Nearly three years ago, JAVA adopted a Strategic Plan to guide the Association’s future and

ensure that the legacy of the World War II Nisei soldiers continues to inspire future generations.

The plan challenged us to strengthen membership, increase member participation, expand

JAVA’s national reach, and bring greater public recognition to the extraordinary record of

Japanese Americans who served our nation.

Since adopting the plan, JAVA has made meaningful progress.

We have expanded our activities beyond the Washington, D.C., area and strengthened our

presence in other parts of the country, including California and Hawaiʻi. Our Day of Affirmation

observances have brought together JAVA members, military units, community organizations,

families, and supporters on both coasts. These events have helped share the message of

service, patriotism, courage, and equality with audiences well beyond JAVA’s traditional

membership.

JAVA has also continued to invest in future generations. Our scholarship program is supporting

outstanding students who demonstrate leadership, service, and a commitment to carrying

forward the values represented by the Japanese American veterans of World War II.

Educational outreach, commemorative programs, partnerships with military and community

organizations, and expanded communications continue to strengthen JAVA’s ability to preserve

and share this important American story.

We have also taken steps toward becoming a more national organization. Regional

representation, greater use of digital communications, cooperation with other veterans and

Japanese American organizations, and increased participation in military and community events

are helping JAVA reach people who may not previously have known our history or mission.

There is still much work to do.

The Strategic Plan calls for JAVA to substantially increase membership and significantly expand

the number of members who actively participate in our programs and operations. It also

challenges us to move JAVA’s story further into the American mainstream. We are making

progress toward these goals, but achieving them will require the participation of many more

members.

This is where you can help.

 

JAVA needs volunteers to assist with membership outreach, educational programs,

communications, historical research, commemorative events, scholarships, fundraising,

partnerships, and programs for younger generations. You do not need to live in Washington,

D.C., to contribute. Many activities can be supported from anywhere in the country, and

members with new ideas, professional skills, community connections, or simply a willingness to

help can make an important difference.

You can also support JAVA by inviting a veteran, service member, family member, colleague,

student, or friend to learn about JAVA and consider joining or supporting our activities. Every

new connection helps expand the community carrying this legacy forward.

The Strategic Plan was never intended to be a document that simply sits on a shelf. It was

designed to guide action, measure progress, and help JAVA adapt for the future. Our progress

thus far demonstrates what is possible. Our success in the years ahead will depend on the

continued commitment, ideas, and participation of our members.

Together, we can ensure that the courage and patriotism of the World War II Japanese

American soldiers are not only remembered, but continue to inspire service, leadership,

equality, and citizenship for generations to come.

We invite every JAVA member to find a way to participate. Help us preserve the legacy.

Help us tell the story. Help us build JAVA’s future.