Past Commander Allen Nakamoto!
Congratulations to Past Commander Allen Nakamoto on his receipt of the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays on February 5th. I was moved by Allen’s personal and family journey that influenced his life and involvement in NVC. I was honored to meet his family and members of NVC and NVC Foundation were proud to attend the ceremony and reception in Allen’s honor.
Japanese Ground Self Defense Force Visit to NVC
On January 26th, the NVC welcomed 15 officers from the Japanese Ground Self Defense Force. These officers, chosen from each branch of the JGSDF, were selected for this visit to the U.S. as developing leaders who will lead JGSDF in the future. The purpose of this trip, which included visits to Joint Base Lewis McChord (JBLM) as well as to the Department of Defense (DOD) in Washington DC, was to promote understanding of the Japan-U.S. Alliance.
LTC Hiroki Kitamura, JGSDF Laison Officer currently stationed at JBLM, arranged the visit to NVC Memorial Hall. The NVC greeting party included Past Commanders Dale Kaku, Mike Yaguchi, Allen Nakamoto, and me. Mari Wilson from JBLM also attended and served as interpreter when needed.
Past Commander Nakamoto and I served as tour guides and storytellers on the history of the Japanese in America and of the Nisei soldiers who served during WWII and founded the NVC.
I was impressed by all the Japanese officers’ command of English. One of the officers requested discussion in English, which helped us English-only speakers to share our NVC stories easily.
In addition to the box lunches provided by LTC Kitamura, the NVC arranged for the future leaders to enjoy two onigiris made that morning by Onigiri Sanzan. Onigiri Sanzan is one of the food incubation businesses working through the Japan-America Society of the State of Washington’s Small Business Program to rent the kitchen and grow their business.
