses graciously accepted the many invitations we received from or-ganizations around the island.

On November 2, 100th veterans Robert Arakaki, Edward Ikuma, Oscar Miyashiro, President Mike Ha-rada and Secretary Lois Nakagawa were special guests of Major General Robert Lee for an early morning flight on the C-17 Spirit of Go For Broke. They were joined by veterans from the 442nd RCT, MIS and the soldiers of the 100th Battalion, 442nd Army Reserve.

On November 9, Leighton “Goro” Su-mida, Edward Ikuma, Donald Matsuda, and Robert Arakaki (from left to right in bottom photo, courtesy of http://kapalama.ksbe.edu/middle/home/) were amongst the honorees at the Kame-hameha Middle School’s annual Veterans Day Program.

On November 11, Mike Harada and Robert Ara-kaki presented a floral wreath on behalf of the 100th and 442nd at the annual Veterans Day Ceremony at Punchbowl (see photo on page two of the PPP, cour-tesy of Wayne Iha) A lei was pre-sented on behalf of the 100th at the Veterans Day ceremony at the Hawaii State Veterans Cemetery in Kaneohe.

Beautiful hand-made thank you cards created by Ala Wai School and ‘Iolani School students were de-livered to the Clubhouse on Veterans Day.

On Friday, November 12, Alan Yukitomo (son in law of the late Stanley Akita) and the members of the Elks Lodge 616 in Waikiki hosted a luncheon for AJA WWII veterans with Doris Aimoto, Akira “Aki” and

Pat Akimoto, Robert and Nancy Arakaki, Ted Hamasu, Mike Harada, Kenneth Higa, Ed Ikuma, Don and Kimi Matsuda, Lois Nakagawa, Sonsei Naka-mura, Jessie Nakayama, Tom and Barbara Nishioka, Wally Onuma, Elsie Oshita, Masaharu Saito, Kazuto Shimizu, Leighton “Goro” Sumida, Robert Takashige, Dorothy “Dot” Tamashiro, Tom Tsubota, and Rikio and Evelyn Tsuda attending.

On Wednesday, November 17, a fabulous buffet was provided for the veterans and their families by

Sandy Zook and the members of the 100th/442nd Line Dancers as part of a “Thank You Luncheon”. (In top photo from left to right are Kazuto and Lynn Shimizu, Helen Nikaido).

The 100th ‘ohana did not forget the Club’s motto of “For Continuing Service” by once again participating in Operation Candy Drop to provide care packages for Hawaii-based sol-diers deployed abroad. ‘Iolani Lower School students collected an entire van-full of candy while four huge boxes were collected at the

Clubhouse.

On November 11, over 50 goody bags were delivered to the Mau-nalani Nursing and Rehabilita-tion Center for their Veterans Day Celebration honoring all veterans resid-ing at Mau-

nalani, including our own Ray Nosaka and Martin To-hara. Each veteran received certificates signed by Governor Linda Lingle and Senator Daniel Inouye which were presented by LTC Kimo Dunn, Com-mander of the 100th Battalion, 442nd Infantry Army Reserve.

On November 16, 18 boxes full of candy were sent to service members in the Army, Air Force and Ma-rines stationed in Iraq, Kuwait and Afghanistan, in-cluding Capt. Ray O’Donnell and CSM Harry Es-tabrooks who are part of our extended 100th family.

The National Veterans Network (NVN) is continuing to move forward by ensuring that a national celebration is organized in 2011 that will bring the veterans of the 100th, 442nd and MIS to the nation’s capital to be thanked and honored by Congress and America. I take this opportunity to share with you the most recent updates on the Congressional Gold Medal planning:

U.S. MINT

The design process with the US Mint has officially begun. The US Mint will commission several designers to come up with 3-4 designs to represent the contributions made by the 100th, 442nd and MIS. NVN’s Gold Medal Design Committee will work with our NVN organizations to review the designs and to select a preferred design. The US Mint has advised that it will take until June 2011 to come up with the final design. Once approved, production of the medal will start in June 2011 for eight weeks, which places completion somewhere around August 2011.

TWO DAY COMMEMORATION

AND CEREMONY DATE

NVN is planning a two-day event in Washington DC to include memorial services at the both the National World War II Memorial and the Japanese American Memorial to Patriotism to remember those KIA and those who have passed since WWII. A wreath presentation is also being planned at the Tomb of the Unknown at Arlington National Cemetery. On day two, Congress will host the Congressional Awards Ceremony in the morning and a national gala dinner that evening will serve as the culmination of this two-day event.

The awards ceremony cannot take place until the US Mint finishes the design and production of the Congressional Gold Medal. In light of this, NVN will seek a ceremony date in the fall of 2011, most likely in early October. However, the final decision regarding the awards ceremony date will be made by Congress.

VETERANS REGISTRY

NVN has set up a Veterans Registry on its website in the “ceremony” section. The purpose of this registry is to determine the interest of veterans, next of kin and family members who wish to attend the Washington DC. There has been a high volume of

registrants with a steady flow received each week. As of November 20, 2010, 917 people in total have registered for the event including 113 veterans and 106 next of kin of KIA or vets who have passed on since the War.

The final decision on who and how many can attend the Congressional Awards Ceremony will be determined by the Speaker of the House. It is our understanding that all living veterans will be invited to this ceremony but it is NVN’s hope that others will be able to attend. Invitations to the memorial services and the gala dinner will be extended to everyone so that we can collectively honor and commemorate this historic occasion.

(From the Clubhouse Office: Registration forms are available at the Clubhouse and should be sent to the Japanese American Veterans Association in Washington DC upon completion.)

HONOR FLIGHT

Honor Flight, a nonprofit organization that flies WWII veterans to Washington DC to see National World War II Memorial, has agreed to partner with NVN for the Congressional Gold Medal event. Honor Flight will provide 100th, 442nd and MIS veterans with free airfare to and accommodations in Washington DC as well as an opportunity to see “their” memorial. Veterans who are interested in participating in the Honor Flight program are highly encouraged to register with NVN.

(From the Office: Veterans should note that they may be responsible for obtaining travel to and from an Honor Flight regional “Hub” city.)

For more information on Honor Flight and their programs, please visit their website at www.honorflight.org.

WE NEED YOUR HELP

Please spread the word to everyone about the Congressional Gold Medal. We are seeking 100th, 442nd and MIS WWII veterans who would be interested in attending next year’s events. Please encourage them to register at the NVN website or contact Metta Tanikawa (cgm.tanikawa@gmail.com), Terry Shima (ttshima@comcast.net) or Christine Sato-Yamazaki (Christine@csy-assoc.com). Thank you.

CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL UPDATE by Christine Sato Yamazaki, Chair-person, National Veterans Network (www.nationalveteransnetwork.com)

Central Pacific Bank debuted a new display on November 8, 2010 focusing on the 100th Infantry Battalion (Separate) of World War II also known as the “Purple Heart Battalion” in observance of Veterans Day. The new display is part of Central Pacific Bank’s Honoring the Legacy exhibition and was developed by the members of the 100th Infantry Battalion Legacy Organization — Mark Matsunaga, Reid Mizue, Jimmy Nakatani, Mimi Nakano, Stephen Nakano, Steve Takushi, Warren Yamamoto and volunteer Lisa Mizuire.

The Legacy exhibit honors the World War II veterans from the 100th Infantry Battalion (Separate), 442nd Regimental Combat Team, Military Intelligence Service and the 1399th Engineer Construction Battalion. Last month, President Obama signed a bill that awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, one of the country’s highest civilian honors, to the more than 13,000 Japanese-American World War II veterans. (Photo on this page taken at Camp Shelby, Mississippi, 1943. Equipped with modern M-1 Garands and a Browning Automatic Rifle, soldiers of the 100th train for an assault. From left: Mamoru Takabayashi, Morris Kihara, Robert M. Takeo, Naeto Takamoto and Arthur Tengan. Courtesy U.S. Army.)

“This new exhibit depicts an inspiring American story of courage, loyalty, and perseverance,” said John Dean, Executive Chairman of Central Pacific Bank. “We hope to remind our community of this unique part of Hawaii’s history that directly touched the lives of our company’s founders.”

Organized by the members of the 100th Infantry Battalion (Separate) Legacy Organization, the new display shows how these men not only had to fight enemies but prejudice, said Mimi Nakano, daughter of the late Congressional Medal of Honor recipient

Shizuya Hayashi - a member of Company A, 100th Infantry Battalion (Separate).

“Their efforts exceeded military expectations and opened the doors of opportunity for all of us,” Nakano said. “We are thankful that CPB gave us the opportunity to share this unique, patriotic story in commemoration of Veterans Day.”

The 100th Infantry Battalion (Separate) was comprised mostly of Nisei (second generation Japanese-American) soldiers. The battalion was activated in June 1942 as a “Separate” unit, signifying the battalion was an orphan outfit, unattached to a regiment or any larger unit. From training camp to the

IN COMMEMORATION OF VETERANS DAY, CENTRAL PACIFIC BANK DEBUTS “100TH INFANTRY BATTALION (SEPARATE)” DISPLAY

CPB Press Release, November 8, 2010 with additional information by Mimi Nakano

battlefield, the new display follows the steps of this brave group that came to be one of the most decorated military units for its size and length of service in the history of the United States. Memorabilia, photographs and veterans are featured in the exhibit.

The 100th Infantry Battalion Legacy Organization is especially grateful to Mark Matsunaga for generously sharing his expertise and generously giving his time to craft the text of this display.

The exhibition is located at Central Pacific Bank’s Main Branch at 220 South King Street (corner of King and Alakea) in downtown Honolulu. It is open on Mondays to Thursdays from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Fridays from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, please call CPB at (808)544-0500.

(From the Office: We are hoping to schedule a group visit to the exhibit with lunch to follow in the latter part of December. Please call the Office at 9465-0272 if you are interested. )

The photo on top left is of a helmet that saved the life of Cpl. Sueo Sakamoto of Company A which is currently on display at CPB. Cpl. Sakamoto was wearing this helmet when it was hit by an enemy sniper’s bullet near Alife, Italy, on October 21, 1943. Courtesy of Sueo Sakamoto.

The photo on the top right is of one of the cases currently on display at CPB. Courtesy of Mimi Nakano.

The photo on the bottom is of the CPB exhibit volunteers including several sons and daughters of 100th and 442nd veterans. Photo courtesy of Reid Mizue.

The goal of the project is to bring the cemetery appearance up to national standards by cleaning, re-aligning, raising and stabilizing the grave markers as well as replacing the weed infested turf with a new hybrid turf.

VASES

Many of the graves have permanent in-ground flo-ral vases which have deteriorated with age. Punchbowl staff will do an inventory of family-purchased vases and in-ground containers to determine if they are serviceable. Vases which have deteriorated or deemed unserviceable will be disposed of.

If a family would like to have their vase removed in advance of the start of the project, please provide the grave number to the Punchbowl Office by calling

The Millennium Turf/Grave Marker Renovation Project began at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl on November 29, 2010 and is anticipated to be completed in early February 2011. Part of this 60 day renovation project will involve gravesite upgrades at Sections “B”, “C” and “D” (see highlighted area on map below). We apologize for the inconvenience this project will cause, but believe it will significantly enhance the appearance of the final resting places of our nation’s heroes.

As there are many gravesites for deceased World War II veterans of the 100th Infantry Battalion located in Section “D”, families are asked to please read through the following information carefully:

SCOPE OF WORK

Clo

se

d f

or R

en

ov

atio

ns

D

C

B

CHAPEL

NOTICE OF GRAVESITE UPGRADES AT PUNCHBOWL by Gene Castagnetti, Direc-tor of the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific

532-3720.

By existing cemetery policy, the government is responsible for the safeguarding, repair or maintenance of these family pur-chased vases and containers.

(From the Clubhouse Of-

fice: Replacement in-ground vases can be purchased at the Clubhouse at a cost of $25 for Club members and $50 for non-members. We also have the forms required by Punchbowl to request installation of the vases by their staff.)

GRAVESITE ACCESS

Due to safety concerns, dur-ing the 60 days of construction, visitors will not be allowed to access these gravesites.

As an alternative to placing flowers at the gravesites, visitors may place floral tributes in the Chapel where the names of the deceased are on file. The Chapel is located at the Ewa side of Punchbowl, up the steps and behind the statue of Lady Co-lumbia. (See the map on the left for location).

QUESTIONS OR CON-

CERNS

For updated information on the renovation project or if you have any questions or concerns, please call the Punchbowl Office at 532-3720. The Office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. They are closed on all Federal holidays except Memorial Day.

Updates will also be posted on the official Punchbowl web-site at: www.cem.va.gov/CEMs/nchp/nmcp.asp.

100TH/442ND TRIP TO BRU-YERES AND BIFFONTAINE by Jayne Hirata-Epstein

In October 2010, while most of the 100th’ohana were at the Las Vegas Mini-Reunion, the soldiers of the 100th Battalion , 442nd Infantry Army Reserve were overseas in France, proudly repre-senting their World War II counterparts at several events commemorating the anniversary of the liberation of Bruyeres and Biffontaine. Mahalo to Jean Bi-anchetti for sharing these wonderful pho-tos of the “new generation” of the 100th with the PPP.

The soldiers are hoping that the WWII veterans of the 100th and their families will accompany them for next year’s visit to Bruyeres and Biffontaine, tentatively scheduled for late-October 2011 and last-ing two weeks. There was great interest from the townsfolk in meeting the veterans in person. If you are interested in possibly going France, please let the Clubhouse Office know as soon as possible.

OFFICE REPORT by Jayne Hirata-Epstein, Colleen Miyaki and Arlene Sato

OFFICE CLOSED

The Office will be closed on Friday, December 24, 2010 for Christmas Eve and on Friday, December 31, 2010 for New Years Eve. The Office will be closed on Monday, January 18, 2011 for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

DONATIONS

It is with deepest appreciation that we acknowledge the generosity of the following persons whose support ensures that the legacy of the World War II veterans of the 100th Infantry Battalion will continue on for future generations. (from October 26, 2010 to November 22, 2010):

GENERAL OPERATING FUND

$30 Mr. and Mrs. Dean DeRosa in memory of Susumu Ota $500 Mitsue Miyamoto in memory of Toshio Miyamoto $50 Wallace T. Onuma $100 Hagiko Fukuda

PUKA PUKA PARADE

$100 Jerry Barnett $100 Mitsue Miyamoto in memory of Toshio Miyamoto $50 Wallace T. Onuma

SCHOLARSHIP FUND

$50 Kazuto and Lynn Shimizu in memory of Seichi Hoashi $50 Wallace T. Onuma

TURNER HALL RENTAL

$90 Lynn and Mark Yamada $120 Sandy Zook and the 100th/442nd Line Dancers

ABLE CHAPTER

$25 Naoki and Toshie Takamura for Christmas Party $25 Tetsuo Tateishi for Christmas Party

BAKER CHAPTER

$50 Lois Nakagawa in memory of Yukiye Hamakado

CHARLIE CHAPTER

$100 Mitsue Miyamoto in memory of Toshio

Miyamoto

DESCENDANTS CHAPTER

$50 Lois Nakagawa in memory of Yukiye Hamakado

WAIPIO LITTLE LEAGUE MEET AND GREET

$100 William Thompson, 442nd Veterans Club

In Kind Donations

Bernard Akamine - handcrafted items gift bags 100th Infantry Battalion Legacy Organization - 100th logo items for gift bags Ann Kabasawa - refreshments Lois Nakagawa - refreshments Arlene Sato - refreshments

IN KIND DONATIONS

‘Iolani Lower School - books for the Club’s library Sally Reiko Yoshida - beads and craft supplies for the Craft Club Sandy Zook and the 100th/442nd Line Dancers - “Thank You” lunch buffet

HELPING HANDS NEEDED IN 2011

Calling on everyone to come back to the Clubhouse and give generously of your time and talent. If you are interested in helping with any of the following or would like to discuss volunteer opportunities for you or a group, please contact the Office. Mahalo.

HELP OUT EACH MONTH

Clubhouse clean-up and yard work (4th Saturday, 8 am to noon)

PPP contributing writer (work from home) PPP table set up at the Clubhouse

(last Thursday of the month) PPP bulk mail drop-off at the airport

(last Friday of the month)

HELP AS NEEDED

Drive veterans to and from the Clubhouse (weekdays, weekends)

Miscellaneous tasks for special events, community service projects and fundraisers

(general manpower, provide or serve refreshments, order and pick-up food, parking arrangements,

clean-up, etc.)

Commitment phobic? Just pop in when you are in the area and share the gift that keeps on giving -

“talking story” with the veterans.

DOG CHAPTER CHRISTMAS PARTY

REGISTRATION Date: Sunday, December 19, 2010

Place: 100th Infantry Battalion Veterans Clubhouse

Time: 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Cost: Adults $15.00

Teens 13-18 yrs. $7.00

Children 12 and under Free

Menu: Buffet

Parking: Ala Wai School parking lot

Donations of desserts, pupu, soda and door prizes are welcomed.

Please bring a wrapped Santa’s gift for each child not to exceed $15.00.

Please label each gift with the child’s name.

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = CUT = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

Yes, we will attend the 2010 Dog Chapter Christmas Party!

Name:_____________________________________________________ Phone: ____________________

No. of adults _________ x $15.00 = $ _____________

No. of teens __________ x $7.00 = $ _____________

No. under 12 yrs. _______ FREE

TOTAL $ _____________

For planning purposes, please fill out form and mail by Saturday, December 11, 2010 to:

Dog Chapter

100th Infantry Battalion Veterans

520 Kamoku Street

Honolulu, HI 96826

OR RSVP BY PHONE by Saturday, December 11, 2010

Call Karleen Chinen (255-5798), Joy Teraoka (218-7222), or Mary Hamasaki (955-9039).

The Puka Puka Parade is the monthly newsletter of the 100th Infantry Battalion

Veterans organization. It is published eleven times a year at the 100th Infantry Battalion Veterans Clubhouse, 520 Kamoku Street,

Honolulu, HI 96826. For club business, contact 946-0272 or

club100vets@gmail.com

The opinions expressed in the Puka Puka

Parade are those of the individual author and do not necessarily reflect the position of the

100th Infantry Battalion Veterans. We welcome readers to send signed written

comments via mail to Puka Puka Parade, 520 Kamoku Street, Honolulu, HI 96826 or via e-mail to

club100vets@gmail.com.

The deadline to submit articles for the February 2011 issue is January 15, 2011. Please send your articles, comments or

questions about the Puka Puka Parade via e-mail to club100vets@gmail.com or mail to

Puka Puka Parade, 520 Kamoku Street, Honolulu, HI 96826.

100TH INFANTRY BATTALION VETERANS

520 KAMOKU STREET

HONOLULU, HI 96826

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED 158

(Place tape here) (Place tape here)

December 2010 and January 2011 Happy Holidays

DECEMBER 2010 and JANUARY 2011 CALENDAR OF EVENTS All meetings in the TV Lounge at the Clubhouse unless otherwise indicated

EBOD Meeting No meeting in December. January TBA BOARD Meeting No meeting in December. Saturday, January 15 at 9:30 am ABLE Chapter No meeting in December. Saturday, January 27 at 8:00 am BAKER Chapter No meeting in December. Saturday, January 6 at 11:00 am CHARLIE Chapter No meeting in December. Saturday, January 27 at 10:00 am DOG Chapter Saturday, December 4 at 9:30 am No meeting in January HQ/MEDICS Chapter No meeting in December. Saturday, January 9 at 10:00 am DESCENDANTS Chap. No meeting in December. January TBA BY-LAWS Comm. No meeting in December. January TBA NOMINATING Comm. No meeting in December. January TBA SCHOLARSHIP Comm. No meeting in December. January TBA LINE DANCING Wednesday, December 1, 8 and 15 at 9:00 am in Turner Hall No classes in January CRAFT CLUB No classes in December Tues., January 2, 9, 16, 13, and 30 at 9:00 am in Turner Hall PUKA PUKA PARADE No collating in December. Friday, January 28 at 8:30 am in Turner Hall OFFICE CLOSED Friday, December 24 (Christmas Eve), Friday, December 31 (New Years Eve) Monday, January 18 (Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day)

Dates and times are subject to change, Please contact your Chapter President , Committee Chairperson or call the Clubhouse Office for updated information