As we said goodbye to 2011 and welcomed 2012 (Year of the Dragon), the 442nd Maui Veterans Council was conducting its annual elections to install the new board of directors.
The 2012-13 officers were voted in as follows: President Hiroshi Arisumi, 1st Vice President Irvin Yamada, 2nd Vice President Richard Minatoya, Secretary Charlie Takahashi, and Treasurer Kaoru Muraoka. Also, new 442nd Associates Leslie Maeda and Victor Lopez were confirmed.
Over 70 veterans, their wives, widows and a few family members attended this event.
The program began at 10 o’clock on Saturday morning with a greeting by past president Kazuichi Hamasaki. Lunch was served by the associates while the election ballots were tallied. Upon announcement of the new board, bingo resumed until the end of the social. One of the special prizes was donated by Minatoya — a replica of the Congressional Gold Medal, which was won by Jane Nakama (widow of I Company).
These socials are conducted quarterly. Each social is implemented by specific 442nd companies. The executive council has assured everyone these socials will continue into the foreseeable future.
Maui I Company associates include (in alphabetical order): Mark Honda, Tiffany Iida, Richard Minatoya, Harold Nishida, Raphael “Guffy” Morreira, Fred Ruge, Dr. Richard Sword, Charlie Takahashi (chairman), Susan Uyemura, and Irvin Yamada. Associate member Dan Waki was not able to attend; the council extended its thoughts and prayers to him and his family.
For more information on future socials or donations contact Charlie Takahashi at (808) 877-6072. The next social will be in April 2012.
Aloha Fred Ruge, I need to hear from you vie my e-mail regarding my husbands benefets you were looking into. I worte you an e-mail on Friday the 22nd and asked to e-mail me any information you might have. I am anxious to find out what if any benefets I might be intitle to.
Thank you and I await your reply
as ever,
Linda DelRosario