LETTER FROM CHRISTINE SATO-YAMAZAKI
Dear friends,
My career at the Go For Broke National Education Center has been very special because of the people that I have met and worked with over the past 12 years. It all started one day in 1998, when I entered a small office in Gardena, where a group of WWII veterans sat around a table talking and laughing. They joked around, playing pranks on one another, clearly enjoying each other's company. Col. Young Oak Kim and these vets, including my grandpa, were the original group who worked to build the Go For Broke Monument.
That was the day I began my journey to learn about the amazing stories of the 100th, 442nd and MIS. I was lucky because I learned about their contributions through working side-by-side these living “history books.” Every day I learned something; their stories of being incarcerated, going into the military, serving with honor and coming back to rebuild their lives. Over the years, I had the honor of meeting more incredible veterans. First in Hawaii, and eventually traveling to other parts of the country, including Washington, D.C., Seattle, Portland, and San Francisco. Each had a story to tell, and I was touched by every one of them. They all shaped and influenced my leadership and character, and their stories will forever be a part of who I am. Thank you for sharing your lives with me.
In addition to the veterans, I owe a debt of gratitude to the staff who worked together with me to build this organization. Starting with two and up to 16 at one point, each staff member gave their heart and passion to the cause, and helped to develop our very successful programs – the 1,000-plus archive of oral histories, interactive programs and videos, curriculum materials, teacher training workshops, teen leadership, and public programs – all with the goal to increase awareness of the Nisei soldiers legacy nationwide.
The fundraising staff was the best one could have, delivering results though short on resources, and raising all the necessary funds to sustain our programs. We developed long lasting relationships with donors and supporters who were steadfast in their belief of the mission. The programs department are some of the most talented and creative people I know. They have built successful, interactive programs from very little resources and have taken the oral histories and presented them in ways I never imagined. The staff was and continues to be the heart of the organization, each have given selflessly allowing us to be where we are today. Thank you for being part of my daily life for the past decade – all of you are simply amazing.
I also thank all of the board of directors, past and present. I am grateful for the guidance and support you provided me over the past 12 years. GFBNEC is fortunate to have board members who have been so steadfast in their beliefs.
I have had an opportunity to work with so many volunteers, who devoted their days, nights and weekends to make every event we did a success. From the Hanashi, office volunteers, bulk mail, Evening of Aloha, golf tournament, poker tournament, grassroots campaign, Congressional Gold Medal, National Veterans Network, picnic and casino night, which kicked off my career at GFBNEC, all of these committees were imperative to the success of our efforts. All of you volunteers, who many I now call friends, are wonderful to work with and I thank you for making a difference.
Last but certainly not least, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to all of the supporters, members and community friends who believe in the story of the Nisei WWII veterans, and agree that their legacy is one that America must know. Without all of you, the organization would not stand where it is today. Your support reflects the importance of the mission, and with your continued support GFBNEC will move forward. Please accept my genuine gratitude for allowing us to build an amazing organization that we all can be proud of.
Again, to everyone who allowed me to be a part of this incredible journey, a heartfelt thank you.
Sincerely,
Christine Sato-Yamazaki
