Dear Email Readers: This email version of the Puka Puka Parade contains full-color photos as well as uncropped and "bonus" photos that we could not include in the mailed version. Thus, if you plan to print this out, be warned that a lot more of your own paper and ink supply than usual may be consumed. Reminder: Gravesite Decorating is on Saturday, September 24, from 8:30 a.m. at Punchbowl. Joint Memorial Service is at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, September 25, at Punchbowl. Aloha, The Puka Puka Parade Editorial Committee

 

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

by Pauline Sato

The busy fall that we had anticipated at the beginning of the year is not disappointing us. As you receive this newsletter, our nearly 40 visitors from Bruyères and Biffontaine will be in Hawai‘i making a tour of the islands and coming to our humble Clubhouse on October 8. We welcome them with open arms and look forward to spending quality time together. Mahalo to Geralyn and Willard Holck for the amazing work to arrange their visit and to the many volunteers who are ensuring that they will be well cared for. And mahalo to those who are helping to clean and refresh the Clubhouse from top to bottom, including the furniture. This is a monumental effort! We’ll be sure to include photos of their visit in the next Puka Puka Parade. Although, as I write this article, the exact date of the award of the Congressional Gold Medal to the 100th Infantry Battalion, 442nd Regimental Combat Team, and Military Intelligence Service of WWII is not yet finalized, we know it will be between October 31 and November 2 in Washington, D.C. There are many, many people who are helping to ensure that those who plan to make the long journey from Hawai‘i will have an enjoyable, memorable, and safe trip. In particular, I would like to thank Tammy Kubo for spearheading the effort to make sure the “boys” from Hawai‘i will have a new blue coat to wear since they probably don’t own one. Mahalo to the generous donors who are helping to fund this great idea. The next big event will be the opening and blessing of the Education Center at the Clubhouse on November 5. It will be the culmination of many years of hard work by countless people and generous funding from the Hawai‘i State Legislature, which awarded us the grant-in-aid several years ago. Please join us in this special event by signing up at the Clubhouse or calling the office. And finally (I think!), the Hawai‘i Congressional Gold Medal celebration will take place on Saturday, December 17, followed by a memorial service at the National Memorial Center of the Pacific on December 18. This will be a once-in-a-lifetime series of events and we hope that all who are able will join us at the parade, luncheon, and/or memorial service. Details on how to sign up will be coming soon. As you can probably tell, we’re excited to see all this activity and good will bestowed upon the deserving veterans, including those who have passed and those who never came home. We owe so much to them, and our gratitude is deeper than can be expressed in words. As always, if you would like to share any ideas that would benefit the Club, please contact me at (email)

100thpresident@gmail.com. Mahalo and aloha, Pauline

In Memoriam  

Jack Kiyoto Mizushima (C)  

Passed away on August 16, 2011  

Our deepest sympathy to his family.

COLLATING REPORT FOR

SEPTEMBER ISSUE by Arlene Sato

On August 27, the following helped with collating: Doris Aimoto, Nancy & Robert Arakaki, Don & Kimi Matsuda, Velma & Dayne Nakahara, Elsie Oshita, Shelley Santo, Dot Tamashiro, Robert Sato, Kazuto Shimizu, Riki & Evelyn Tsuda, Isami Yoshihara, Shelby & Cheryl Tateishi, Terri Wakuzawa, Gloria Tamashiro, and Cody & Shannon Kimoto. Everyone was so thrilled to see Gloria Tamashiro. We hope she comes out more often. The young 100th Reservists helping were: Jordan Kagehiro, William Lurbe, Chris Arakawa, Lori Klem, Samson Anzai, William Dolan, and Israel Prieto. They not only helped with collating, but also cleaned the whole clubhouse and did yard work, too. The next collating will be on Saturday, October 22, at 9:00 a.m.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED AT PUNCHBOWL

Volunteers are needed for the Information Center at Punchbowl, to work 3 or 4 Saturdays a year. If you are available to work from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and can learn how to locate gravesites and names on the Court of the Missing, please contact Drusilla Tanaka at 235-1343 or drusillatanaka@gmail.com. A training session will be held for new volunteers. The new schedule starts in January. Your help is important to continue this program that was started by the Club in 1991. Currently, there are volunteers from the 100th, the 442nd, as well as spouses, siblings, descendants, and friends of veterans.

100th EDUCATION CENTER by Susan Muroshige

The clubhouse has been a scene of much activity these past few weeks. There have been electricians sorting out the old wiring and adding new ones, carpenters building the new display cases and plumbers reconfiguring the accessible restroom. Other contractors have been laying ceramic tile, adding new drywalls and installing ducts for air conditioning in the boardroom. The city inspector has signed off on all the new electrical work.

As for the website, we’ve got about two more weeks before all the content is written and photographs selected. October will be spent reading and correcting errors, fine-tuning, and finishing the technical work. I am hoping we will be finished by the end of October.

An opening ceremony has been scheduled for Saturday, November 5. Jan Sakoda and Arlene Sato are working on the plans and will be providing more information in the next few weeks. I hope you will join us!

Work is moving along on the construction work in the clubhouse and on the website (see photos located in this newsletter).

Reminder: There will be about a two-week period when a new front entrance and door will be installed. During that time, access to the clubhouse will have to be through the kitchen door. Members will be notified and signs posted.

Readers saw the roughed-in wall in the previous issue. Here is an updated photo. To be installed is a flat-screen monitor which will show a 10-minute video about the 100th and the “Wall of Names” of all men who served with the unit in WW II.

‐2‐ 

THE JOURNEY TO WASHINGTON 2011 by Tammy Kubo

Through the generosity of many, General Bob Lee and I were able to purchase blazers for all of the Hawaii veterans attending the Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony in Washington, D.C. The blazer is a beautiful navy blue color and will be custom fit for each veteran. Sewn on to each blazer will be a 100th, 442nd or MIS patch. We also had enough funds to buy each veteran a matching tie. Special thanks to Celebrity Tuxedos who made this possible by offering us a special discounted price and complementary fittings statewide for the veterans. The blazers are expected to arrive back in Honolulu for distribution in mid-October. Senator Inouye's blazer was hand-delivered to him in D.C. by General Lee. A special thanks to Ms. Violet Kagawa and the crafters she has recruited who have handsewn special patriotic lei for each D.C.-bound veteran. Our Hawaii boys will look stunning when they receive their Congressional Gold Medals.

We hope you enjoy the accompanying photos, courtesy of Kinman Wong, which were taken at the recent “fitting” at the Clubhouse Lounge.

Mahalo to the following who made donations to this effort:

Oceanic Time Warner Cable Central Pacific Bank Wilson Home Care Lex Brodie Tire Co. Mr. & Mrs. John Dean

General & Mrs. Bob Lee Judge & Mrs. Ed Kubo Mr. & Mrs. Warren Haruki Dr. & Mrs. Brian Yano Mr. & Mrs. Bob Ozaki

Judge & Mrs. Thomas K. Kaulukukui, Jr. Major & Mrs. Keith Horikawa Mr. & Mrs. Paul Kuramoto Mr. & Mrs. Martin Fujimoto

           Donor Dr. Brian Yano and his daughter                                              Mrs. Violet Kagawa with her crafters and the lei  

                             Tammy Kubo.                                                                                                 they are hand sewing.                         

           Below left:  Riki Tsuda tries one on as Bruce                                      Right:  MG Bob Lee and President of Celebrity                       Shimizu, Jr., makes adjustments.                                         Tuxedos Ron Bongiovanni with Senator Inouye's blazer. 

                        -3-

INAUGURAL “GO FOR BROKE” GOLF TOURNAMENT SCORES AN ACE!

If fundraising golf tournaments were evaluated by a golf score, it could be said that the inaugural “Go For Broke” Golf Tournament, held at the Klipper Course, in Kaneohe, Hawaii, on August 25th, 2011, shot under par! In its very first year of existence, created as part of our ongoing efforts to raise funds to support the “Bruyères To Honolulu 2011” project (to host our visiting French friends from Bruyères as they attend the 50th anniversary of the Bruyères-Honolulu sister-city relationship), we attracted a sizeable list of participants who had terrific fun playing a beautiful but challenging course, enjoying great food, camaraderie, and prizes, all while raising a good deal of money for a very worthy cause. In all, we had 23 participating teams which amounted to 92 total participants in a shot-gun start that began around 12:30 p.m. There were three platinum sponsors ($2500 contribution), seven gold sponsors ($1500

contribution), and numerous four-man golf teams ($600 contribution). Corporate sponsors received company logo recognitions on all printed matter as well as sponsorship signs placed around the golf course. After everyone finished their rounds, we had a buffet meal provided at the Klipper clubhouse that everyone said was terrific.

 

          

Registration Desk L to R: Keilyn Fujioka, Carolyn Fujioka, Sheila Young, Coleen Kugiya

 ‐4‐       

After dinner, Willard Holck, Chairman of the “Bruyères To Honolulu 2011” Planning Committee, addressed the audience and expressed his thanks for everyone’s participation and wonderful contributions. He mentioned how the men of the 100th/442nd literally changed the course of history through their bravery and cited in particular the fact that 21 Medal of Honor recipients came from their ranks. The golf tournament was dedicated to these men and their portraits and descriptions were displayed in the dining area. He expressed the continuing great challenge that exists for the next generation – the sons and daughters of the 100th/442nd – which is to perpetuate the legacy of their fathers by continuing to honor these men, as well as the friendship their bravery created between the people of Hawaii and France, which he said could best be achieved through maintaining the sister-city relationship between Honolulu and Bruyères. The audience enthusiastically applauded Willard’s speech. It was then on to the awarding of prizes, with Willard and his wife, Geralyn, serving as emcees. It was the committee’s desire that, as much as those teams that scored the best would be eligible for some of the better prizes, everyone would walk away with something they could treasure. Some of what were given out to participants included: vacation nights at the Rio Mar Resort in Puerto Rico, the Turtle Bay Resort, and Halekulani Hotel in Hawaii; a flat screen television; dinners to various restaurants; complimentary rounds of golf, which included lessons from a pro (this was given to the team with the “worst score”); and an endless stream of other prizes such as golf balls, golf umbrellas, golf wear, watches, bracelets, art prints from local artists, gift cards, and cash prizes. In all, every participant did in fact receive a take-home prize of some value, and it’s safe to say that most left with prizes they thoroughly enjoyed receiving.

Suffice it to say, our very first “Go For Broke” golf tournament was a rousing success. It is our goal to make this an annual event, not only for the fundraising benefits, but, as with other activities designed to bring awareness to the significance of the 100th/442nd RCT, it perpetuates their legacy. Alas, we must now turn our attention to the actual arrival of our French visitors themselves. All of our fundraising efforts have proved successful and now it’s time to play the role of perfect hosts!

Bruyères To Honolulu 2011 Planning Committee

-5-

NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS COMMITTEE REPORT

by Amy Muroshige

Listed below are the nominees for the 2012 Executive Board of Directors. Since there is only one nominee per office, there will be no need to have an election. Thus, the Town Hall and General Membership Meeting which was earlier announced for November 12 will be rescheduled. There is no nominee for Secretary so the Board will appoint someone.

FOR PRESIDENT PAULINE SATO

(daughter of Robert Sato, A Co.)

My parents are Robert and Kazue Sato of A Chapter. In the early years of Club 100, my father was the Executive Secretary and is still active in the Club at age 93. My mother also enjoys Club functions. It is in honor of my parents, their friends and Club members who have passed that I have served as your President this past year. For the sake of continuity, I would like to continue as your President for another term as there is much unfinished business to take care of.

This past year has been a very busy and challenging one as I have tried to achieve my goal of regrouping and refocusing the Club so that we can best prepare for the future. I have met and worked with so many interesting people and have gained a lot of valuable experience. I plan to use my skills as an educator, communicator, partnership-builder and facilitator to continue to lead the 100th Infantry Battalion Veterans Club to the best of my ability and I ask for your continued support.

-6-

FOR FIRST VICE PRESIDENT IRENE ANZAI

(daughter of Yoshio Anzai, C Co.)

 

I am the daughter of the late Yoshio Anzai who served in Charlie Company and was an active Club 100 member throughout his life. I share with other descendants fond memories of the chapter and club picnics, family nights and Christmas parties. In my first term as First Vice President this past year, I oversaw the Scholarship, By-Laws and Long-Range Planning Committees. I am willing to serve another term as First Vice President so I can, among other things, continue to oversee the Long-Range Planning Committee, using my past experience on the committee and my professional background as a real estate attorney to research, analyze, prepare reports and make recommendations.

I continue to serve on the Board of Directors of the Hawaii Women’s League Foundation and as a member of the Legal Aid Justice Campaign.

FOR SECOND VICE PRESIDENT LLOYD KITAOKA

(son of Judge Takashi Kitaoka, B Co.)

Aloha, I am the son of Judge Takashi Kitaoka (B Company) and Yuki Kitaoka. I am seeking the position of 2nd Vice President because I feel it’s time for more descendants to get involved in helping to take care of the affairs of the club and planning for the

future to ensure the veterans, our fathers, that their accomplishments during and after the war will never be forgotten. The remaining veterans are well into their 80s and 90s and all of us should feel a sense of urgency to do what we can to honor and preserve what they have done for us and our great country.

I recently became more interested in the veterans and the club when my wife and I moved in with my father to help care for him. I began reading the books about the 100th that he had in the house and decided to arrange his medals in a showcase. My dad was always active with the club when we were children and also when we moved to Maui (with the Maui chapter). Presently I take him to the clubhouse every Thursday so he can get together with the wine gang.

My leadership experience includes serving as president of the Medical Service Representatives of Hawaii (an organization of pharmaceutical representatives in Hawaii) and the Head Elder of Hawaii Kai Christian Church (head of the church board of directors). I am currently retired.

FOR TREASURER JANICE TRUBITT

(daughter of Albert Yokoyama, Medics Co.)

I’m Janice Trubitt. My parents are Albert and Yaeko Yokoyama. My late father was a life member of the 100th Infantry Battalion and Medics/HQ Chapter. My mother’s brother Sadao Munemori also served in the 100th (A Company). He was KIA and became the first Japanese American awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor.

I have fond memories of attending Club 100 Christmas parties and I remember my father’s unwavering dedication to Club 100, always participating in clubhouse clean-ups.

Because of my father’s ties to the 100th, my mother’s internment, and my uncle’s ultimate sacrifice, I’m deeply committed to the 100th veterans. I’m a

member of the HQ/Medics and Descendants Chapters and want to increase my service to the surviving veterans and all the club members as Treasurer. Professionally, I am a Suzuki cello, violin and piano Teacher, having trained with Dr. Shinichi Suzuki in Matsumoto, Japan, for two years. I have a private music studio with about 35 students. I participate in several non-profit music groups, and am President of the Suzuki Association of Hawaii. Also, the Hawaii American String Teachers’ Association and the Hawaii Piano Teachers’ Association keep me busy. Church work takes up all other time.

ALOHA FROM SARA WHITE

2009 Scholarship Recipient

Aloha, 100th Battalion!

It is now a little over two years since I received your generous scholarship award in 2009, and so much has happened! I am in my third year at the University of San Francisco’s School of Nursing. Currently I am engaged in a psychiatric rotation where I will be participating in clinical studies at both inpatient and outpatient psychiatric units of an area hospital. I recently turned 20, but I have already jumpstarted my career in the field of nursing by administering medications and injections, inserting and removing Foley catheters, dressing wounds, and so much more!

I lived in dormitories the last two years, but this school year I moved into my first real apartment with four of my best friends. The experience of living in the city has been amazing: I made friends with people from all over the world; explored new places like the Wharf, Little Italy, the Castro, Haight and Ashbury, to name only a few. On breaks I took road trips to Oregon and Los Angeles with friends. One of the most eventful memories of living in the city was when the Giants finally won the World Series; the streets were flooded with fans all night.

I thank the 100th Battalion again for their support! Attending an out-of-state college has had a big impact on my education, my experiences, and my development into adulthood. I gained the confidence to venture to San Francisco and do well in school through your most generous financial support and your continued interest in me.

Thank you again! Sara White

-7-

TAKING A LOOK BACK

Note:  The following article, from the Club’s  30th Anniversary Souvenir Booklet, was written by Chaplain Israel Yost in 1972.  We include it here, in this season of remembering.  

Anniversaries are times for remembering, and we have the power to control what we will highlight among the incidents recalled. The humorist remembers incidents to weave them into funny stories. The egotist tells what he remembers to make himself out a hero. The pessimist weeps at the losses and disappointments and failures of yesteryear. The cynic’s selections strengthen his case against society and humanity. The unthinking man simply lets his tongue wag to the boredom of his listeners.

What does the wiseman remember? What does the kind soul recall? Of what does the Christian reminisce? Each of these is also selective, for any recollection of the past is colored by what we ourselves are. Unlike film upon which pictures have been exposed or tapes upon which words and sounds have been cut, we are men—we edit the material and our own reactions become a part of the final production.

It follows, therefore, that what we choose to put into words about the past to a degree tells others what we really are. Should we not once again speak about the comradeship that was ours, the many examples of sacrifice and concern for each other, the pity we felt for the civilians overseas and even at times for the enemy? And what about the resolutions we made about what we would do when the war was over and we were safe again at home?

As a Christian I have great faith in the Heavenly Father, for He sees to it that everything that happens to me fits into a pattern for good. I am thankful for all the goodness we of the 100th enjoyed in the midst of war. My recollection of association with the One Puka Puka brings a happy glow; the worthwhile remembrances far outweigh the unhappy and senseless ones.

-8-

KING KAMEHAMEHA V JUDICIARY HISTORY CENTER AND HAWAI’I COUNCIL

FOR THE HUMANITIES PRESENT:

“She Was Their Light” Yeiko Mizobe So and the Japanese Women’s

Home

The Distinctive Women in Hawaiian History Program’s Evening Lecture Series

Thursday, September 29, 2011 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

King Kamehameha V Judiciary History Center Ali’iolani Hale, 417 S. King Street, Honolulu, HI

History Instructor Kelli Nakamura presents a compelling story of Yeiko Mizobe So, the founder of the Japanese Women’s Home in Honolulu, which served over 700 abused picture brides in its ten years of existence. An examination of Mrs. So’s life and activities reveals new details about female activism within the Japanese and white communities in Hawai’i. Her work bridged both class and ethnic divides and uncovered the often “silent” crime of domestic violence occurring in Hawai’i as early as late nineteenth century.

Senior staff attorney Calleen Ching of the Hawai’i Immigrant Justice Center comments on the current status of immigrant rights, including victims of domestic violence, human trafficking, abandoned and abused children. How have things changed, what services are available, and what can we do to help?

Light refreshments. RSVP to 539-4999 or toni@jhchawaii.net

“99 YEARS OF LOVE” MINISERIES

James Yamashita, from the AJA World War II Memorial Alliance and 442nd veteran, donated four sets of DVDs of the miniseries shown on KIKU-TV a few years ago titled, “99 Years of Love: Japanese American.” This series spans a period of 99 years through the eyes of one family, beginning with the immigration of the Issei father to America through his Nisei son joining the 442nd Infantry Regiment during World War II, and tells the story of one family’s love that endured war and prejudice. It has English subtitles. The sets are in the office if you would like to borrow them.

DOG CHAPTER NEWS

by Joy Teraoka

The only news to report this month is that our Christmas

Party date has been selected as Sunday, December 11, 2011,

from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Please mark this date on your calendars. After our October meeting, we hope to have more information on the Christmas event.

The next Dog chapter meeting will be Saturday, October 1, 2011, at the clubhouse. In order to make plans for our Christmas party, we hope you will attend the meeting.

In November, our usual meeting date must be changed because of the opening celebration of the Education Center on that day, November 5. We will most likely meet on the second Saturday, November 12.   

MORE CONSTRUCTION PHOTOS

The Lobby and Office area, looking toward the Board Room entrance. New Ceiling and Lights have been installed.

At right: The glass louvers in the Board Room will be replaced. New Ceiling Lights will be installed.

CHARLIE CHAPTER NEWS by Arlene Sato

The following attended our C Chapter meeting on August 27: Kazuto Shimizu, Skip Tomiyama, and Warren Yamamoto. Due to the grave decorating in September, the C Chapter meeting was cancelled. The next meeting will be on Saturday, October 22.

Kazuto Shimizu proudly showed me how to create greeting cards on the computer. It’s tricky because it has to be laid out correctly so that it faces the right way when folded. He is a good example of what seniors should be doing. Not only does he keep his brain challenged, he also exercises his body doing Line Dancing on Wednesdays at the clubhouse.

Our sincere condolences go out to the family of Jack Kiyoto Mizushima who passed away on August 16. He was a dedicated member of the Honolulu Heart Program and now one of his sons is continuing his service and has volunteered in the program, too. Jack Mizushima is survived by 3 sons, a daughter, 6 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren. Many of us remember the delicious food and soups he made for our family night parties. He is one of the fathers that helped to create such good memories for us which we will cherish forever.

Our HQ/C Combined Christmas Party date will be on Saturday, December 3. Mark your calendars because you don’t want to miss this party. Chef Gary Mizushima will be cooking up some extra special dishes. Warren Yamamoto promised to make some smoked salmon, too. More information will be coming out in the next issue. If you want to help or have suggestions, call Arlene in the clubhouse office.

-9-

MAUI CHAPTER NEWS by Stanley Izumigawa

Our annual KIA Memorial Service is scheduled for September 25, 2:00 p.m., at the Nisei Veterans Memorial Center. Some years ago, the service used to be held at the Kaoru Moto Memorial Pavilion (named after the 100th’s Medal of Honor recipient) at the Makawao Veterans Cemetery, but for several years now, it has been held at the NVMC, which is centrally located and involves less driving. The program, planning, and all arrangements are handled by our Sons and Daughters of Nisei Veterans organization.

The S&Ds are also coordinating arrangements for the October 1-3 visit to Maui by the French visitors from Bruyères. I am hoping that my acquaintance Sassi Raymond is in the group. Mr. Raymond is the gentleman who, on my several trips to Bruyeres over the years, when I detached myself from the tour group for a day, has taken (driven) me to several places where we bedded down during the war or in the woods where there was some encounter with the enemy. We are very grateful to our corps of S&Ds, including my daughter, who have assumed these responsibilities, thus relieving us aging veterans. I don’t know what we would do without them.

Akira Ishikawa, Ed Nishihara, Art Kurahara, Masao Sato (whom we don’t see too often these days) and myself were the 100th veterans who were among those honoring U.S. Senator Daniel K. Akaka at a Mahalo Luncheon presented by the Maui County Veterans Council recently. It was great to be able to thank the senator (whom I had gotten to know when we were both in school administration) personally for all his efforts on behalf of veterans.

There are only 4 veterans from Maui signed up to make the trip to Washington, D.C., for the Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony and I am the only one from the 100th. Dr. Richard Sword, a psychologist who has assisted numerous veterans in obtaining disability compensation, and his wife Rosemary are coordinating the details and have been keeping us informed. We are keeping our fingers crossed, hoping that everything works out OK.

Maui Chapter only meets twice a year - in May about Mothers’ Day and in December. We are changing the December gathering to November, closer to Veterans Day, because of the Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony to be held in Honolulu in mid-December.

-10-

MAINLAND CHAPTER NEWS by Sam Fujikawa

When has September gone by so quickly? So many events are happening! Attending Monday morning meetings at Go For Broke Center keeps many of us up to date on what is happening with the maintenance of the Monument in downtown Los Angeles. The faithful docents, who are there every week to greet visitors and inform them of important information and facts about the 100/442/MIS, are also working very hard to help maintain the upkeep of the Monument. The biggest concern presently is the repair and upkeep of the lighting fixtures surrounding the Monument. Don Nose and his Go For Broke staff are trying various maintenance solutions with consideration of the costs involved and hopefully will find a feasible cost-efficient solution very soon.

The planning and organizing of the big Evening of Aloha event to be held on November 5 at the Beverly Hilton are forging ahead with many meetings of all the committees involved under the very able leader- ship of Tammie Kanda, Community Engagement Specialist for Toyota Motor Sales, the 2011 Evening of Aloha Chair. This year the focus will be on the Congressional Gold Medal Award honoring the Japanese American soldiers who served in the 100th Infantry Battalion, 442nd Regimental Combat Team, and Military Intelligence Service. For more detailed information regarding this event, please log on to the website of the Go For Broke National Education Center.

On Sunday, September 28, the sons and daughters met with Ann Kabasawa, who was in town, for a very wonderful meeting at Sharon and Tak Shimazaki's lovely home so we could discuss the upcoming annual 100th mini-reunion in Las Vegas. Steve Sato "took the bull by the horn," so to speak, and was joined by very helpful suggestions, comments and plans that will be making this year's reunion a truly enjoyable one-- slot tournaments, shopping tours, fun crafts by Chiz Ohira, golfing for the sports-minded ones, our faithful, talented Kaui Masuda, and special entertainment offered by Poncie Ponce and his musicians. Joining Tak and Sharon Shimazaki, Steve and Sonia Sato and Ann Kabasawa were Scott and Susan Takahashi, Pauline Yoshihashi, George and Shirley Tanaka, Robi Shibao-Martin and Cathy Tanaka. Giving helpful support were Mas Takahashi, Toke Yoshihashi and Sam and Teri Fujikawa. We are looking forward to seeing all our friends from near and far.

Hawaii Chapter members Joe Sugawara, Hideo Kami, Eugene Eguchi and Kazuma Taguchi. (Photo received by email from Joe Sugawara.) 

A new bike rack was recently installed for the apartment building tenants.

POINSETTIA PLANTS AND WREATH SALES 2011

Time sure flies!!! Seems like it was yesterday that we were selling the poinsettia plants and wreaths. The Descendants Chapter members will again be selling poinsettia plants and wreaths on December 2nd and 3rd this year for their fundraiser. The wreaths are $25; 4" poinsettia plants for $4, and the 6" poinsettia plants for $6. We sold out the last time, so please put your orders in soon. The order forms will be at the clubhouse and in the next issue of the Puka Puka Parade. If you have any questions, please call Ann Kabasawa at 781-8540 or e-mail at diverseinnovations@hawaii.rr.com.

HELP IS NEEDED FOR CLUBHOUSE DECORATING

Please come and help with the 2011 Christmas decorations for Turner Hall, the new entrance and the Christmas tree. Come when you can and leave when you must—from late afternoon on Friday, December 2 through the early evening. Call the Clubhouse Office if you have questions: 946-0272.

‐11‐ 

HAWAII CHAPTER NEWS by Martha (Akamine) Terao

As of this writing, the Sons &

Daughters of AJA Veterans in Hilo are planning an October 4th luncheon for visitors from Bruyères and Biffontaine, France. AJA veterans, spouses, and widows are being invited to lunch to meet with them. Lunch is to be catered. Donated anthurium flowers will adorn the dining tables at the AJA Hall in Hilo. Goodie bags filled with various donated or purchased souvenir items from Hilo will be presented to our friends from France.

Another event that the Sons & Daughters are planning is the AJA Christmas party. It is to be held on December 11, 2011. Mark this date on your calendar. A detailed notice will be mailed later.

The latest DVD to watch is “442 – Live with Honor, Die with Dignity.” It is narrated by Lane Nishikawa. The film has archival footage and photos of battles and events. In addition, testimonies and interviews tell unknown stories of military bravery and valor of the WWII veterans. The DVD is available exclusively at the Book Gallery on Keawe Street in Hilo.

HEADQUARTERS/MEDICS CHAPTER NEWS

By Janice Sakoda – 737-7778 Daughter of Gary K. Uchida

CHRISTMAS PARTY – It’ll be here before you know it! Please mark your calendar for Saturday, December 3, for the HQ/Medic/C Chapter Christmas party. Our combined party was so enjoyable last year that we’re doing it again! More details will be in our next PPP.

Thank you, Ed Ikuma, for your kind and generous $50 donation to HQ chapter in memory of Seisaburo Taba and Arthur Komiyama.

We sure had a lot of goodies at our August meeting. Ed Ikuma treated all to dim sum; and many thanks to Bessie Fukumoto who was so thoughtful and brought a bowl full of cherries for all to enjoy at our August meeting. Pat Akimoto baked her delicious blueberry muffins – so perfect!

We are also making plans for our fall luncheon; however, with so many things going on (Las Vegas mini-reunion, Washington, D.C., Congressional Gold -12-

Medal Ceremony, vacations, etc.) just selecting a date is a challenge. Let our Social Chair Elsie Oshita know if you’re interested in joining us so we can contact you about the date and time in case we miss the PPP deadline. Those of you who regularly attend our meetings will be the first to find out about the date, time, and location.

I was asked to write a few words about our trip to the Big Island since I was over there instead of at our August monthly meeting. My girlfriend from college came to visit for about 2 weeks and we spent 6 days on the Big Island – 1 night in Kona and the rest in Hilo. (On a side note, I have to say that there are no secrets in Hawaii. I didn’t tell anyone I would be on the Big Island, especially my Hilo friends, because I was there to show my friend around. Well, who should I run into at the open market but Mrs. Kaz Ushijima, widow of Shigeru Ushijima! And while chatting, her daughter also showed up… totally unplanned for all three of us.) On the drive from Kona to Hilo, we stopped at Black Sands and almost stumbled upon a sea turtle napping in the sand. The highlight of her trip was spending a full day at Volcano National Park, where she went hiking with a park ranger onto the floor of Halemaumau. The ranger, fresh out of high school, was very knowledgeable about plants and explained that Halemaumau was named after the uma‘u fern abundant in the area. And, of course, since she is from Sonoma wine country, we had to visit the Volcano Winery! But I think the highlight for both of us was going around the island of Oahu. We stopped at a state park in the Waialua area and saw at least 9 turtles in the bay, grazing on seaweed. Our presence did not bother them one bit! We then stopped at Turtle Bay Resort, where we got to see a monk seal in the wild teaching her 3-week old pup to swim (or eat?). As is typical of all little keiki, this pup had so much energy and was splashing and swimming rings around the mom and was barking to test its lungs or maybe just for the sheer joy of it. We were told by the volunteer that the pup is weaned by 6 weeks and then the mom swims off, leaving the pup to fend for itself.

Some time ago, I had the opportunity to meet some of the Hilo veterans. Joe Sugawara, also a veteran, picks up the other three veterans and they hold their meeting at Café 100. I asked Joe for a photo of their meeting in August, and Joe remembered! Not only did he remember, he downloaded the photo from his digital camera and emailed it to me! That’s how he keeps his mind so sharp, I suspect. See photo on page 11.

    ‐13‐ 

ABLE ANTICS by Jayne Hirata-Epstein

If you went to Las Vegas recently and wondered where all the money went, Chapter President Goro Sumida and family took it all home with them. As usual, Goro “cleaned up” on his recent trip to Vegas and seemed to have spent all of his winnings buying omiyage for everyone! I cannot recall a single time when the lucky kaeru did not give good luck to Goro and the Shiroma family.

Because Able Chapter meetings are usually the same day as Puka Puka Parade collating, there has been some discussion about moving the meeting from the fourth Saturday of each month to another day. The hope is that a change in meeting date would alleviate any parking problems and hopefully, bring in more volunteers to help with the clubhouse clean-up and yard work. If you have any suggestions on a new date, please contact President Goro via e-mail 100thwinegang@gmail.com or leave a message for him with the Office at 946-0272.

Tommy Nishioka is putting out a call for Able Chapter members to volunteer to plan and coordinate the annual Christmas party. The current planning committee of one (Avin Oshiro, son of Seie Oshiro) tentatively set the date for Saturday, December 10. If you would like to help, please contact Avin or let Goro know.

WHAT’S UP WITH THE WINE GANG by Jayne Hirata-Epstein

 

The Wine Gang had two separate parties to wish otanjoobi omedetoo to Britney “Sharkey” Dunton who works at the Education Center (photo below) and to SGM Dean Shackles of the 100th/442nd (photo at right with Nancy and Robert Arakaki). You’d think it would be easy to plan one simple cake and ice cream celebration, but Shack’s party had to be rescheduled several times so that all of the Wine Gang “regulars” could be there.

When we finally picked a certain date, it turned out that Goro Sumida was in Las Vegas, but he did have his daughter Beverly Shiroma call us from the casino to remind us that Goro would not be there.

Thank you to 100th veterans Robert Arakaki, Ed Ikuma, and Goro Sumida for donating $150 each to the Wine Gang lunch kitty. This was money they earned when they were interviewed by Ms. Park of Georgia who was in Hawaii gathering information for a novel she is planning to write. She also joined us for lunch and met her “cousin,” Wine Gang member Russell Park.

You never know who you will meet if you come to Wine Gang. Recently, several visitors from Japan ranging from families on vacation to large groups of students on study tours have stopped by Wine Gang to meet the veterans. We were told that due to the airing of the program 99 Years of Love (which you might have seen on KIKU-TV), there is a lot of interest in Japan about the World War II Japanese American veterans. Thankfully, Ed Ikuma, 442nd vets Roy “Isa” Takiyama, and Paul Watanabe, and Ed’s daughter, Fay Nagatoshi, speak Japanese and were able to jump in when there were some pidgin English communication difficulties.

If you can’t make it to Wine Gang, keep up with the boys by visiting our Facebook page at 100th Infantry Battalion Veterans aka Club 100. We post photos of Wine Gang events as well as interesting news about the Nisei veterans.

You can also get in touch with us at 100thwinegang@gmail.com.

BAKER CHAPTER NEWS by Evelyn Tsuda

The Baker Ohana extends its deepest condolences to the family of Francis S. Shinohara who passed away peacefully on August 2, 2011 at the age of 92. Although he was not an active member during his later years, his son Steve said he enjoyed reading the Puka Puka Parade from cover to cover.

Roy Nakatani, also 92 years of age, passed away on August 10, 2011. He was the retired owner of Nakatani Farm (which raised the best watercress on this island!). He is now resting at peace at Mililani Cemetery and no doubt getting together with his poker buddies who predeceased him like James Miyano, Masa Toma, Robert Aoki, and Takeo Azama. Deepest sympathies to his widow Bernice and their children.

BAKER CHAPTER CHRISTMAS PARTY We hope you are looking forward to our chapter Christmas party. Here are the details:

Date: December 4, 2011 – Sunday Time: 10:30 – 11:30 Check-in, Talk Story Time

11:30 Buffet lunch 12:30 - ??? BINGO, Door prizes, Santa’s visit

Place: Clubhouse, 520 Kamoku Street Parking: Iolani School and possibly at Ala Wai School Cost:: $8.00 Veterans and spouses, widows, Baker Chapter members

$10.00 All other adults $8.00 Children, 13 to 18 yrs. of age $6.00 Children, 7 to 12 yrs. of age Free Children, 6 yrs. and under Santa’s Gift: Please bring a wrapped gift for your child, cost to be no more than $10.00. We will appreciate donations of pupu, desserts, door prizes, etc.

Complete the registration form below. Make check payable to Baker Chapter and mail to Baker Chapter, c/o Evelyn Tsuda, 590 Kipuka Place, Kailua, HI 96734. Deadline is November 23, 2011.  

‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐cut here‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐  

Name:_____________________________________________________________________ Phone No.__________ Please circle:  Veteran, spouse, widow, Baker member   Number  attending: Veteran, spouse, widow, Baker chapter member    _______ @ $8.00               $________________ Adult guests             _______  @ $10.00     ________________ Children, 13 to 18 yrs. of age        _______   @ $8.00     ________________     Names:_______________________________________                  _______________________________________ Children, 7 to 12 yrs. of age        _______ @$6.00                            ________________     Names:_______________________________________                  ________________________________________ Children, 6 yrs. and under             ________      Free                                Names: ______________________________________                 _______________________________________            `        TOTAL ENCLOSED  $_______________ ‐14‐

OFFICE REPORT By Larissa D.L.G. Nielsen

Office Coordinator OFFICE REPORT Holy smokes! September was a busy month! Thank you, everyone, that signed up for the events! October is going to be just as busy around here and we are getting ready for it!

Merchandise at the Office If you have not gotten one yet, the office still has the book Remembrances on sale for $10! We have the last six Descendant Chapter license plate frames on sale for $20 each, which is well worth it as they are solid metal with the phrases “One Puka Puka” on the top and “Purple Heart Battalion” on the bottom. The words are silver with a purple background. The office also has gravesite vases available for $25.

Thank you so much for the thoughtful and generous donations which were received between August 15 and September 16, 2011

GENERAL FUND $20 Ralph and Yasuko Steensen $200 Clair T. Matsuoka and the grandchildren of Seisaburo Taba in memory of Seisaburo Taba

PUKA PUKA PARADE $50 Midori Hirano in memory of her son, Malcolm Hirano

SCHOLARSHIP $25 Lois Nakagawa in memory of Arthur Komiyama $225 Anonymous in memory of Ken Otagaki

Line Dance and Zumba Classes are canceled for the following days: October 5th October 12th October 19th

CALENDAR REMINDERS

Wednesday, October 5 9:25 a.m. HNL airport, Bruyères Group Arrives from Kona Thursday, October 6 10:00 a.m. Bruyères Group at City Hall Saturday, October 8 11:00 a.m. Bruyères Luncheon, Clubhouse Saturday, November 5 Dedication of Education Center Saturday, November 12 Town Hall Meeting is to be rescheduled Friday, December 2 “from afternoon to evening” Decorating of Turner Hall and Christmas Tree Saturday, December 17 Congressional Gold Medal Parade and Luncheon Banquet Sunday, December 18 CGM Memorial Service at Punchbowl Details for the Dedication of the Education Center, the Town Hall Meeting and the CGM events will be announced in upcoming issues of the Puka Puka Parade. -15-

OCTOBER  2011  CALENDAR OF EVENTS All events in the TV Lounge at the Clubhouse unless otherwise stated 

 

EBOD Meeting    Saturday, October 15 at 8:30 am BOARD Meeting    Saturday, October 15 at 9:30 am ABLE Chapter      Saturday, October 22 at 8:00 am BAKER Chapter    Saturday, October 1 at 11:00 am CHARLIE Chapter    Saturday, October 22 at 10:00 am DOG Chapter      Saturday, October 1 at 9:30 am HQ/MEDICS Chapter    To be announced RURAL Chapter    Quarterly meetings to be announced DESCENDANTS Chapter  To be announced BY‐LAWS Committee    To be announced LONG‐ RANGE PLAN.    To be announced NOMINATING Comm.   To be announced SCHOLARSHIP Comm.              To be announced LINE DANCING    Every Wednesday at 9:00 am, Turner Hall         See dates of canceled classes in Office Report 

ZUMBA (BEGINNERS)   Every Wednesday at 10:30 am, Turner Hall         See dates of canceled classes in Office Report 

CRAFTS      Every Tuesday at 9:00 am PUKA PUKA PARADE  Collating on Saturday, October 22 at 8:30 a.m.   Dates and times subject to change.  Please contact your Chapter President, Committee Chair, 

or the Office for more information.              

          

      

 The Puka Puka Parade is the monthly 

newsletter of the 100th Infantry Battalion Veterans organization.  It is 

published at the 100th Infantry Battalion Veterans Clubhouse, 520 Kamoku Street, Honolulu, HI  96826, 

eleven times a year.  

The opinions expressed in the Puka Puka Parade are those of the individual author and do not necessarily reflect the position of the 100th Infantry 

Battalion Veterans.  

The deadline to submit articles for the November  2011 issue is  

October 15, 2011.   Please send your articles, comments or questions about the Parade via email 

to pukaparade@gmail.com,  via fax to (808) 946‐0273 or  via mail to Puka Puka Parade 

 520 Kamoku Street, Honolulu, HI  96826. 

 

If you want to be removed from the PPP mailing list, would like to receive the PPP via email, have a new mailing address, or have any questions, please contact the Clubhouse Office at 946‐0272 or club100vets@gmail.com. 

 

 

MORE PHOTOS FROM THE WINE GANG

Wine Gang celebrating “Shack’s” birthday

Ed Ikuma, “Shack,” and Kiku Tojio

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS FROM BLAZER FITTING SESSION

Goro Sumida and Friend

Aki Akimoto, Kiku Tojio, Shiroku “Whitey” Yamamoto

  

FROM THE SEPTEMBER ISSUE

FROM PAGE 2 OF THE OCTOBER ISSUE