The Dalat's Update from Japan

The Dalat’s Update

Summer - Autumn 2016

Seoul Monarch Beach, California

Seattle

日本からの更新

California

from Japan

Tokyo

With Love From Japan

日本からの更新

2016

HIGHLIGHTS Assignment Lan relinquished his authority as director of USACISA-P to Jim Weare prior to his transition to Japan where he serves as the U.S. Army Japan Deputy G6

Wedding Anniversary

JAPAN: Dalat family travels to Hakone National Park as part of the Newcomers Headstart program that was designed to help newly assigned personnel and family members to better integrated into the new life in Japan.

A

rmy life is filled with turbulence; yet they are pockets of many exciting adventures. In the past 20 years, the US Army had sent Lt. Col. Dalat and his family to be stationed in various corners of the world starting in Daegu, Korea where Lan met Minnie and got married. Upon arriving to the United States, Minnie delivered her first born, a son, and Lan named him Dan after a Navy skipper who had plucked him up from South China Sea along with his mom and siblings in the early 80’s.

A year after Dan was born, Lan had his Captain bars pinned on by his former brigade commander, Brigadier General Jeff Foley who had recently retired after 32 years of military service. Shortly after Lan’s promotion to Captain at Fort Bragg,

Lan and Minnie celebrated their 18th year wedding anniversary at their new home near Tokyo, Japan.

Birthday Celebration North Carolina, Minnie delivered their second child named Daisy.

Together, the family lived like nomads as they moved across the globe including Europe, Asia, and North America. In Italy, the Dalat family welcomed their third child, a daughter. Two months prior to Lan’s deployment to Kandahar province in Afghanistan, Hanna was born in the US Navy hospital north of Naples, Italy.

This summer the Dalat family began a new chapter in the Land of the Rising Sun after three years living, schooling, working and adventuring in the Land of the Morning Calm.

They departed Korea on a high note. Lan successfully completed his tour of duty as director

During the Summer and Fall season, there are 4 birthday celebrations within the Dalat’s family: Dan: July 6th Minnie: October 1st Hanna: October 15th Daisy: November 9th

Bon Odori Japanese summer festival Bon Odori simply means Bon dance. Camp Zama opens it gates to welcome more than 8000 people celebrating the event.

New Mailing Address LTC Lan T. Dalat PSC 704 Box 3737 APO AP 96338

Transition Time 2016 of the most demanding joint and Taekwondo. However, none of the above coalition communications unit in the achievements can be obtained if it wasn’t Pacific - the US Army Communications for Minnie who spent countless hours Information Systems Activity, Pacific teaching, mentoring, cooking, driving, (USACISA-P). During his off duty and doing many chores to ensure hours, Lan directed and produced the everyone in the family has the first ever video campaign recognizing opportunity to achieve success.

Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders for their service in the U.S. Armed With college on the horizon for Dan, a Forces with the help of his college tour is a must to gain some supporters through the use of perspectives. Since, Lan’s orders GoFundMe. To his surprise, required him to be stationed at the White House syndicated another overseas location, that his work and published the entitled him for a Consecutive video campaign via the White Overseas Tour (COT) benefit.

House Initiative on Asian Leveraging the benefit, the family Americans and Pacific opted for the free flight back to White House Initiative Islanders Facebook page the West coast of the United on Asian Americans during the month of May States where they enjoyed their and Pacific Islanders which received a global 30-days adventures. First, they Facebook Page. audience. Dan finished his traveled to Seattle, Washington Junior year at Seoul via the Patriot Express, a American High School with government chartered air a 3.98 GPA while earning a letter in Track transportation for all military personnel and Field. In addition, Dan earned the and family members stationed in Korea. prestigious coveted rank of Eagle Scout In Seattle, they took advantage of from the Boy Scouts of America Far East Starwood Preferred Group’s (SPG) District after more than earned points for free lodging five years of continuous at W Hotel in the downtown scouting. During the area and using American same period, Daisy Express’ benefits to get free completed her car rental upgrade. During Freshman year with a their time in the Pacific perfect 4.0 GPA and northwest, Dan toured Seattle earned a letter in University with the help of Tennis. In addition, she Lan’s former battalion went on to achieved the adjutant, Captain Bridgette highest leadership Navejar who was pursuing an award in Jr ROTC. Army funded Master degree Hanna finished her at the mentioned institution. third grade with a In addition, Dan visited the perfect report card. beautiful historic campus at Furthermore, she University of Washington and overcame her fear of had a lengthy discussion with water by possessing the the admission counselor on Dan, Daisy and Hanna visit ability to swim. Hanna admission selection and University of Washington in also earned her second process.

Seattle during Dan’s college tour degree black belt in in the Pacific Northwest.

Dan earns the rank of Eagle Scout on June 16, 2016 in the U.S. Army Garrison Yongsan, Seoul, Korea

Daisy receives her the highest Leadership award as a JROTC cadet from the Deputy Garrison Commander in Yongsan, Korea

Hanna hugs her mom after qualifying for the second degree black belt.

College Tour

USC Campus

USC Campus

2016

UCLA Campus

USC Campus

UCLA Campus

UW Campus

UW Campus

UCLA Campus

Seattle, Washington 2016

Then, they visited the Public Market where they witnessed Salmon toss and dined at the famous Pike Place Chowder while enjoying the scenic view of the bay.

Visiting Museum of Flight in Seattle, Washington

Paradise, Mount Rainier National Park, Washington

No visit to Seattle would be complete without seeing some of the key landmarks like Space Needle, EMP Museum, the original Starbucks, REI, Museum of Flight, and Mount Rainier. With that in mind, the family did not skip a beat. They explored the Space Needle and the EMP Museum near by. They visited the largest REI store and traveled to Paradise at Mount Rainier. Prior to leaving Seattle, the Dalat Family stumbled upon Boeing’s 100 years celebration at the Museum in Flight. There, they were among the first people to witness the unveiling of the newly painted Boeing 737 as part of Alaska Airlines’ new commemorative fleet by both CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes Ray Connor and Alaska Airlines CEO Brad Tilden.

Taking Alaska Airlines, Dalat family departed Seattle and landed at John Wayne Airport in Orange County, California where they were welcomed by Lan's younger brother Anthony Lang.

Having already acclimated to the weather and timezone, they did not need a break.

Immediately upon arrival, grandma Cam Quy and grandpa Thai Lang prepared a welcome home BBQ by the swimming pool. The reunion afforded the children the opportunity to get

reacquainted with their cousins who came from California, Kansas, and Switzerland.

However, that was not the last BBQ of the summer. The next day, the Dalat family celebrated a grand family reunion where more than 60 family members reunited at a Potluck BBQ party located at Orchard Park in Irvine. Various mixture of American and Vietnamese ethnic dishes were contributed creating the best potluck BBQ ever. While adults family members were enjoying the food and catching up with other relatives, the children started a war game with their water balloons toss. It was one of the most memorable events of the summer.

Having said that, there was another event that totally put all other events in the shade. It was the “35 Years of Freedom” event at Christine and Greg’s home that brought together both the rescuers, Vietnamese boat people, and their extended families. With collective efforts

by Lan and his siblings: Michelle, Christine, and Anthony, they coordinated, organized, prepared, and carried out the most successful family reunion ever in the history of the family.

Dan, Daisy and Hanna visit University of Washington in

Family Gathering

2016

Grand family reunion at Orchard Park in Irvine that brought together 66 family members from all corners of the world to include Switzerland, Korea, and Kansas.

Daisy and Hanna enjoy their time in the pool at Grandma’s place

Amelia Lang leaps with grace into the pool as Lucas Spangler and Hanna Dalat follow the lead.

Everyone in the immediate family enjoys the BBQ by the pool.

Grandma Cam Quy prepares food, fruits, and dessert by the pool welcoming her children coming to visit from afar.

Our Family 2016

35 Years of Freedom 2016

Christine and Greg Spangler prepared their home in the scenic mountains range of Trabucco Canyon for the occasion. Anthony created a meaningful commemorative photo albums for the rescuers. Michelle contributed Swiss chocolates, food, and wine to the BBQ. Lan designed the commemorative T-shirt for the event. However, those were not the only reasons why the event was a great success. It was the contribution from the rescuers that made the event memorable. US Navy (USN) retired Captain Dan A. Pedersen, USN retired Bill Burris, and USN Veteran Patrick Coffey arrived with stories, gifts, and artifacts that greatly expanded the knowledge and understanding of the family’s exodus from the communists some 35 years ago.

Captain Dan Pedersen called Dan Dalat to come out to the center of the outdoor patio area. Dan wasn’t sure what to expect. He wasn’t aware that his dad who had notified the Captain about Dan’s Eagle Scout status. Standing there in the middle of a crowded patio with family members, Dan anxiously anticipated some form of recognition since his birthday is right around the corner. As a career Naval officer, Captain Pedersen delivered a very motivating and sincere remarks recognizing Dan Dalat who had earned the rank of Eagle Scout. The Naval TOPGUN founder produced his personal polished Navy Officer sword with scabbard and presented to Dan Dalat as a gift for his accomplishment. At that moment, Dan was speechless and did not realize the potential impact of this amazing gift.

Dan thanked the Skipper and sat down. Immediately, Dan drew a crowd. Everyone wanted to see and touch the sword including his cousin Nicolas from Switzerland.

Left - Right: Patrick Coffey, Dan Pedersen, Cam Quy Ton, Lan Dalat, and Bill Burris wear the “35 Years of Freedom” T-shirt celebrating the event on July 5, 2016 in southern California.

Greg personally builds all elements of the patio and prepares the best brisket for the reunion. His son, Lucas has requested the company of the USS Ranger Crew to learn more about the rescue of his mom.

Shortly after the Skipper had taken a seat in the patio, Pat Coffey took the stage and articulately told his story of the rescue with excruciating details that one can visualize those harrowing days on South China Sea. As a junior sailor Intelligence specialist and bilingual - English and Vietnamese, he was tasked by the commanding officer of the USS Ranger (CVA-61) US Navy Captain Dan Pedersen to sink the troubled refugee wooden vessel to prevent hazard on the high sea. Flying out on HS-2 Squadron’s helicopter, Pat and a US Marine were lowered onto the bows of the unseaworthy wooden refugee boat with a mission to sink it.

Captain and his crew (standing) reunite with the boat people (sitting) at the “35 Years of Freedom” event in Trabucco Canyon, California.

35 Years of Freedom 2016

Pat said to an audience at the reunion. “In that boat, there was a little helm…and the last guy in the world that I would tell on [the USS Ranger] that I have done something that technically wasn’t quite kosher in the Navy was the Captain…at sea, the Captain is God…there was an salty chief who told me to grab whatever…sitting the gimbal was a little compass on your boat. That had been buried for 35 years in my sea chest. I thought that should be on your desk.” With that account, Pat reached inside his sea bag, pulled out an old rusty navigation compass, and presented it to

Dan receives the US Navy Officer sword from USN Captain (retired) Dan A. Pedersen.

Lan for keepsake. After all these years, that compass is the only surviving artifact of their family’s boat refugees legacy.

Bill Burris took the stage at the outside patio and paused for moment before delivered his thoughts of the event that occurred on Mar 20, 1981 on the South China Sea. Prior to this day, Bill had written his perspective and shared it with Lan and his siblings. He wrote “It if wasn’t for the Iran Hostage situation, we would not have rescued you and your family.

Lucas listens intensely to the stories being told about his mom and grandma.

Anthony articulately shares his experience during his deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom

Captain (Ret.) Dan A. Pedersen and his crew reunite with Vietnamese boat people and their family members at the “35 Years of Freedom” event in Trabucco Canyon, California. The family has grown from the original five to 20 in the 35 years span living in the free world.

35 Years of Freedom

Bill Burris presents the “modified” Humanitarian Service Medal to Thai Lang and Cam Quy after his touching tribute to the family.

career in the Navy. According to Bill, “I would have never stay in the Navy or get married overseas and have four kids. And by the way all four of them are all active duty and they themselves have experienced in humanitarian service.” For his contribution during the Vietnamese Refugees’ rescue operation, Bill was awarded a Humanitarian Service Medal by USN Captain Dan A. Pedersen. However, on this day, Bill had modified his medal to include 6 stars making the ordinary medal with two row of stars. Two stars on the top represented the parents and the row with four stars below represented the children. While Michelle and grandma Cam Quy were trying to control their emotions, Bill presented the Humanitarian Service Medal to grandpa Thai as a token of his admiration and respect for the family and the sacrifices they made to find freedom.

In the mean time, Greg manned the grill and delivered an out of this world brisket along with his The USS Ranger was actually signature corn on the cob. By this “It was like for me to be on scheduled to come home time, everyone was munching on two months prior. The crew top of a Bomb getting the delicious BBQ while sipping on of the USS Ranger was on an their choice of beverages. Michelle extended deployment, from exploded. So, for him, I was wiped her tears as she sipped a six months, to almost eight glass of red wine with grace as if no gone.” months. The Sailors and one noticed her expressed Marines onboard were emotion. The event did not end extended, until further there. We continued sharing our stories of struggles and notice. Based on that orders, we were to stay until the success since the rescue. Many in the audience did not hostage situation in Iran was over. So when the hostages know how Michelle - who worked inside the World Trade were released, we began our redeployment back to San center - had survived Diego, California. If the hostage situation did not occur, the attack on the USS Ranger would have crossed your adrift location September 11, 2001. nearly two months earlier. Our deployments would As Michelle delivered normally last six months, so sailing to Indian Ocean and her recount of the back, we would have a very small window to cross the ordeal on that day, vicinity of the rescue. A few days (at best) out of a six the audience was in month window for a carrier group to just happen to be in awe with new the area.” So, on that hot sunny day in Southern revelations from an California, Bill delivered a very emotional story of the on-the-ground rescue. As a young 18 year old Sailor on his very first witness of that deadly deployment, he was tasked to guard the refugees and to terrorist attack. “I prevent other Sailors from fraternizing with the refugees.

Michelle tells her story of the tragic day on was on the phone During his three days watch, Bill developed great respect September 11, 2001 at the World Trade with Can, my son’s and admiration for the boat people. He could not Center as her two sons listen in. dad, the second understand what would drive these refugees to leave their plane went through country and took extreme risk to search of freedom the tower…it was so loud because the second shot elsewhere. Guarding the refugees event caused [plane] was lower than the first one….my ears were just tremendous impact on Bill that he decided to make a SSSSHHS…

35 Years of Freedom ….and for him on the other side of the phone call it was like for me to be on top of the bomb getting exploded. So for him, I was gone.”

As Michelle continued to share her struggle and survival story on Alice Lang patiently watches her dad as he tells the story of deployment in Kuwait that darkest day in America, most people just covered their mouths cannot believe how resilient and strong Michelle had displayed.

Along with Michelle, one by one the family shared their perspectives of that unforgettable day in America.

Anthony recounted of that day based on his perspective as a brother and as an Army officer stationed at Fort Carson, Colorado. Few months after the attack on September 11, Anthony received orders for deployment to Kuwait in support of OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM against the Taliban in Kandahar, Afghanistan. According to Colonel Mark Clay, chief of staff of a deployed task force in Afghanistan, Anthony had served with distinction and as a brilliant staff officer during his deployment. After his speech, Anthony pulled out a photo album that he had designed for the guests.

Anthony presents the commemorate photo album to Bill Burris as Meredith watches on.

He read the inside cover which was written by Bill Burris.

Anthony presented to photo album that featured photographs of the rescued operations, life at the refugee camp in the Philippines, and life in America.

Without modifying the planed agenda, the family woke up the next day and preparing for another family gathering. On this day, they traveled to Monarch Beach where Greg’s relative has a beach house. Through that connection, they were able to get access to the scenic private beach where the family gathered and captured their family portrait with the scenic view of the crashing

Our Family

2016

waves in the background. They did not decide to come to the beach for its simplistic beauty. Rather, they wanted to link their past to their future through the connection of the sea. As they are standing on the sand facing inland to the United States, their backs faced their past on the other side of the world that connected by the body of water namely the Pacific Ocean.

Minnie keeps an eye out for Hanna as she sheds her clothes and hit the beach.

Daisy walks slowly along beach waiting for the family portrait session to begin.

Hanna excitedly runs to the surf at Monarch Beach, a private beach north of Laguna Beach, California.

That evening, they celebrated again. This time, it was for the young Eagle Scout who had just turned 17 years old. Dan ordered an Islands’ juicy burger called Kilauea which comes with Jalapeño and black pepper crusted burger with pepper jack cheese, chipotle aioli, lettuce, tomato and Island Reds. For his birthday cake he chose Kona Pie a dessert dish that was filled with mocha almond fudge ice cream and cookie crust topped with chocolate fudge, whipped cream, roasted almonds, and a cherry. “Enjoy this birthday son. This is your last birthday as a boy. The next one, you’ll be a man.” Lan wrapped his arm around Dan’s shoulder as he delivered the message.

USS Midway Museum 2016

With the exception of the Christine’s family, the siblings and their families came to California from another region With much prior coordination between Lan, Captain of the world. Lan and his family arrived from Seoul, Pedersen, and USS Midway’s Military Event Manager Korea after being stationed there for three years.

Carol Eakin, the family was welcomed to the Museum Michelle and her two boys came in from Lausanne, without a hitch. To Lan’s surprise, he parked his rented Switzerland where she has been living and vehicle at the only space available, working since the deadly terrorist attack in numbered 138. Wearing the 35 Years of New York City. Anthony and his family flew Freedom T-Shirt, our family followed the in from Lawrence, Kansas where they have docent named Bob who gave us a private settled after Anthony received his Honorable tour of the Midway. After hearing much discharge from the U.S. Army. The out of of the Ranger the day before, the younger state relatives wanted to maximize their time generation was able to climb aboard a in California. So, the next day, the entire similar aircraft carrier to experience what family drove down to San Diego where they their parents had done 35 year earlier spent a few days visiting the USS Midway after being rescued at sea. Touring the Museum, touring colleges, and spending command center was the best part. time with each other. Once again, Lan took Lan is at the helm of the USS Everyone wanted to sit on the advantage of his SPG membership and Commanding Officer’s chair. Almost Midway booked several rooms at Sheraton San Diego everyone in the group sat on the Captain’s Hotel & Marina using both cash and points. chair and took a selfie with their phone.

California Adventures 2016

Following the Midway’s visit, Dan was rushed off to University of California, San Diego for the college tour. Uncle Toro aka Anthony, who is an alumni of this university was elated that Dan would tour his old stomping ground.

Dan visits UCSD in La Jolla, San Diego, California

That evening, everyone traveled down to the Gas Lamp district in San Diego for dinner. Along the path, the children encountered their Star Wars’ characters. The younger children wanted to be photographed with these characters

Hanna is negotiating with Darth Vader and Storm Trooper for the release of a free Selfie. Due to her lack of faith, Mimi paid the price

Daisy, Hanna, and Amelia enjoy the pizza at New Yorker Pizzeria & Bar in the Gas Lamp district, San Diego, Calif.

and found out that they must “tip” the street performers.

“For that price I should just buy my own costume.”

Michelle said jokingly as she paid the street performers. That evening the family dined at the New Yorker Pizzeria & Bar.

Before heading back to Orange County, Lan posted photos of his visit at the Gas Lamp district on Facebook. One of his college friends named Michelle

Balconi contacted Lan over Facebook and offered to meet for dinner before Lan is heading back overseas. Lan and Michelle were classmates back in college. They were assigned as a team in public relations. Their objective was to create a functional website for the world to see. Through that effort, Lan created a website that paid tribute to the Sailor and Officers of the USS Ranger (CV-61) for rescuing the 138 Vietnamese Boat Brian, Michelle, Minnie, and Lan people to include his reunited at a dinner in San Diego mother and siblings which triggered the Pentagon’s response that facilitated the first reunion on ABC’s “Good Morning America” show. Since college graduation, Lan and Michelle only followed each other via Facebook. Recently, Michelle published her first children book titled “Let’s Chat About Economics.”

Through their friendship, Michelle sent Lan’s children an autographed book of the same title. So, for this dinner, it would cover the timespan of more than 20 years since their college graduation from California State University, Fullerton. Both families enjoyed the reunion as they dined at the Old Spaghetti Factory in San Diego.

Back in Orange County, they drove directly to their aunt’s home for some authentic Vietnamese Adrian (red)and Lucas combating each other food. While using the toy light sabers while wearing USMC the adults covers. enjoying the authenticity and variety of the central Vietnamese dishes, the girls played card games as the boys chased each other with toy light sabers.

California Adventures 2016

one of his paintings. Hanna was very pleased with the painting and currently hung proudly in her room in Japan.

Hanna is negotiating with Darth Vader and Storm Trooper for the release of a free Selfie. Due to her lack of faith, Mimi paid the price

By this time, everyone who is reading this newsletter is probably overwhelmed with all of the activities that this family had done since they arrived back in the United States. There hasn’t been a day without an agenda. So, believe it or not, camping was also on the agenda. On this excursion, none of the ladies in the family was willing to partake in the event. So, the men and some of the children went off the grid. They pitched their tents and started camp fire with chopped logs. They spent three days in the wilderness before heading back to civilization but instead, they headed straight to the beach where they rented boogie boards and enjoyed the California sun and surfs at Huntington Beach. At the end of a beach day, Lan took a detour toward the Huntington Beach Lan and Dan enjoy the sun and Art Festival at the Pier surf of southern California with his family. Both Daisy and Minnie were fascinated with the silk painting process. Just around the corner from there was a tent filled with pigs oil paintings.

After Lan told the artist how much his daughter Lan receives the painting on behalf of Hanna from artist Kevin loves pigs, the artist decided to give Hanna in Huntington Beach, Calif.

Before reaching Japan, the family toured three more colleges: University of California, Irvine (UCI), University of Southern California (USC) and University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) where they admired the prestigious American academic institutions with the hope that one of their kids may have the opportunity in the near future to be a part of that scholarly lineage.

Spending a very long hot day in Los Angeles walking around the campuses, Lan decided to cash in his SPG points for a night at Le Méridien Delfina Santa Monica.

There, the family explored, dined, and shopped on Third Street Promenade. They also took the time to visit famous Santa Monica pier. Again, through social media, Lan and his family was connected with one of his Army Signal buddies Lt. Colonel Sherry Oehler who he had shared the same class room at the Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth and served together in Kabul, Afghanistan.

Dalat family visits Santa Monica Beach following the college tour in Los Angeles, California.

Lan and Minnie join Lt. Col. Sherry Oehler for lunch

Hanna monkeys around in Santa Monica as Daisy and mom cheering on.

Land of the Rising Sun

2016

With a week left in California and departed Los Angeles having toured several colleges in International Airport on the area, Dan needed to ramp up a direct flight to Narita, his game to be accepted at one of Japan. Upon arrival, these colleges. At that moment, the family was greeted he had never considered taking

by Major Hung Lieu the ACT test. However, after who served as the spending some quality time with sponsor for Lieutenant uncle Anthony, Dan was advised Colonel Lan T. Dalat. to consider taking the ACT. “Sir, welcome to Japan!

Based on that advice, Dan got How was your flight?” together with a tutor at the local Hung courteously library in preparation for the test. inquired as he helped Meanwhile, both Dan and Daisy with the baggage since Bon Odori Festival inside Camp Zama, a US Army Garrison in thought they were on vacation so the family has more Japan. they would sleep-in and forgo than ten pieces of some physical activities. luggage. Pushing the However, their dad woke them up early for daily run. cart out to one of the government contracted buses, Hung They were not ready for that part of summer vacation. showed the driver his free ticket as a certified sponsor Their dad used to run in that neighborhood as a high while everyone in Lan’s family must pay $30.00 per schooler so he took person to get on the bus. During the two hours drive, them on a run of a Hung took a call on his cell phone. After the call, he similar route in the turned around and told Lan the news. “Sir, you are no mornings. It was longer going to I Corps (pronounce[furst] [kohr]) hard long runs in Forward. You have been reassigned as the Deputy G-6 for California dry heat in US Army Japan. Your new sponsor will be Mr. Knapp hope that it would who is a Department of the Army Civilian employee pay off in the near working in the G6 shop.” “Are you sure? Who gave the future. orders?” Lan inquired. “Sir, the Deputy Commander of US Army Japan had made that decision. On that note, Their time in you will be living and working at Camp Zama.” Hung said California was up. with a positive smile.

They must begin their transition to the new post overseas.

Lan and Minnie join Hung and Giang Traveling on for lunch in Tokyo.

American Airline flight 169, the family

Daisy enjoys her slushy

Fireworks display at Bon Odori

Daisy and Hanna explore Bon Odori festival at Camp Zama, Japan

Sights and Sounds of Tokyo Within a week of their arrival to Japan, the family participated in the Camp Zama's 57th annual Bon Odori Festival which was an open post event that invited more than 8000 people from all over the community to enjoy the food, drinks, dance, and fireworks at the festival. It was a great way for the family to get integrated to their new home and community in Japan. Speaking of new home, they got on the waiting list for government quarters. Fortunately, the availability of the quarters was based on rank and family size. They moved into their new home within a month of arrival. In the mean time, driving on the left side of the road is not as simple at first. At every turn, the wipers were activated instead of the turn signal. Since, the steering wheel occupied the right side of the vehicle, the turn signal was also installed on the right side. If one has been driving more than a day in the states, one would use the left hand to active the signal. In Japan, using one’s left hand to active the signal would instead turn on the wipers. “Now I understand why Americans on base are turning on their wipers at every turn. They must be new to Japan like us.” Lan said to Minnie as he tried to turn off the wipers at a left turn. However, that did not deter the family from getting around.

2016

Minnie stands inside a train to Tokyo

On their first trip to Tokyo, Hung's wife Giang who works as a CNN broadcaster in Tokyo showed the family how to use the train system. With many different type of trains riding on the same platform, one must know when to get on a Local, a Rapid Express, an Express, or a Semi-Express, etc. Direction of the train and path of the train might also complicated the trip. So, for beginners, it would be very confusing and potentially expensive if taking the wrong train. On that trip, the family visited the Meiji Shrine in Tokyo where they witnessed a solemn procession of a Shinto wedding ceremony with rich Japanese culture. Following that event, they traveled down to the crowded Roppongi. A week before back-to-school, with some built-in confidence, Lan took his daughters on the train to Yamamoto Minatomirai for the famous Picachu Parade. Although they got lost couple times, the managed to reach the destination where Hanna was thrilled to see and to be with everything Picachu.

Just like that, the Dalat’s children were back in schools but not at the same schools.

As a matter of fact, most of their lives, Dalat’s children were attending schools within the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) in various bases around the world. They completed elementary school at a Naval base in Naples, Italy. Then, they attended middle school in an Army base within Seoul, Korea. Now, one of the children is working to graduate from a DoDEA high school near Tokyo, Japan.

Hanna and Daisy ride the train back from Picachu Parade.

Roppongi area of Tokyo

Minnie and Hanna wash hands prior to entering Meiji Shrine in Tokyo.

View from Mount Fuji

2016

As the summer heat is cooling down in Japan, so is the hiking season at Mount Fuji. This year, the season began on the firs day of July and ended on 10 September. Knowing that, Lan could not pass up the opportunity to hike up the mountain. So, along with his fellow Army oďŹƒcers: Major Hung Lieu, a Signal oďŹƒcer and Captain Nhu Weare, an Army lawyer, both of Vietnamese heritage, they began their quest to summit Mount Fuji.

Waking up very early on the 3rd of September, the team drove out to 5th Station where Yoshida Trail began. However, they were turned back by the authorities due to the policy of no privately owned vehicles allowed to park at the mountain.

So, they found a parking space at Kawaguchiko station and took the bus to 5th Station of Yoshida Trail. Arrived at the morning fog covered mountain, Lan purchased a souvenir wooden trekking pole for the primary purpose of getting the branding iron stamps at each of the station along the trail to the top.

Hung (left) Nhu and Lan (right) getting ready to hike up Mount Fuji

Lan reaches the 8th Station

At the beginning of it was an easy hike. However, as time goes by, the hike and the weather intensify. Gusts of cold winds mixed with rain making it harder to hike. Arriving at the 8th Station on Yoshida Trail, Lan and his trek-mates stopped to rest. They had pre-paid for a space in a cabin to rest for the purpose of getting acclimated to the high altitude to prevent sickness. One hour before midnight, they woke up and ate some curry and rice. An estimate of three hours to reach the summit, the team put on their gear, turned on their head lamps and joined a crowd of hikers heading up the dark mountain with the goal of reaching summit before sun rise.

The heavy rain began to pour like someone had persistently dumped large buckets of iced water. The strong wind was howling and beating against the hikers near the top of Mount Fuji where no vegetations are grown and nothing to protect the hikers from the element. In complete darkness against near freezing temperature and severe windy weather conditions, the team did not back down.

They kept on going until they reach the summit. One problem, they reached summit of Mount Fuji too early one hour ahead of schedule. The sun was not up, the weather was not improved, no shelters to hide under, and worst of all, everyone was soaked from head to toes and freezing to the bone. Having met their objective of summiting Mount Fuji, the team began their descent in complete darkness to find a suitable shelter. Just below the 8th station, the team found an emergency shelter and stayed there until the run rises. After enjoying the sun rise ritual, the team made down the mountain and got home safely.

Climbing Mount Fuji was a great accomplishment but it was also very arduous.

Summited Mount Fuji early morning

Lan (left), Nhu (middle), and Hung enjoy the sun rise after summiting Mount Fuji, Japan on 4 September 2016.

Around Tokyo Aunt Tra relaxes by the window with the view of downtown Tokyo

Getting around Tokyo Midtown where Godzilla roams the area

2016 Reaching home that morning, Lan double checked his email to see any updates on his aunt's visit. His aunt “Di” Tra, a Canadian who lives in Ontario was visiting her daughter in Tokyo. It was a perfect opportunity for his aunt to catch up with Lan and his family.

Without any rest, Lan showered and changed for the meeting. That afternoon, the Dalat's met up with aunt Tra at the Hyatt Recency hotel in Shinjuku area. Aunt Tra, her daughter and grand daughters along with the Dalat’s family, they explored the famous Shinjuku, Tokyo. Lan invited his aunt and cousins for lunch at a nice restaurant before returning to North America.

Back in schools, Dan and Daisy joined JROTC and sport teams in addition with all other required classes. Dan joined the Cross Country team while Daisy made the Tennis team during the tryout. Immediately, they traveled near and far within Japan to compete with other athletes. There were trips that would take up to 14 hours oneway to reach the other school. They often would stay overnights in a gym

with sleeping bags. As things improved, they were able to share a room in a hotel. On one of the final games, Daisy was selected to compete in Okinawa for the Final championship. She was gone for the entire week. As for Dan, he had his fare share of travels. For their sportsmanship, both received their Varsity letters from Zama American High School.

USS Yorktown, Charleston, S C 2016

Speaking of travel, Lan’s job also required him to travel. His first travel at his new job was for a Pacific Signal Review (PSR) at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii where he met the new 311th Theater Signal Command Commander Brigadier General Lawrence F. “Larry” Thoms for the first time. In addition, Lan attended his first Pacific Signal Ball in Hawaii.

Following that event, he returned to Japan just enough time to do laundry and took off again for a military exercise named Orient Shield near Osaka, Japan.

Upon his return from the mission, he was asked by Camp Zama community to serve as the Scoutmaster for Troop 34. Lan took the job and began making improvements to the Troop. On his first meeting, none of the troops were wearing scout uniforms.

However, on the second meeting, all of the troops were in uniforms and conducting the flag ceremony.

Additionally, they were assigned to patrols and have Patrol Leaders (PL) and Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) along other important scout leadership positions. As an Eagle Scout, Dan joined the Troop and immediately helped younger scouts reviewing their Scout books and completing merit badge requirements. He advised older scouts with their Eagle projects and served as the mentor to the PLs and SPL within the troop. Equally importantly, he prepared the boys for the Fall Patrol-o-ree with Japanese scouts at Tama Hills on the outskirt of Tokyo.

Right before the end of September, Lan left the family again. This time he traveled all the way to Charleston, South Carolina for another reunion.

On this trip, he was invited to serve

Lan (lf. campaign hat) and members of both Boy Scouts of America Troop 34 from Yama and Japanese Scouts Association from Tokyo attending the Patrol-O-Ree Campout at Tama Hills Recreation area for US Forces.

as the Guest speaker on the USS Yorktown Museum to a group of students and USS Ranger veterans.

Dressed in his Army Service Uniform (ASU) and service cap, Lan received a VIP welcome to the Yorktown. Inside the afloat museum, Keith Grybowski, director/curator/historian escorted Lan to the stage where all seats in the audience were filled. After the event, a group of quilters presented Lan a customized quilt with his names sewn on the red-blue-white blanket as a token of their appreciation for his service in the US Army. That evening, the USS

Lan poses next to the sign welcoming him to the USS Yorktown in Charleston, South Carolina

Ranger crew invited Lan to a banquet. There, the USS Ranger Reunion committee presented Lan on behalf of Dan Dalat a scholarship for earning the Eagle Scout rank.

Additionally, the crew surprised Lan with a very significant treasure. It was a piece of the USS Ranger’s flight deck that represented the sovereignty of the United States while underway in the vast ocean. It was the same flight deck that Lan, his mother and siblings had stepped on after being rescued at sea. It was on that same flight deck that the family transitioned to freedom.

Lan is greeted by Mr. Grybowski and staff inside the USS Yorktown

Tour of Duty 2016

continued to perform well in tennis as she moved from number 7 to number 3 in the team. For that she was selected to represent her school in the Far East championship in Okinawa.

Not to forget about Hanna, she is a fourth grader who loves singing and playing piano.

YAMA SAKURA 71: Lt. Colonel Lan Dalat leads the Task Force that provides communications support to the largest bilateral command-post exercise between U.S. and Japan forces in the vicinity of Kumamoto, Japan between 6-13 December 2016.

Meanwhile, back in Japan, Dan began filling out college applications and taking the ACT test while maintaining his focus on his academic works, Cross Country, and scouting.

For his efforts, he was selected to be on the Principal’s Honor List and earning his Varsity letter. As for Daisy, she

Lan meets up with his former commanders: Colonel Eric Aslakson (left) and Brigadier General (Retired) Foley.

Due to his job, Lan remained active on the road and in the air. He had traveled near and far and often met up with his old Army buddies and leaders. Recently, he reunited with his former brigade commander, Brigadier General (Ret.) J. Foley and company commander, Colonel E. Aslakson in Augusta, Georgia. Prior to his departure from Augusta, the retired General and author gave Lan an autographed book titled “Rules & Tools for Leaders.” That book became one of his treasures.

Minnie has been integrating herself to the Zama community. She had gone hiking, shopping and having tea with some of the ladies in the area. However, her daily activities evolved around the development of her children as they are preparing to become the future workforce and leaders of this world.

US and Japan delegation visiting Washington DC during the Cyber exchange