10a TH INfANTRY BATTALION VETERANS CLUB " MONTHLY NEWS FROM THE EDITOR'S PUKA By Ray and AId Nosaka We were all saddened to hear of the untimely passing of our good friend and Honorary Member, Adam Albert Smyser, or better known as "Bud" Smyser to us. "Bud" was a longtime Editor of the Honolulu Star Bulletin and will always be remembered as the man who spoke up for the "underdogs" He proudly attended all of the Club 100 functions when invited and was the keynote speaker at numerous occasions. We are honored and proud to have his picture hanging on the wall at Club 100 along with the other beloved and respected Honorary Members. We salute you, our friend. and comrade 'Bud" Smyser!. It certainly isn't very often that someone would send us a message in the fOIm of a poem. That is . exactly what Ben Takayesu, a former Judge and a member of Charlie Chapter now living on Maui, did. He also enclosed a monetary donation. We would like to share the poem with you: I heard the cry - help! Help! But I can't move to help. But my spirit is there If you will accept this token Look for me when Warren comes I'm in his shadow with C. Co men My hearing is bad My eyes need cleaning daily But my heart is strong It's the pill called PPP NEWS It shakes my lethargic mind Back to .the 40's trying to recall Faces and names Thank you all - Aki, Ray and Joy Send me the pills ASAP Ben, it is so gratifying to know that our "pill" helps you go through the daily ritual of "cleaning your eyes, inserting your hearing aids (?) and stirring up your memory." Thank you very much! Mahalo to the following volunteers who came out on February 22 nd to collate and mail out the March PPP: Bernard Akamine, Otomatsu Aoki, Alfred Arakaki, Kunio Fujimoto, Mary Hamasaki, Tokuichi Hayashi, Richard Hosaka, Ed Ikuma, Shigeru Inouye, Masaru Kadamoto, Lawrence and Regina Kamiya, Arthur Komiyama, Don Matsuda, Nora Morihara, Y. Mugitani, Joichi Muramatsu, Saburo Nishime, Tom Nishioka, Ray and Aki Nosaka, Frances Okazaki, Takeichi Onishi, Susumu Ota, Leo Sato, fliromi Suehiro, Leighton Sumida, Ross Takasugi, Denis and Joy Teraoka, Martin Tohara, Masa Ukichi Wozumi, Marie YO;1leshige, Kaoru and Sadako Yonezawa " OPEN INVITATION TO ALL VOLUNTEERS The Board of Directors and the PPP editors and staff would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the volunteers who have given of their time and labor to help during the past year. On Thursday, April 26 after the collating is ftnished, we invite you to stay for lunch and to join in with the fellowship. Even if you came out only once or twice. we still appreciate that and' would like for you to come and partake of the food and fellowship. *
Transcript
10aTH INfANTRY BATTALION VETERANS CLUB "
MONTHLY NEWS
FROM THE EDITOR'S PUKA By Ray and AId Nosaka
We were all saddened to hear of the untimely passing of our good friend and Honorary Member, Adam Albert Smyser, or better known as "Bud" Smyser to us. "Bud" was a longtime Editor of the Honolulu Star Bulletin and will always be remembered as the man who spoke up for the "underdogs" He proudly attended all of the Club 100 functions when invited and was the keynote speaker at numerous occasions. We are honored and proud to have his picture hanging on the wall at Club 100 along with the other beloved and respected Honorary Members. We salute you, our friend. and comrade 'Bud" Smyser!.
It certainly isn't very often that someone would send us a message in the fOIm of a poem. That is . exactly what Ben Takayesu, a former Judge and a member of Charlie Chapter now living on Maui, did. He also enclosed a monetary donation. We would like to share the poem with you:
I heard the cry - help! Help! But I can't move to help. But my spirit is there If you will accept this token Look for me when Warren comes I'm in his shadow with C. Co men My hearing is bad My eyes need cleaning daily But my heart is strong It's the pill called PPP NEWS It shakes my lethargic mind Back to .the 40's trying to recall Faces and names Thank you all - Aki, Ray and Joy Send me the pills ASAP
Ben, it is so gratifying to know that our "pill" helps you go through the daily ritual of "cleaning your eyes, inserting your hearing aids (?) and stirring up your memory." Thank you very much!
Mahalo to the following volunteers who came out on February 22nd to collate and mail out the March PPP: Bernard Akamine, Otomatsu Aoki, Alfred Arakaki, Kunio Fujimoto, Mary Hamasaki, Tokuichi Hayashi, Richard Hosaka, Ed Ikuma, Shigeru Inouye, Masaru Kadamoto, Lawrence and Regina Kamiya, Arthur Komiyama, Don Matsuda, Nora Morihara, Y. Mugitani, Joichi Muramatsu, Saburo Nishime, Tom Nishioka, Ray and Aki Nosaka, Frances Okazaki, Takeichi Onishi, Susumu Ota, Leo Sato, fliromi Suehiro, Leighton Sumida, Ross Takasugi, Denis and Joy Teraoka, Martin Tohara, Masa Toma~ Ukichi Wozumi, Marie YO;1leshige, Kaoru and Sadako Yonezawa "
OPEN INVITATION TO ALL VOLUNTEERS
The Board of Directors and the PPP editors and staff would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the volunteers who have given of their time and labor to help during the past year. On Thursday, April 26 after the collating is ftnished, we invite you to stay for lunch and to join in with the fellowship. Even if you came out only once or twice. we still appreciate that and' would like for you to come and partake of the food and fellowship.
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PRESIDENT'S REPORT by Stanley M. Akita
The March Board Meeting opened with Walter Ozawa from the State Office of Vets Services. His subject was about the French Government proposing to present all veterans who fought in France to liberate it froPl the Germans and at all French Territories. What he'll suggest to the French Consulate was for us to be able to submit all the names as a group with a copy of the discharge papers attached to each individual request for the "Thank You America Certificate" from the French Government. We will notify you as soon as it is finalized as to how-it will be done. So, hold your horses and don't send anything to us until further notice. There's an application blank to be filled so - wait a while more.
Ted Hamasu reported on the 59th Annual Celebration. The responses are very disappointing. So far we have more special guests than members (35). Please send in your applications as soon as possible. A new Membership Committee was formed and the following have graciously accepted when asked: (A) AI Matsumoto, (8) Hajime Yamane, (C) Warren lwai, (D) Denis Teraoka, (R) Kenneth Higa. Seems as though HQ chapter does not have anyone interested. The board approved to donate S200 each to the families of the Schofield Military helicopter crash victims and also to the families of the Ehime Maru victims. We have a few Ex-prisoners of War in our club and a sum ofS150 was approved to purchase a wreath for the Annual Punchbowl POW ceremony. A thank you letter was received from the Los Angeles Go For Broke Educational Foundation for the S5,000 sent to them earlier this year. this S5,000 is the second payment of the S50,000 pledged to them by this club. It was a pledge to donate $5,000 a year for 10 years. The meeting adjourned with the Board enjoying a nice bento lunch.
We have a Board member this year, namely Dr. Denis Teraoka, 2nd V. P. who volunteered to update the club By Laws, look into and correct any ambiguity or contradiction within the By Laws and the Charter. He has already started reviewing the By Laws and found some ambiguity. He also accepted to be a member.ofthe newly formed Membership Committee that will be looking into the matter as well. We need more members like Denis, dedicated to the club and a diligent worker who's willing to sacrifice his personal time for the club. Thank you Denis.
----- llOl442J!i1gdmageLBgttje.8i1f1LDocumentO/J!-GT9'Dl rgl~r.:=~,. ~~ _____ ~ The European Tour Committee met on met on the 2iJh ofMarCIt. It was decided that the name of the tour is: 100/442 Pilgrimage! Battle Site! Documentary Group Tour. Bear in mind that the following itinerary is very tentative as of this date. Finalized itinerary and the price to follow in the next PPP.
Mon. Tues. Wed. Thurs. Fri. Sat Sun Mon. Tues. Wed. Tburs. Fri. Sat.
May 13 (2002) evening departure, Honolulu to West Coast May 14 arrive West Coast early a.m., cont. wI connecting flight to Paris, France May 15 arrive Paris, after customs clearance, transfer to hotel May 16 City tour most of day. free time in afternoon, p.m.-gourmet dinner, cabaret show (B) May 17 leave for Bmyers (8) May 18 Commerative Service at Bmyers by the people ofBruyers (8) May 19 to Munich, Germany (8) May 20 Service tour and a visit to the infamous Dachau Political Prison (B) May 21 to Venice, Italy via Brenner Pass (81D) May 22 tour of Venice (8) May 23 to Florence via Pisa (BID) May 24 in Florence-a.m.-guided sightseeing tour, balance of the day is free after the tour (81D) May 25 to Rome - Pass thru battle areas like Citivachia, Ortobello, Orossetto, etc.
Also Colle Savetti, Castellina and Vada (8) Sun. May 26 Mon. May 27
in Rome - full day excursion to Monte Cassino and Anzio and back to Rome (8) destination, Honolulu from Rome airport (8)
As mentioned, the above is tentative so far, a detailed itinerary to follow showing the exact agenda of the trip. If anyone is thinking of joining this tour, please contact' our office (808) 946-0272 and leave your name & address and we'll be glad to send you the first detailed itinerary when it is finalized.
Not mentioned above, but the trip will also include visits to 3 National Cemeteries in France & Italy. It is also a documentary trip and the Rev. Ryokan Ara would like to have the veterans tell the group what happened at the battle site. For example, he wants the vet to point out the area he was at, where the Germans were attacking from and what happened, etc. This will be recorded on video .
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SECRETARY'S REPORT
CLUB 100 Carolyn Tani (in memory of James F. Tani "B") $100
Sueno Hamada (in memory of Donald K. Hamada "HQ") $150
Gerald E. Conner (in memory ofLt. C. G. Conner, KIA "0") $50
Chieko Miyao, Sandra Miyao, Dennis & Susan Nekoba & family (in memory of Takao Miyao "Hawaii") $100
PukaPuka Parade Katherine Baishiki
by Amanda De Ponte
(in memory of my brother Haluto Moriguchi "C") $50 (through S&D)
Nagatoshi Roy Fujita $50
Ben Takayesu $10
Sons & Daughters * Helen Ntkaido (in memory of Ken Nikaido "0") $100 ... (spelling correction from the last PPP)
Rural Chapter Club 100 (in memory of Harry Oka)
anonymous (in memory of Eugene Kawakami)
$20 (scholarship fund)
$50
Thank you to those of you who sent in your Membership Application Forms and payments. Your membership cards will be sent to you in April. We hope yoo '11 enjoy the story below, we were given permission to reprint it for you. Happy Easter.
"Keep Your Fork" (as printed in Ann Landers' column)
There was a woman who had been diagnosed with a terminal illness and had been given three months to live. As she was getting her things "in order", she contacted her pastor and had him come to her house to discuss certain aspects of her final wishes. She told him which songs she wanted sung at the service, what scriptures she would like read, and what outfit She wanted to be buried in. The woman also requested to be buried with her favorite Bible. Everything was in order and the pastor was preparing to leave when the woman suddenly remembered something very important to her. "There's one more thing, " she said excitedly. "What's that?" came the pastor's reply. "This is very important," the woman continued. "I want to be buried with a fork in my· right hand." The pastor stood looking at the woman, not knowing quite vihat to say. "That surprises you, doesn't it?" the woman asked. "Well, to be honest, rm puzzled by the request," said the pastor. The woman explained. "In all my years of attending church socials and potluck dinners, I always remember that when the dishes of the main course were being cleared, someone would inevitably lean over and say, "Keep your fork". It was my favorite part because I knew that something better was coming ...... like velvety chocolate cake or deep-dish apple pie. Something wonderful, and with substance! So, I just want people to see me there in that casket with a fork in my hand and I want them to wonder "What's with the fork?" Then I want you to tell them: "Keep your fork. ... the best is yet to come. " The pastor's eyes welled up with tears of joy as he hugged the woman good-bye. He knew this would be one of the last times he would see her before her death. But he also knew that the woman had a better grasp of heaven than he did. She KNEW that something better was coming. At the funeral people were walking by the woman's casket and they saw the pretty dress she was wearing, and her favorite Bible and the fork placed in her right hand. Over and over, the pastor heard the question "What's with the fork?" And over and over he smiled. During his message, the pastor told the people of the conversation he had with the woman shortly before she died. He also told them about the fork and about what it symbolized to her. The pastor told the people how he could not stop thinking about the fork and told them that they probably would not be able to stop thinking about it either. He was right.
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IN PRAISE OFTBE RED Bm,J,PATCB by Joy Teraoim, Co-editor
A few months agOt there was a request for donating clothing and items to the eighth-grade students of West Lafayette, Indiana's Tecumseh Middle School for their AJA tapestry project in remembrance of the 120,000 people unjustly interned and also in commemoration of the 100thl442nd and other AJA veterans ofWWll. The response 'from Club 100 members was wonderful. Among the items donated was a Red Bull patch that one of our members found among his own memorabilia. As he looked at itt he said this was "special" and an honor to wear it during the war.
When the students of Tecumseh received itt they wanted to know the significance of this patch-the flaming red head of a bull against a black background. Through our Club Secretary we relayed the tact that it was for the 34th Division to which the 100th Battalion had been attached. My curiosity went further than that and! began to research its connection with the lOOth Battalion.
Most of the members of the originallOOth Battalion from Hawaii were draftees, members of the U.S. Army, who were supposed to serve their one year and then be discharged. But when the war broke out in the Pacific, they were not released. Even though they were kept in the Army, the War Department in Washington. D.C., wondered whether the Japanese Americn soldiers could be trusted and where and how they could be used in the war effort. It was Colonel Farrant Turner and Colonel Kendall J. Fielder who strongly vouched for the loyalty and dependability of their men. In f~ Turner told his charges that this was their chance to prove their loyalty and worth. Finally, almost cloaked in secrecy the lone 1 GOth Battalion. unattached to any other regiment or division, was sent to Camp McCoy, Wisconsin, for training. After six months, the Army sent the men to Camp Shelby, Mississippi for further training.
On August 21, 1943, the battalion sailed to North Africa where it landed near Oran. Initially, the Army planned to have the 100th patrol and guard the rail lines carrying war materiel. Colonel Turner and his assistant, Major James Lovell, insisted that their men wanted to be sent into battle to fight and not merely to do guard duty. This interested Major General Charles W. Ryder.
The Red Bull Division, under the command of Major General Rydert was composed of men from Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska and the Dakotas. The Division motto was "Attack, Attack, Attack." The 34th was the first division from the United States to enter combat during the fighting in North Africa. It gained great--.distinction for its combat record there, and its Red Bull patch signified
, honor and courage. . --
In September 1943, the 100th Infantry Battalion, raring to prove its ability as loyal, fighting soldiers, became attached to General Ryder's 34th Division, 133rd Infantry Regiment-indeed, an honor. Ryder personally briefed and gave combat orientation to the 100th soldiers, telling them to "take the lead in battle and that the key to the safety of the troops would be their leadership. " ( Unlikely Liberators by Masayo Duus, 1983, p.88)
On September 19, the 34th Division left Oran, Afiica for battle in Italy. It was the invasion force that landed on the beach of Salerno. Onward, its fiercest battle was at Monte Cassino, where the l00th suffered its most casualties and was almost depleted until the 442nd sent in replacements.
After the tOOth's first combat action, the AJA soldiers gained tremendous respect for their fighting prowess from not only Ryder, but also General Mark W. Clark, head of the 5th Army, Chief of Staff General George C. Marshall, and a host of other military officers and staff. Thereafter, the 1 GOth men proved over and over their superb courage, skil~ and ability. They brought further respect and honor to the 34th Division and the significance of the Red Bull patch.
When General Ryder was questioned how he expected to take over a key pass from Anzio that provided a breakthrough to Rome when six battalions had failed to do so, he said he knew the 100th could do it. The next day the lOOth took the pass. (I Can Never Forget/Men o/the lOOthl442nd by Thelma Chang, 1991, p. 141).
So the significance of the 34th Division Red Bull patch on a soldier's uniform became the insignia commanding great respect among the fighting forces of EUrope. Those wearing it were immediately recognized as members of this outstanqrng and heroic battalion For the lOOth, it was indeed their earned badge of courage and distinction
0'
A further Dote in recognition of the Red BulL
As I was leaving Club 100, I looked up at the display case in the Clubhouse lobby opposite the office. There before me was a large poster with the insignia of the Red Bull Division It read "34th Inf.
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Division Memorial Hwy, across Southern Iowa - Missouri River to Mississippi River - Coming Rotary honors the tOOth It. 442nd • Frbm the Heart of this 34th Tenitory" There were pictures of the battlefields in Italy t the 34th Hwy °in Iowa and the 34th Memorial Hwy sign. On the reverse side of the sign is inscribed "The FiaJrtinalnfimtry - tOOth InfBn, 442nd InfRegiment, 133rd InfRegiment, 168th Inf Regiment, 135th InfRegiment - Deadly Artillety oftbe 34th - 185th Field Artillery, 175th Field Artillery, 125th Field Artillery, 151st Field Artillery." This poster was a donation to Club 100 from Dr. Muschamp of Coming, Iowa. He was in L Company, 133rd Cannon Company, in North Africa, Salerno. Cassino, AmiOt Bologna.
This is more evidence of the widespread fame and glory of the distinguished Red Bull Division to which tb.e l00th contributed so much.
MAYOR HONORS SENIOR CITIZENS
The following announcement is in regard to the Mayor's 35th Senior Recognition Program. Club 100 has nominated Shigeru Inouye for recognition as an outstanding Senior Volunteer for his many years of hard work at our annual memorial services. All members are urged to attend this event to honor Shigeru and the many set.rior volunteers who give so much of their time and talents to the community. The event is FREE!
(l,( the ;I'~ayors
35th
Senior ~cognition
mrogram An Awards Program for ~- J 4 Outstanding Senior Volunteers
For.~ 35th consecutWe year, the Mayor and the Honolulu Committee on Aging are honoring senlOt'volunteers. If you knOW anyone 60 years or older who gives time and talents to make a difference In our Honofulu community, help us celebrate his or her life and service.
Nominate this peraon to be honored a! the Mayors Annual Senior Recognition Program. April 17, .1 9~OO -11:30 a.m. Hawaii Convention Center, ExhIbIt Hall
family. friends and Nominator are invited to attend the program. All Nominees will be presented to the audience and receive a certIfICate.
Admission Is FREE and the public Is Invited to share the entertainment, door prizes and ,. freshments at this Gala Eventl .
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HAW All CHAPTER by Jimmy Maeda
I believe the readers of the PukaPuka Parade are happy that two coordinators volunteered to contribute their 1Lalents~ time and efforts to continue the PPP for each month for education, communication and entertainment. The chapter and island reporters had no say in the decision of going monthly. With age we fiud news coming from the members are becoming less and less----a gripe Since the coming of President Bush as presiden~ the current news on T. V., radio and newspapers has not been good. The USN submarine Greenville ramming the Japanese fishing boat Eihme Maru on the wide Pacific Ocean nei'u Diamond Head, Oahu and causing it to sink to the bottom of the ocean was certainly bad news. N:me lives, men and young adults, have gone to the bottom of the sea. Family members of those tfuowned and lost have come from Japan to pay homage and find out, if their remains can be recovered from the sea. The American officials are learning the culture differences between the Americans and the Japanese.
The economy of the business world under President Bush has gotten the business people worried. The behavior of the stock market, Wall Street has the world investors worried. Most stocks are playing like the yo-yo, going down & up. Many of the large, large corporations are joining bands and with it come layoffs and unemployment. Oldsters like veterans of World War IT are telling Congress and the President of U.S., "Don't touch our Social Security and Medicare Benefits" For the present generation, the talk for the coming month is Teachers Strike. One of the most important item in the youngsters' life will become a stand still--EDUCATION. The reasons for strike by the teachers for more pay, better working condition and etc. The University faculty will be standing right back of the teachers to Strike. Those of us OLDSTERS who have experienced strikes know how strikes can cripple the life of the people in the State of Hawaii. Let us pray that the State officials and the Teachers and the University Faculty members find amicable settlement to prevent their strikes.
Hawaii annual spring ladies luncheon will be held on April 19, Thursday 11:30 a.m. at the AlA V1eterans Memorial Hall, Haihai Street. Wives and widows of the l00th are invited to the luncheon. Pat Pavao longtime State Veterans Affairs counselor will be the honored guest. Pat recently retired from bis job. It will be an arigato and aloha luncheon for Pat. Please make an effort to nttend. Hawaii Chapter president Motoyoshi Tanaka is again kept busy during the year. Motoyoshi is alsO' ~aving as the-chairman m the--AJA Veterans Council. He is wearing two hats. SICK CALL: Dugan Y onemori after bis double falls at home spent two different times at the Hilo Medical Center and about 20 days at the Life Care Center of Hilo. He is recuperating at home under the care of bis wife, Florence. Larry "Kodak" Kodama spent few days in a hospital in Honolulu. After his return to IDlo he needed surgery at Hilo Medical Center and therefore continued bis treatment and hospitalization there. Larry is finally at home recovering. Our prayers go out to Dugan and Kodak for a speedy recovery.
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA by June Kurisu and Sam Fujikawa
Our annual ValentinelInstallation Luncheon was held on February 17 at PCH Chinese Restaurant in Lomita with a ten course feast. Those attending were Ted and Chizu Ohira, Jean Tagami, Duke Ogawa, Mitsi Fuchigami, Sam and Teri Fujikawa, Ed and Karen Toguchi, Ken and Hisa Miya, AI and Connie Takahashi, Toe Yoshino and Chieko Aiso, Fumi Sakato, Chuckie Seki, Bill and Irene Sato, Carlos and Bev Picazo, Harry Fukasawa and Noby Okamoto, Douglas Tanaka and Lucy Ganeku, Tok and Rae Yoshihashi, Kei and Chisato Yamagucbi, Kiyosbi and Bonnie Horino, Harry and Hammi Sasaki, May and Wayne Fujita, Mas and Elma Takahashi, Lloyd and Michi Tocla, and George, June and Leland Kurisu. Bev Picazo rose to the occasion yet again to hostess this affair that we all look forward to and to see what cute table decoration and favors she will find. They were non-scary Beanie Baby snakes to celebrate the year of the serpent and tubes of Hershey kisses. Delicious Kin Kan jars of jam came from Chisato and Kei Yamaguchi and Valentine "lucky" hearts each holding a Lotto ticket were made by Karen Toguchi. The delicious strawberry chiffon cake dessert was furnished by Sam and Teri Fujikawa. Each lady was able to take home a beautiful camellia flower from the Fujita's garden. Many thanks to all of you for making this event such an enjoyable one.
Ben Tagami is now at home busy recuperating from his injury and overseeing arrangements for the mfni reunion in October. According to Hany Fukasawa, our Treasurer, the following people have turned in their registration froms: Wayne and May Fujita, Ted and Sadie Yoshiwara, Warren Tamura, Sam and Sara Terasaki, Sam and Teri Fujikawa, Mitsi Fuchigami, Chuckie Seki, Michael and Gene Doi. Toke and Rae Yoshihashi, Ben and Mary Catherine Doi, Mas Ishida. Since we have a July deadline, we will be adding more names in the next newsletter. We are keeping in touch with Ray and Aki Nosaka who are anchoring the Hawaii group with the much needed support that our club appreciates.
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ABLE CHAPTER NEWS by Don Matsuda
After all the hard labor weeding, mowing, trimming, and cleaning up the yard, Goro Sumida and the Able Chapter boys decided they deserved a bit more than beer and pupus in the Qub 100 Bar and Lounge. That's why Goro got us the Wisteria. Some hustler, that guy. Had a rousing good time-beaucoup beer. sushi, tempura, etc. and a lot the BS thrown about.
At Punchbowl, Don and Kimi met another volunteer, a 34th veteran from Iowa, Jerry Barnett. He's from Dodger City. He comes to Hawaii every year and stays from October to April. Ootta invite him to see the clubhouse.
By the way, contrary to the commentary in Bob Jones' TV progmm, A Co. did not run in panic at Alife. The Captain and a lieutenant, both non-locals, ran; but not the men. A machine gun squad leader at the time, Isamu Inouye, can testify to that. He's sore about it. Just because the officers ran, doesn't mean the men ran. The officers were relieved of their command. Isam' can give you all the details of the action. They were pinned down. You could see the tracers floating over, after they hit the soft-dirt furrows in the field. His lieutenant took off, but Isam' had to stay with his machine gun to cover the men. Nor could he leave the wounded out there. He says that Seiyei Oshiro can verify the truth. They are the only guys alive from the original A company. The remnants of Easy Co. joined up with them later. Somebody should interview them and tape their statements. The action is mentioned on page 134 of n Ambassadors in Anns." No one panicked. One A company man got the DSC and gave up his life there. He didn't get it running away. Goro, who knows everything about every battle, asks "How could they take off? They was pinned down."
CHARLIE CHAPTER NEWS by Warren Iwai
Meeting on February 19th: We had an attendance of 18 members. With a few more members we could have held a Club 100 general meeting. Stanley Kimura found time from his photography business to join us as did Robert Takato, still a full time worker. Robert Takato found our bento so ONO that he donated $100 to our Bento Fund. Thank you Robert; that will buy a few more bentos.
The meeting of March 19 turned out to be another good gathering of 14 members. Absent from the past 2 meetings was Roy Nakamura, our treasurer. He had surgery recently to remove a tumor in his chest. He is resting at home now and in good spirits. Doctor's orders: rest 2 months before going back to playing golf He does not need chemotherapy or radiation treatment so that's good news. He says he will be back at the April 16 meeting. One of the items of discussion in the meeting was membership in Club 100. As you know the principal reason for the change in the By-laws was to make our descendants eligible for membership to perpetuate the Club 100. So lets encourage our sons and daughters to join and be active members of Club 100. Lets do it now.
I just received a letter from Ben Takayesu of Kula, Maui. The letter was to thank all the people involved in getting the Puka Puka Parade out to the members. Ben says the PPP is a tonic that raises his spirit and clears his mind when he thinks of the war years. Ben enclosed a poem to the Editors and the PPP volunteers and also a little cash to be used to help ease the aches and pains of the workers. Thank you, Ben. It was very thoughtful of you. The PPP volunteers really do deserve the recognition and thank you of the members .. Your letter was also a tonic for me - now I know the Benji that I knew long ago is still kicking and it brings back old memories.
Our 59th anniversary celebration is on June 9th, only 2 months away. SEND IN YOUR PARTY RESERVATION FORM RIGHT AWAY I The committee needs the names of all those attending so they can make the seating arrangement that you want. Please kokua. Our thank you to Don Matsuda for fixing the PA system. It seems to be senseless to attend a meeting where you can not hear and understand what is being said. So a good sound system is necessary. Our next meeting is April 16. Lunch will be served, See you there.
LADmS CORNER: The first luncheon this year is being planned for April 12th at the KCC restaurant. Time is short as their last day of service to the public is on April 27, with two weeks off in between for Spring break and special student activities. Lynn Shimizu and Betty Iwai have been contacting members and hopefully there will be a good tum out.
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HEADQUARTERS CHAPTER
Wit Wanted!
HQ Chapter needs to be organized as we have been without a leader since the untimely loss of Kenneth Saruwatari last year. He bad steered HQ Chapter in the right direction for many years, but now we need new leadership for the coming years. HQ Chapter has no duly elected officers or appointees to various committees for the mother club. We also need a PPP reporter to keep members informed.
In order to move forward, with the help of all HQ Chapter members, a luncheon is scheduled for Tuesday. April 24. at 11:00 a.m. at KENGO'S Buffet Restaurant. (This is the place where we held the last successfu11uncheon.) The Chapter will pick up part of the expenses for the lunch, so please call for resetvations and a head count by April 22:
Other News:
Nancy Nakamura Dorothy Tamashiro -EdIkuma
Validated parking is available.
595-4719 734-5122 732-6884
Archie Kamisato passed away recently. Also Margaret Higa, Keiji Yatagai, Don Hamada, and Henry Kimura are no longer with us. May they rest in peace.
A hurried inquiry with our good friend Hiromu Heyamoto up in Seattle, Washington, indicated that all's well in spite of the recent 6.8 earthquake there. Aside from a few smashed china, his abode is in good shape. Heyamoto was a member of the l00th Battalion Message Center of HQ Co. and was popularly known as "Oregon" in our army days.
The 59th annual banquet is set for June 9, 2001, at the Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort (formerly Hawaiian Regent Hotel). Please refer to the April issue of PPP for details. Get your reservations in as soon as possible. Contact Amanda, our Club Secretary, for detailed information. Amanda's phone
. monber is: 946-0m;,~--- ~-. .
DOG CHAPTER NEWS by Helen Nikaido
Dog Chapter meeting held on February 17th, was attended by Saburo Nishime, Jitsuri Yoshida, Martin Tobara, Denis Teraoka, Shigeru "Stu" Tsubota, "Doc" Hosaka, Mary Hamasaki and Helen Nikaido.
A get-well wish to Ed Harada, who had surgery on February 20th and was confined at the Kuakini Medical Center. He's now at home recuperating. I called Kay to ask how Ed was doing. She says he's getting along fine. I talked to Ed, too, and he sounded really good. I missed Kay and Ed in Las Vegas, as they were supposed to go to Vegas on the 21st, too. Health comes first, so take care.
I had a most pleasant surprise visit from Kay and Robert Yoshioka on February 28th. When Robert got out of the car, I couldn't recognize him as he lost quite a bit of weight. When he told me his name, I was so happy to see him. Despite the loss of weight, he was looking good and his hair cut was like a young
- person. Later, Kay came out of the car; she, too, was looking well. Now that you drive, Bob, hope you can come to the meetings like in the good old days.
MAUl CHAPTER NEWS by Tom Nagata
Maui Chapter members held their second luncheon meeting of the year on Tuesday, March 6, at the Asian Cuisine & Sports Bar restaurant in Kahului. There were 21 members, 12 wives and 7 widows present to enjoy the lunch and fellowship. Chapter president Stanley Izumigawa conducted the meeting after lunch. He called on Goichi Shimanuki to report on the Maui Chapter's investments that he manages along with Jack Gushiken and Katswni Hanada'
Masso Sato announced that the Maui Sons and Daughters of AJA Veterans were holding a meeting at
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the Wailuku Okinawa Community Center on March 13, at 5 p.m., to report on the progress of the AlA Memorial building plan.' .,
Vice.president Satoji Ariswni, chainnan of our Mother's Day lWlch announced that our luncheon this year will be held at the Maui Beach Hotel Poolside Terrace Restaurant at 11 a.m., on Tuesday, May 15. We will be charging $5.00 for each member, wife, and widow to help defray the cost of lunch. Try to bring the exact amount of the cost, if possible. (Most of the people who came to our March 6 luncheon meeting were helpful and brought the exact cost of their lunch.)
For those members who have not received their medals and campaign military awards, they can get them by applying through a form that you can get from the State Veterans Office. According to Stanley lzumipwa. by sending his request fbrm, he finally received his decorations after two years of waiting.
We extend our get-well wishes to Mrs. Tom (Micbiyo) Yamada, who is in the Kahului Hale Mak:ua home.
Next scheduled event for Maui Chapter is the Mother's Day lunch at the Maui Beach Hotel Poolside Terrace Restaurant on Tuesday, May IS, at 11 a.m.
BAKER CHAPTER NEWS by Bernard Akamine
BAKER CHAPTER FAMILY NIGHT, APRIL 29, SUNDAY
DInner will be served at 6 p.m. Menu is Roast Beef, Bar-B-Q Chicken,
Seafood with Vegetables, Miso Butterflsh. $6.00 per adult; children up
to 12, $3.00; below 6, tree. We will have bingo, door prizes, but the
important thing is the fellowship and food. Can Bernard at 734-8738
for reservations.
Help is needed from sons and daughters to set up tables and chairs for this affair; also, for food prep and assisting Robert Aoki in the kitchen. At our last Christmas party, Robert Arakaki set up the tables all by himself. I got there as he was setting up the last table. Helpers, please come at lOam ..
In case any Baker Company member has a new telephone nwnber, please contact me (Bernard) at 734-8738.
Masami Hamakado, we are all praying for your well-being.
China Yamashina brought mango bread for our last two meetings. I missed out on our February meeting. It disappeared so fast I did not get any, so at the March meeting I took two slices and they were sooo ono.
I am Baker Chapter's mutual assistance committee of one. I will bring the colors to funeral services of our members when needed. Speaking of funerals, the military will provide a military service even if a member is buried in a private civilian cemetary. The mortlialy will assist the family if requested
Two of our grandchildren stayed with us for four days while their parents went to the Mainland on business. On the fourth day, I had a doctor's appointment at 9 a.m .. His office is in the Queen's Physicians Building. I live in St Louis Heights. For two days I had to make like a battle plan for the route I had to take to accomplish my mission: Drop off the girl at Sacred Hearts at 7 am .. , the boy at Noelani School in Manoa by 7:30 a.m., then to Waikiki to drop off my wife. and then get to the
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. doctor's office through morning traffic. My plan was so good I made it to the office 45 minutes ahead of schedule. When I finally went in to see the doctor, he stuck his finger up my okole and said, "Hey. you're in good shape." All of this took less than 10 minutes.
!(AUAI CHAPTER NEWS by Taugi Takemoto
Well, I guess I can settle down. Yesterday, the 13th, I was all set to start an article when I got a call telling me that my granddaughter on the Mainland had gone to the hospital to have her baby. I was too rattled to think, let alone, write. It took all day, and the doctors finally decided that she was too small to deliver the baby. So she delivere(J by Caesarean section. It is a 6 314 pound girl. The baby's name is Mahina Yuhi, as it was to have an Hawaiian name and a Japanese name. It will take us a little while to get used to. The baby's birth date, on the 13th, will be easy to remember as her grandmother was born on the 13th of the month; her mother's birthday is the 13th of August, and this greatgranddaughter's is the 13th of March.
The Kauai group had to change the meeting date to Sunday, March 25-at the same place-Wailua Family Restaurant. Mildred Iwai, chairwoDJaD. will tell us when our Mother's Day luncheon will be. She is being assisted by Kazue Kawamoto, Dorothy Matsushige, Yoshie Nishio and Doris Shimabukuro.
Someone from the main office called and said we had funny nicknames. Having heard so many different names after arriving in Hawaii, they all solUld alike to me. So my only advice is get used to the names and accept us as we are. Muggsy is our president's name, so please address him as such. And don't change his name.
DISANDDAT By Ray Nosaka
. "When Irish eyes are smiling" - that's the spirit of the Irish as St. Patrick's Day just passed and I feel that I must have some Irish blood in me as this is one of my favorite songs. It makes me want to keep smiling and singing.
I wonder how many of my comrades know how to cook? I never was one to stay in the kitchen and stand over the stove. But while my wife was away last week, I donned the chef s cap and prepared my lunch everyday---Menu? Ochazuke and tsukemono. Anyone wanting the recipe just call me! For those of you going to the Mini-reunion in October, if you have any suggestions or places in mind
that you would like to have included in the tlOurs conducted by June Kurisu, please let me know. JlUle is open for suggestions and if at all possible, she will include them in her "tours by June & James" We are told that this year there will also be a craft class conducted by Teri Fujikawa and Chizu Ohira for you ladies (and men?). More information to be given as time goes on.
After a long layoff, the Baker Ukulele class will resume with its weekly Wednesday sessions starting on April 11 th. Anyone desiring to sing and play is invited to join. What better therapy is there than to just sit and relax and sing along.
I have been told that "you don't stop laughing because you grow old .• - You grow old because you stop laughing" Is there any easier way to stay young??
The PukaPuka Parade is the monthly newsletter of Club 100, an association of World War II Veterans of the lOOth Inf~try Battalion. Published at 520 Kamoku Street. Honolulu, Hi 96826.
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59th ANNUAL CLUB 100 AN~IVE~SARY CELEBRATION June 9,2001
Your hard working committee members are once again planning Club 100's annual anniversary celebration. SO please mark you calendar for Saturday, June 9,2001 as we know that you are all eagerly awaiting the chanCe to meet with all of your buddies and talk story. You are also urged to encourage your sons, daughters and grandchildren to attend so they too can have a chance to listen to all your war-time stories and learn more about the heritage you are passing on to them.
This year the luncheon celebration will be at the Waikikl Beach Marriott Resorts, formeriy the HawaIIan Regent Hotel. We hope that you will be able to attend and join in the camaraderie of this event. We ask your kokua by submitting your completed reseNation fonn and payment to the Clubhouse OffIce by May 1, 2001, if not sooner.
If you wish to have a table reserved so that you and your friends can sit together, please follow these instructions:
1. Make sure that those you list are really coming to the luncheon. 2. Ust all guests with their full names 3. Please count the number of guests seated at one table. No more than 10 persons per table, including you,
can be accolfuilodated. If your table does not have the requisite 10 guests, please be prepared to welcome other members to your table to insure that everyone has a seat.
Note: Parking cost with validation will be $3.00.
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Luncheon Registration Application
Name of Club 100 member: --------------------------------------
Relationship to Club 100 member: (widOW, son, daughter, etc.)
Phone number: Circle desired menu Item number selection (see below for choices): 1 2 3
Guest list and menu selection. Please select menu Item for guests and note item number next to their name. If more space is needed, please list on separate sheet and attach to this registration form.
Please note any special accommodations that may be necessary for your or your guests.
Guest Name Menu Selection Guest Name Menu Selection 1 234 1 234
1 2 3 4 1 2 3
1 2 3 4 1 2 3
1 2 3 4 1 2 3
1 2 3 4
_ YES, I WANT THE ABOVE LISTED TO SIT WITH ME
Menu choices
1. New York steak with Cabemet Thyme Sauce 2. Fillet of Mahi Mahi with Ginger Watercress Sauce 3. Vegetarian Pasta with Shiitake Mushrooms 4. Children (4-12 years): Spaghetti Bolognese
For OffIce Use Only:
Check No.: __ _ Batch #: ________ _
Cash: Clerk InHlal·-s:---
$25.00 x ___ = $25.00 x ___ = $20.00 x = $16.00 x ---=
Donald Kiyoichi Hamada *HQCompany Passed away February 4, 2001
Nikichi ''Nicky" Iwai Medics Passed away February 16,2001
Harry Oka Rural Chapter Passed away Febnlary 25, 2001
Archie Shunichi Kamisato HQCompany Passed away March 6, 200 1
Ken Kenichi Iha B Company Passed away Marcy 19, 2001
A.A. "Bud" Smyser Honorary Member Passed away March 19, 2001
Our deepest sympathy to all their family members
(*Correction: Previous PPP listed in error, B Co)
Tom Ito, whose brother, William Ito was in Medics, and his other brother, Jake S. Ito was in Able, has been collecting Army patches, and he needs the 298th Infantry patch to complete his collection.
Any member who has that patch and is willing to donate it to Tom please contact me, Hiromi Suehiro at 941-3582, or call the Club-IOO office at 946-0272.
Mahalo
CLUB 100 AND SONS AND DAUGHTERS PICNIC
Remember the good ole' days when we used to have those big Club 100 family picnics? Let's relive those days again when we have our First Club 100lSons & Daughters Picnic in August 2001. We will be working together with our fathers to plan this fun event and we do need a lot of manpower. Various committees consisting of food, prizes, games, etc will be formed. If you are interested in helping in any way, please call Ann Kabasawa at 734-0841 or e·mail me at [email protected]. This is a time when all the generations can get together and have funlll
Deadline for articles for the May 2001 issue is on Tuesday, April 17, 2001. (Please submit)'Our articles on time) Our e-mail addJoess for the Puka.Puka P41'ade is: [email protected]
The PukaPuka Parade conating will be on Th1l1'Sday, Aprll26, 2001 at 8:30am. Baker & Rural chapters are responsible for providing:the manpower & refreshments, but everyone else is welcome to kokua@ .
NON-PROFIT ORG.
Qub100 ,
Veterans of the 100th InfantryBa~on 520 Kamoku Street Honolulu m 96826-5120
