NVMC ANNUAL DINNER: An Evening of Gratitude

NOVEMBER 11, 2022

By: Kathy Collins

After two years of online-only presentation, the NMVC annual dinner returned to the Maui Beach Hotel Ballroom on November 11, 2022, to the delight of the sold-out crowd. Although the previous two virtual dinners were highly successful and enjoyable, all attendees at the 19th annual dinner expressed joy over being able to congregate in person at long last.

The 2022 annual dinner was titled “An Evening of Gratitude,” and keynote speaker Tamlyn Tomita embraced that theme with her entertaining and inspirational talk. After expressing profuse thanks for the contributions of the Nisei Veterans as well as the continuing work of the NVMC, she surprised the audience by leaving stage and venturing among the tables for an informal question-and-answer session. Board member Bo Mahoe was to serve as moderator, but the talk story session quickly evolved into a comedy duo act, with active audience participation.

In keeping with tradition, the evening also included brief speeches by the young ladies of the 2022 Chrysanthemum Court and a silent auction facilitated by Alpha Delta Kappa, Gamma Chapter volunteers. The main event, as always, was the presentation of the annual Hero Awards.

The Leadership Award, sponsored by the Central Pacific Bank Foundation, recognizes individuals who have led our community forward in the spirit and style of the Nisei Veterans, who displayed great strength of character and integrity of their actions, not just during World War II, but also upon their return to Maui.

Janna Hoehn received the 2022 Leadership Award for her tireless work in locating more than 58,000 photographs and stories for every name listed on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington,

D.C. Janna’s efforts began in 2011, and led to her continued involvement in local veterans’ organizations.

The Philanthropy Award, sponsored by HouseMart, brings attention to those who quietly and selflessly work to benefit the Maui community, much like the unheralded generosity of the Nisei generation.

The 2022 Philanthropy Award was given to the nonprofit organization Zenshin Daiko, led by Anthony and Valerie Jones. Dedicated to teaching taiko to children and sharing it with the community, Zen- shin Daiko has performed, free of charge, in over 1000 cultural and community events since its formation in March 1999. “Quiet” may not be the first word that comes to mind when thinking about taiko, but Anthony and Valerie lead this educational performance group with humility and passion, diverting the spotlight and recognition to Zenshin’s youthful members.

The word “legacy” is defined as a gift of lasting import, passed down through generations. The legacy of the Nisei Vet- erans, true heroes all, is at the core of the NVMC’s mission, vision, and values. The 2022 Legacy Award, sponsored by Arisumi Brothers, was presented to Valerie Matsunaga, daughter of the late Toshio Kubota, PFC, 442nd RCT, Company K, and the late Misao Kubota. After being presented with her father’s oral history at the 2014 NVMC annual dinner, Val was inspired to journey to Italy, retracing her father’s steps at Hill 140 in Castellina. She documented her excursion to “Take Hill 140” in the Spring 2015 issue of Okage Sama De. Eventually, the article caught the attention of an Italian historical group, Toscana 44, which enlisted her assistance with a 2021 documentary commemorating the battle at Hill 140.

An account of the event would not be complete without acknowledging the NVMC board members, staff, volunteers, and supporters who made the annual dinner such a great success, raising some $60,000 in the process. Thanks also to Presenting Sponsor Arisumi Brothers; Gold Sponsors CPB Foundation, HouseMart, and Munekiyo Hiraga; Silver Sponsors Alexander & Baldwin, Inc., Island Insurance Foundation, Mahi Pono, NAPA, Pulama Lana‘i, and Maui’s Sons and Daughters of the Nisei Veterans; and Bronze Sponsors The Maui News, Pasha Hawaii, Maui Oil Company, and Zenshin Daiko.

It truly was An Evening of Gratitude, one which inspired continued thankfulness for the Nisei Veterans and their legacy, and for all who have been involved with or touched by the Nisei Veterans Memorial Center. Okage sama de!