Military Leaders Speak at Japanese Veterans’ Luncheon
November 6, 2008
U.S. Senator Daniel K. Akaka, chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs and an honorary chairman of the Japanese American Veterans Association (JAVA), spoke at the JAVA quarterly luncheon in Falls Church, Va., on October 18.
Sen. Akaka outlined his four-point program to help veterans receive benefits. He is introducing registration to secure funding for veterans’ health care one year ahead of the regular budget process, working to ensure that servicemen’s military records are entered into their Veterans Administration (VA) medical records and attempting to reform the wounded veterans compensation benefits program, and will work to improve oversight of VA financial activities.
Sen. Akaka also paid tribute to the 100th Battalion, the 442nd Regimental Combat Team and the Nisei who served in the Military Intelligence Service. Brigadier General Edwin “Skip” Vincent, USAF also discussed the U.S. Air Force Pacific Command’s strategy for the U.S. air defense of the Pacific region and the oral history program.
“It allows us to better respond to the past, present and future needs of our veterans,” said Gen. Vincent about the need for veterans to participate in the oral history program. “Future generations need to understand the price of freedom and security.” Mr. Takahiro Yamago, 2nd Secretary of the Embassy of Japan, and successor to Mr. Yudai Ueno attended the luncheon as a special guests.
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