President's Message January 1, 2021 By Gerald Yamada, JAVA President The past year will be an unforgettable year. It will be remembered for COVID-19, lockdowns, wearing of masks, staying at home, and social distancing. Despite all of this, we saw the development of a vaccine in record breaking time, and, overall, 2020 was a successful year for JAVA. The year’s highlights include:
With 2020 still in the rearview mirror, JAVA’s Executive Council is planning to build on these successes with the hope that 2021 will be an even more eventful year for JAVA. I thank the Members of the Executive Council, JAVA Committees, and Neet Ford — JAVA’s Administrator — for their dedication in making JAVA’s programs truly successful. And, on behalf of JAVA, I wish all of our JAVA Members and Friends a very Happy New Year!!! _____________________________________________________ ![]() JAVA Member and 442nd Veteran, Terry Shima Speaks about the Japanese American Experience During World War II Recently the Keese School Lecture Series featured former JAVA Executive Director and JAVA Terry Shima as a speaker at their continuing education series. By way of introduction it was noted that Terry was born and raised in Hawaii. He was drafted in to Army in 1944 and served in the 442nd RCT. After the war, Terry attended and graduated from Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service and enjoyed a 30-year career in the Foreign Service with postings in the Philippines, Singapore and Vietnam. In 2012, President Obama awarded Terry the Presidential Citizens Medal. After leaving his official post as Executive Director of JAVA, he has continued to support the research and publication of the Advocate and e-Advocate. In the video Terry explains the origins of the 100th Battalion, 442nd Regimental Combat Team and MIS and highlights examples of Japanese American soldiers bravery and valor in an effort to prove their loyalty to the U.S. Click here to watch or watch below. | NOT A MEMBER YET?Nisei Role as America’s “Eyes and Ears” Against Japan During War II and as a “Bridge” Between the Two Nations During the Occupation Visit JAVA Research Archive to read New Article on Role of MIS in WWII by Clicking Here. |