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okinawa scrap book

Mail Bag
Page Nine


Saturday, October 07, 2006 2:17 AM
Konnichiwa, and hai sai to all from www.RAFilms.org and www.SilkDragonProductions.com
Kinuye and I have recently returned from Okinawa following 3 years of filming. We have completed a documentary we have Titled "Why Okinawa? Messages from the People". This film is currently going through the New York International Film video Festival with our next screening in New York City in November of this year and with the International Asian Film Festival early next year. We will be adding a page to our main USA web site of www.RAFilms.org to provide DVD copies of this story as well as other stories and documentaries we have completed. We have several other stories of interest, less controversial, on Okinawa. So be looking for the Sale Items in the coming weeks.
This has been an expensive project for us but well worth the time and effort. I know that many present military personnel feel that there is a legitimate need for 37 - soon to be 38 - military bases on Okinawa but we were there visiting Kinuye's family in Aug. 2004 when the Marine helicopter from the Futenma MCAS crashed into the Okinawa International University. Kinuye asked if we could investigate why this base was still operating and she felt that someone must speak up for this base to be closed as it was supposed to have beeen several years ago. The Okinawan People, as you know, are peaceful and afraid to speak on their own for fear of repercussions from the Japanese Government and loss of rental income from the U.S, but this Base needs to be closed. The other bases should be looked at on a base by base issue. For all of the Okinawan/Americans who have seen this story so far, the overwhelming consensus is appreciation that an Okinawan/American Woman who I am proud to call my wife, has the courage to stand up and speak out for those who cannot.
Having spent 3 years active US Army and 7 years active reserves, two of which were spent On Okinawa at Torii Station, I know I speak for many who have been to this wonderful Island and (who have known) its wonderful People.
Mick you have a great site, if we can provide you with any current info or photos we will be happy to. We have our main studio at our home in Yomitan-son and also a second studio in California; The way California is going, we may have to get a home in Colorado also.
Regards and thanks for the services you provide.
Robert and Kinuye Oshiro-Avery
Thursday, October 05, 2006 2:04 PM
From: Drink Me
Dear Mr. McClary,
After reading your stories about Okinawa I felt I had to write you and let you know how much they moved me. I was only 6 and 8 years old when we lived on Okinawa between late 1971 to early 1974.
I had begun to wonder if the magic of Okinawa was just something I was seeing through the rose colored memories of my youth. Your stories brought back so many memories and similar experiences. The smell of the banjo ditches, the bugs, the climate but of also the wonderful kind people of Okinawa who along with the natural beauty of the island made and I hope still make it such a magical place.
There were many times as I read your stories where I laughed so hard I thought I was going to cry. There were times when my own memories would come flooding back and the longing for those times where I did.
You may have known my father Maj. Fred McCabe. He was head of an Air Sea Rescue Squadron at Kadena during our stay at least to the best of my knowledge. He flew the big Jolly Green Giant helicopters that among other things went out and rescued people off of burning and sinking ships. Since you worked at the hospital perhaps you may have had some interaction or knew him.
My Dad has told me several times that rescuing people off those ships was the most rewarding thing he did during his time in the military. His time on Okinawa I believe was the highlight of his career.
I have not yet read the postings in the “Mail Bag” but I hope that you write more about your experiences on Okinawa. You are a wonderful writer and I would love to hear more about your times on Okinawa.
Sincerely,
H. McCabe

PS: there is a free program called Google Earth. It has satellite photos of the Earth and not too long ago they got new high resolution images of Okinawa and Kadena. I have spent hours finding our on base and off base homes. I believe I found our on base house but off base has changed so much. We lived off base our first year not too far from a little used base gate. It was a small cluster of cement homes eight or nine in all. All of them were rented or owned by U.S. military personnel. Up a small road just about a quarter of a mile or so was a small village where as children we would go to buy candy and fireworks. Just a dollar or two would get you a whole bag of each. To get to our house we had to take small back roads that went past farm fields. We where surrounded by hills and lots and lots of Habu Grass or known in the states as Pampas Grass.
Our house off base looked very similar to the one in your photo. White concrete with storm shutters and trim painted blue. All the houses in our area where white with shutters and trim painted a single color. Some were white with red or yellow or green or dark blue or light blue. The hallway was so narrow that I, as a six year old, could put one hand and foot on one side of the hallway and then wedge my other hand and foot on the other side and climb all the way up to the ceiling. I am sure it drove my mother and the rest of the parents in the neighborhood crazy to find small foot prints up and down the walls all there hallways. Kids pass that sort of discovery around quickly and soon all the kids where climbing the walls.
If you have any clue as to where my off base house may have been please let me know.


Wednesday, September 27, 2006 1:52 PM
I spent from June 1968 through December 1970 with the 400 MMS on Okinawa. My new wife, first and only one, and I lived at #4 Awase Meadows, Kittanaga-gusuko San, Okinawa. Our house was just past the Awase Meadows Golf Course down a small road on theleft, directly across from a very large white two story house. I'm sure that white house is still there.
That time was some of the happiest times of our lives.
I'd love to be put on your mailing list for Okinawa updates.
And if any of your members have any information on the Awase area I'd certainly like to hear from them.
Sincerely,
Ronald and Chris Harkins

Stonie
Friday, September 08, 2006 6:54 PM
Hi,
I really enjoyed your web site and it brought back so many great memories! I served with the Air Force with the 400MMS group from early 1968 to late 1969. I had my own quonset hut that I worked out of there and had two Okinawans who worked with me. Shie-ge and Chi-nin were their names. We took care of all air compressors, main power lines, electrical, air conditioning, and some things I can't talk about. Ha! I started my own business there at that time too, and did real well. I loved the people based on the fact that they either liked you or didn't. Ha! I started in karate at that time and continued it for another twenty years in the States. Now that I'm sixty years of age I can look back and truly say that those were some of my best years! I would love to go back just one more time?
Stonie
Philip Gibson
Thursday, September 07, 2006 5:31 PM
I grew up in Okinawa. I was there from 0 to 13 years old. We lived in Ginowan city close to where Ojana hill meets highway 58. We were there from 76 until 90.
Ed Gibson (my dad) was pastor of Maranatha Baptist church on highway 58, just below Futema Marine Corps air field.
The A&W restaurant you are talking about was very close to my house.
As a child I did not understand the unique experiences that we had as a family there.
I used to take the #13 city bus to plaza housing, where they had the pool. Every week Dad would take the family out to eat, we would go to the Ghengis Khan or the Pizza House. People talk of the foul smell of the benjo ditches, as a child I didn't think of it as a foul odor at all it was just Okinawa to me.
We vacationed many summers on Minia Shima the really really small island in the East China sea, it is mybe two kilometers off shore from Nago.
Shopping at BC street or gate two street was always fun, you still can't beat China Petes.
My childhood has given me a unique understnading of mulitcultralism that is beyond anything they can teach you in a classroom.
I thank God for my experiences there.
Philip Gibson
From: Garry Williams
Garry, here in Austin, Texas. I was stationed at Kakena AB 78-79. What a wonderful experience. Wish I could contact Saieko Isa. Me and my buddy lived right outside of the back gate. Literally, we lived right behind Kena's Kitchen. We rented from a retired GI. Hope that someone sees this note and finds the time to respond. Cheers.
garry
Thursday, August 24, 2006 2:35 PM
I was looking at the Castle on your page that Joe is trying to ID. I wish I had seen the drawing several months ago when I was in Okinawa for a visit. Zakimi Castle is one of my favorate places. It does not look completely like Zakimi but some things are very similar. Part of Zakimi castle would have been standing after the battle and there is a drop off on the north side of the castle. However it really does not fit. Nakagusuku Castle does not fit. There are a few other small Castles up north. This could be Shuri as some of the walls were left after the war, but not many and not that good of shape. My guess is that it is one of the smaller castles up north.

I love Okinawa history. If you ID the castle let us know!

Ed Hershman

This is the Castle Page Ed refers to

From Margaret Burd Powell
Wednesday, August 23, 2006 4:01p.m.
How you found ClickOkinawa.com: just browsing around after looking at Brats.com
I don't see any 2006 entries. Have folks stopped writing?
I graduated from Kubasaki High School in 1961 and am just finding out about all these brats websites, etc.......so interesting.
Loved my time in the military as a dependent and especially my senior year on Okinawa. Would love to read some up to date memos?
8/23/06
Margaret
Saturday, August 19, 2006 12:11 PM
Mick- I came across your website by accident while looking at the bio of radio host Art Bell. It seems he worked at KSBK, Naha. Well, so did I, and it brought back thoughts and memories that had been buried for a lot of years. I was on the Rock from June of 69 to January of 71, assigned to Navy Squadron VC-5 at NAF Naha.

I loved the island, and in my early explorations ran into an Air Force guy who was moonlighting at KSBK. When he found out I had radio experience, he suggested I try for the open position of all-night man. I got the job, and for a year and a half was " Steve Gold playing the hits AFRTS doen't want you to hear." Some the guys I worked with were Bob Wales. Jim Willis, Doug Greene, Johnny Max, Hariggan Hart, and the Nighthawk. What a blast! We did rock concerts, MC'd shows at the Fillmore in Koza featuring TLA (Trans Love Airways) with Johnny Brown singing lead, Smiley Davis on drums, Trip on lead guitar, Wildweed on bass. I still have reel-to-reel tapes of them and a KSBK aircheck somewhere in a box in the basement.Wow!

The Navy was most considerate in giving me shifts that complimented my radio job. I would get off work at 10;00 pm, head in to Naha, stop at the Castle Steam House for a rub, pick up a box or two of sushi, and hit the radio station by midnight. Life was good.

I currently work for Fox Television in Cleveland, and my younger son, a Senior Airman, just put in his dream sheet requesting Kadena AFB as his number 1 choice. What goes around.....Steve Goldurs


Thursday, July 06, 2006 8:39 AM
Hello,
My name is Rodney Little. I am an english teacher living in Naha, Okinawa. I am in the process of making a documentary about the war and how it changed okinawa.
I stumbled across your site in a google search and found many pictures of the warm okinawan people that i would like to use in my documentary.
I look forward to hearing form you.
Regards,
Rodney Little


Wednesday, June 28, 2006 3:52 AM
I lived in Okinawa at the end of the Korean conflict.
I was around the age of 8, and will return to Okinawa, for the first time within the next several weeks.
My dad built the first non - Quonset home, in an area known as AREA C.
Would you have any current maps that would indicated the location.
He was an officer with the USAF, and worked at Kadena Air Force Base. Each day he would drive thru SUKIRAN circle.
Would be greatly appreciated.
I have lived in Honolulu sinde 1970
Miles Anderson
agent21@aol.com
From: Valeria Perin
Wednesday, June 21, 2006 2:49 PM
Subj: Nakagusuku Castle
My dad was also in the 10th Army, 24th Corps. He remembers Naha, but cannot see the pictures of the castle well enough to say whether he remembers it or not. My dad's name is Frank Garcia from CA., called "little Garcia". He usually hung out with a soldier named Ford, my dad called him Junior. I am trying to get in touch with anyone who knew my dad. He always talks about being in the army. He now has terminal cancer, so I don't have much time.
Valeria Perin
Wednesday, June 07, 2006 10:41 AM
Hello:
I am sorry that I cannot help you with your book search, but was wondering if there is any chance of obtaining a/some digitial photos of the Circus Day book. I am looking for a book we read in Japan as children. I'm not exactly sure of the title or author. How's that for "helpful?" Apparently your text is in Japanese; it might be especially helpful if I could get a picture of the paper jacket and a couple of the inside of the book. Have you been able to get the book translated?
Thanks so much, and best of luck with your search!
Aletha Werner

Wednesday, June 07, 2006 3:59 PM
Hello, Aletha!
Thank you for visiting ClickOkinawa.com and for your message about my Okinawa Library. I have soooo many more publications that I need to add to my site - whenever I get (or take) the time. *Sigh!*
I have a couple of copies of the book you mention, both in English language, First Edition 1958. Author is Eleanor Hicks who also did the artwork.
Attached is a scan of the cover and the first page - I'm sure you'll recognize it. I think there would be some copyright ramifications were I to reproduce the entire book for you.
Please let me know, Aletha, if/how I may be of further help to you.
Kindest regards,
Mick

Thursday, June 08, 2006 11:35 PM
Thank you so much for taking the time to respond to my e-mail. I do believe that book is the one I am looking for, but I will have to take more than a cursory glance. Are you selling any of your copies or know where I can obtain one?
A. Werner


Thursday, June 01, 2006 4:05 PM
Hi Mick,
I ran across this web site and it has a web cam. go to www.mangohouse.jp and click on "live" middle left on screen. It is on the main shopping street in Naha.
I was going to the 623rd AC&W (Naha Air Base) reunion last month but had to cancel at the last minute. There is always next year.
Michael Prine
Oklahoma City

Michael's message made it all too clear that I have a horribly out-dated web-cam links feature. I'll need to get in there and clean it up, remove old dead links, etc. Thank you, Mike!
Mick


Monday, May 29, 2006 6:59 AM
My father was a LCT Skipper (LCT 1268) at Okinawa and then commander of LCT Flotilla 21 Group 63 based on Okinawa planning the invasion of the main islands.
He has a number of original orders from Okinawa which I want to give to museum. In scanning the internet there appear to be two museums on the Okinawa. Which museum do you recommend that I contact or is there another?
Mike Greene
Americus, GA
mikegreenelt@bellsouth.net
P.S. - Photos of the LCT 1268 are at archives/phibidx.htm.

Anyone who is on Island now have any suggestions for Mike Greene?


Saturday, May 06, 2006 10:01 AM
Mick -
I bought your Okinawa VHS tapes about three years ago, and thought that if you were still interested in Okinawa you might like to hear about a pretty good TV show (HDTV, though) about it. My wife read about it online on one of the Okinawan news sources when it was made, but didn't realize it was HD. I found it on the Discovery Channel HD Theater schedule, but too late to watch it. That did persuade my wife that it would be nice to have an HDTV, so we got one last fall. And I greatly appreciated it during football season! A few weeks ago, they showed the Okinawan episode again and we managed to get it on our Comcast DVR, but that didn't help my wife show it to her friends, so I wrote and asked about media. Turns out that they will be producing HD-DVD later in the year (which probably means next year), but they have conventional DVD available now so I ordered one so that my wife could lend it to her friends.
Obviously, the DVD is no match for HD, but it at least has a lot of good Okinwan footage. Following is the text of the reply I got when I asked about media:

Hi Larry,
Yes there are plans in the works for HD DVD versions of Festivals but it won't be happening until this coming Fall. In the meantime we are selling standard def dvds for $10.00 which includes shipping and handling. Send us a check with your mailing address and we can send whichever episode you would like.
Marc Pingry Productions
8814 Densmore Ave N
Seattle, WA 98103
Thanks for your interest in our series. Discovery HD is ordering 12 more episodes.
Marc Pingry
Producer - Fantastic Festivals of the World

The URL for this particular episode is: http://www.pingryhdtv.com/festivals11.html
FWIW, this episode won an award for HD cinematography at the Deffy Awards (whatever they are).
There is also a Discovery HDTV special on "Okinawa's Coral Treasures" which makes the rounds if you happen to catch it.
Regards,
Larry Prall

May 7, 2006, at 3:49 PM
Hello, Larry!
I do recognize your name and want to thank you again for your purchases. Thanks too for this information about the Okinawa DVD. I'll cehck out that website and, more than likely, will order it.
Shall I give them your name as the person who referred me? (Some sites give credit to those who bring others in).
I hope you're enjoying a restful weekend,
Kind regards,
Mick


From: David Stewart
Sunday, April 23, 2006 2:01p.m.
Subj: 1940s pix
I just discovered your website and have spent the weekend enjoying your photos. You have a picture of an Army Officer titled "armyman" in the 1940’s group. I am almost (90%) positive who he is. Major William (Bill) Pollard. Now deceased; retired a colonel over 35 years ago. We also lived near them, on base, at Fort Eustis, VA in 1957. He changed a lot over the years and my memory is fading. Unfortunately, I have no pix of Col. Pollard in dad's collection.
This is the photo to which David refers.
He and my dad were best friends on Okinawa; however, that was in 1952-54, not the 40s. I have color slides taken by my dad of the floats on parade shown in pictures in your slide show. I am attaching my dad’s slide of a float, which was taken of the “Perry Centennial Day Parade.” Your picture of the same float, titled “Parade Food” is in the group of pix “The Work” in the 1940 pix. (Even the fellow walking in the foreground is in both pix.) Small world!!!

This one is posted on the site.


This a an enhanced portion of the photo David sent.


I was 12-14 on Okinawa and 17 at Ft. Eustis. The years dim my memory, but it sure looks like Col. Pollard. My parents are deceased and Bill and his wife, Mary, are all gone now so I can't verify the photo, but I'm pretty sure its Bill.
Dave Stewart
Pennsylvania

Sunday, April 23, 2006 5:29 PM
Hi, Dave!
Thanks for visiting ClickOkinawa.com and for your interesting message. I've posted your message in the "Mailbag" in hope that it might stimulate some correspondence among others who may have known you and Major Pollard.
I am trying to reseacrh Major / Colonel William Pollard and am finding many "hits" with his name - none with rank and name.
Do you happen to remember, Dave, where Colonel Pollard was from? His homestate could sure narrow the research.
Please go to the Mailbag and check it out! Oh, do you mind if I post your e-mail adderss along with your name? If not, that's ok and understandable.
"Talk" to you again!
Mick

David Stewart
Sunday, April 23, 2006 6:25 PM
Subj: Col. Pollard
Being a teenager at the time, I only knew the Pollard's socially....as a child you are not included in the finer details. After Bill's death, his wife, Mary, returned to HER family homestead in Ohio. I only know the state as my parents went out to visit Mary several times (my parents retired to upper New York state.) After my father's death 15 years ago, Mary did my mother's income taxes until my mother's passing 8 years ago.
I haven't seen Mary in 20 years, but my mother mentioned her many times. When my mother passed away I tried, unsucessfully, to trace Mary down in Ohio. I don't think Mary could possibly be alive now as she would have to be very old and her health wasn't good when Mom was still around. Bill and Mary didn't have any children.
When your slide of the army officer popped up, I thought, "That's Bill!" But it took a while to put a last name to the picture. I read the caption underneath hoping that a name would appear. The "unknown soldier" factor only increased the mystery. All I could remember is that he looked like the husband of my Mom's friend Mary. I am pretty sure it is him, but the last time I saw Bill, just before he died 30 years ago, he was very ill and had lost almost all body weight. (Bill was a heavy smoker and drinker.) At the time he and Mary were visiting my parents in upstate NY and I met him briefly. (These officers retired back in 1959-60.) The only other source of idenity would have been my older brother, but he passed away before Mom.
I'm not even sure what Bill did for the Army, but I believe he was in Finance. I THINK, and this is a big THINK, that Mary was a former Major in the Army Nurse Corp. That might help, but I'm not sure of that fact. Something in the back of my mind makes me think that I heard it once upon a time. Maybe that could help your search.(?)
I did go through my father's slide collection and find no pictures of any adult friends on Okinawa; only family and a few scenery shots such as the Perry Parade. About 75% of Dad's slides were totally ruined from mold and age. For some reason Dad did take about a half dozen pix of that parade. That's how I recognized the float. About six months ago I finally finished scanning my fathers entire slide collection (dating back to Guam - 1947) and that is the only reason that particular slide jogged my memory.
Wow, now I've really muddied the waters. Even I, at this point, have a few more doubts of his idenity. But my first impression when I saw the pix was "that's Bill!"
I would rather not publicize my email address. When I get email and don't recogonize the sender, I burn it away. I was stung big time with a virus a year ago and lost a lot of data. Anyone wants to contact me can do it through you.
I have put out a couple feelers to people who indicated that they went to Kubasaki HS, but I post their return addresses on a log. When email comes in I verify who its from before opening it.
Thanks for the slide shows. Unfortunately, any pix taken after the late 50's look like a strange place to me. I really enjoyed your 1940 series! And I've just begun to take a peek.
Dave Stewart


Michael Nickell
Monday, April 17, 2006 2:21 PM
Hi, I don't know if you remember me, I bought a bunch of your VHS home movie's a couple of years ago off of EBAY
My question is when I returned back to Okinawa in Oct. 2003 for a visit I bought an music C.D. of Okinawa songs!, and one of the song was in the movie I watched last night called "The Japanese Story", The song is called "Chinsagu No Hana" . On the back of the C.D. case the song title is in english but the inside book the words are all in japanese! If anyone whould know you would, or could find out! I will even pay you.
Their is also another song that was in the movie called " Asadoya Bushi" that they played briefly that was a beautiful song. I went on line and the soundtrack comes from Austrailia and is too expensive. So if you have time or knows somebody with the translations of theses two songs, I would be grateful, Thanks Mick
Email me at okisho573@yahoo.com
MF Nickell Maj. USMC (Ret)

Hi, Michael!

I do indeed recognize your name - and let me thank you once again for your interest in my Tour Okinawa video collection. I hope that you are still enjoying them.
As if often the case, your inquiry has sent me on a two-hour (so far) scavenger hunt. The more I search for stuff the more I learn - and that's why I love it when readers send me questions.
Well, guess what!? I may have come up with something for you - and a bonus, if you care. I'll be spending more time on the hunt, but meantime, Here goes:

Asadoya Bushi

Okinawan folk music (from Yaeyama): Asadoya Yunta. (Sutton, field tape) Originally a folk song from the island of Taketomi in the small cluster of islands known as Yaeyama (most southern part of the Ryukyu archipelago), where it is often performed with no instrumental accompaniment. Here, in a version from the main island (Okinawa), women sing to the accompaniment of sanshin, kutu, kucho (four-string bowed lute) and yotsudake (bamboo castanets). Asado (Asato) is a family name; ya means "house"/"family"; and yunta is a local term for a group work song. The original, in local dialect, tells the story of the beautiful Kuyama of that family being courted by a government official. Around 1940 a Japanese-language version was made to appeal to the mainland Japanese, in connection with a film. Even the Okinawans (who are losing their dialect) tend to sing the Japanese version, except, of course, back in Yaeyama. A classical (koten) piece, known as "Asadoya Bushi," is derived from this folk song, with similar melody, but slower tempo and performed without the bamboo castanets. (notes courtesy of David Hughes)

Lyrics:
"Oh, my wife is as a flower amid a bed of thorns..
Oh how happy, how ashamed, to acquire a name of unfaithfulness..
The two of us alone, but somehow constrained.
I have dyed for you a dark blue kimono - please wear it with a sash as a sign of my affection"

(Source: DooYoo.co.uk)


Tinsagu nu Hana (Okinawan "the Basalm Flowers") is a popular Ryukyuan folksong in the Okinawan language. It is also sometimes spelled Tensagu nu Hana.
Notice that each verse has the same number of syllables, as is typical in Ryukyuan prose (called ryuka):

ti-.n-sa-gu-nu-ha-na-ya
ci-mi-za-ci-ni-su-mi-ti
u.-ya-nu-yu-si-gu-tu-ya
ci-mu-ni-su-mi-ri

ti-.n-nu-bu-ri-bu-si-ya
yu-mi-ba-yu-ma-ri-si-ga
u.-ya-nu-yu-si-gu-tu-ya
yu-mi-ya-na-ra-.n

yu-ru-ha-ra-su-fu-ni-ya
ni-nu-fa-bu-si-mi-a.-ti
wa-.n-na-ce-ru-u.-ya-ya
wa-.n-du-mi-a.-ti

ta-ka-ra-da-ma-ya-ti-.n
mi-ga-ka-ni-ba-sa-bi-su
a.-sa-yu-ci-mu-mi-ga-ci
u.-ci-yu-wa-ta-ra

ma-ku-tu-su-ru-yu-i.-du
a.-tu-ya-i.-ci-ma-di-.n
u.-mu-gu-tu-.n-ka-na-ti
ci-yu-nu-sa-ka-i.

na-si-ba-na-ni-gu-tu-.n
na-i.-ru-ku-tu-ya-si-ga
na-sa-nu-yu-i.-ka-ra-du
na-ra-nu-ka-na-mi

English translation:
Just as my fingernails are painted with the pigment from the basalm flowers, my heart is painted with the teachings of my parents.
Although the galaxies in the sky are countable, the teachings of my parents are not.
Just as the ships that run in the night are guided to safety by the polestar, I am guided by the parents who birthed me and watch over me.
Just as there's no point in owning splendid jewelry if you don't maintain it, human beings who maintain their bodies will live life wonderfully.
The wishes of he who lives sincerely always come true and he prospers.
You can do anything if you try, but if you can't if you don't.

Kindest regards,
Semper Fi!
Mick

Tuesday, April 18, 2006 12:18PM
YOUR TRULY AN ANGEL MICK, I OWE YOU BIG TIME!
ANYTHING YOU WANT JUST ASK!
How is your family doing, your son's are probably grown up with children of their own. In the EXPO "75 video was the little girl "Brittney" your daughter or a family friend?
Well anyway thanks for taking the time out and doing this and for the fast reply.
NICK

Hi!
Happy that you're happy!
Brittney is indeed that "little girl" who is now in Damascus, Syria, studying Arabic languages. She finished up at Florida State last year and has been doing some internships. She was in Cairo, Egypt for several months and this month will be transferring to the US Embassy in Casablanca, Morocco for another internship.
She was highlighted on the FSU website: profiles/mcclary
and mcclary/finalist
We are very proud of her accomplishments so far. She aspires to be a "somebody" in the State Department - and, ya know, I believe that she'll achieve that!
Well, needless to say, I'm going to be researching your very intriguing inquiry some more so don't be surprised if I send you some more information!
Kindest regards,
V/R
Mick

P.S. As for owing me big time.... "ANYTHING" I want, huh? HehHehHeh!! Lemme think on that a while - maybe the winning California lottery ticket. I heard today that it's over 700 million!


From: Mary Estep
Tuesday, April 4, 2006 9:36PM
Hey! Remember me? - Mary Estep. I remember you from Great Falls. I see that you are the webmaster for the email link that my new co worker here in Okinawa emailed me.
I visited the Nakamura farmhouse just last week.
I am new here to Okinawa. I've been here less than a month, but I'm enjoying it so far. I've seen the Yakatori on the streets and I still have a recipe that you scratched onto a Rx for me of how to make it. The good old days at Malmstrom.
Since then I've separated from the Air Force and then came back on duty 4 years later.
Made MSgt my first time testing to catch up with where I left off. I'll be putting on that stripe in a month or so.
I'm working with TRICARE Pacific for the Lead Agent.
Well, just wanted to say hello!
Still in Montana? I liked it there. I still miss it at times.

TSgt MARY A ESTEP
NCOIC, TRICARE Area Office - Pacific
Camp Lester, Okinawa
Email: estepma@oki10.med.navy.mil


From: Joe P.
jazzman500@comcast.net
Tuesday, March 21, 2006 7:53p.m.
Mr. McClary,
My father sketched an Okinawan castle during WWII. It has the American flag flying inside its walls and he has written on it "The palace of Okinawa, now occupied by the 10th Army of the United States." He writes that he "could see far out into the China Sea". Would you have any idea which castle this could be. I could send you a copy if it would help.
Thanks
Joe P. - Michigan

This one deserves a page all it's own! Check it out! (Click Here)


From:Bill Greene
wgreene21@comcast.com
Friday, March 17, 2006 12:00p.m.
It was probably at least three years ago that I ordered your VHS set on Okinawa, which I have thoroughly enjoyed.
Perhaps you'll recall my telling you a few years back when I first discovered your Okinawa website that I also lived at Nakasone Apartment in the Goya section of Koza. I recently purchased a Nikon film/slide scanner and have just scanned and digitized a slide of the apartment building. If you don't mind, I would like to send it to you.
I don't know if you recall Bob Wales, the radio personality who hosted the very popular "Opinion Line" on KSBK, but I contacted him a couple of years ago and we e-mailed back and forth a few times. I believe he was forced to leave Okinawa in 1974, whereupon he returned to the states, finished law school, and remarried. He retired not long ago to Terlingua, TX, and has his own website.
Anyhow, I figured it was about time to contact you again.
Thanks again for the wonderful and informative website!
Sincerely,
Bill

Hi, Bill!
Believe it or not, your name looked immediately familiar and after reading your message I DO remember your previous correspondence.
The name, Bob Wales, also rings a familiar bell, but I have to admit that I don't know why. Was he also on AFRS on Okinawa back in the 70s? The older I get the less clearly do the bells ring! But that name gave a little tinkle.
Does his website presentmuch (any?) information about Okinawa?
Bill, I'm delighted that you have enjoyed the Tour Okinawa collection. As time goes by and technology gets into the hands of common consumers like me it's more fun to do things like putting my Tours on DVD. So far I've got 4 of the 14 Tour set recorded on to DVD. Now, I am watching for a reasonably affordable DVD-to-DVD recorder. When I get REALLY good at it I think I'll re-do the entire collection with some additional narration. I wouldn't want to overdo the narration though. Too much gab can ruin a good thing!
I am still looking forward to getting back to Okinawa some day and as each year passes it just seems to be busier and busier. Maybe it's time for me to think about retiring too. But I'm still having too much fun with my patients to just bag it all now. But, maybe soon....
Well, Bill, it's so very good to be able to keep in touch with you! The Internet, e-mail included, still blows me away! What a terrific tool - and one that we can enjoy in our lifetime! Can you imagine, Bill, what our kids and grandkids will be able to do in another 30-40 years! !? It's mind-boggling. Think of where we were 40 years ago and where we are now!
My favorite story about the miracle of the Internet is about a phone conversation I was having with my dad a few years ago. Our discussion came around to my grandfather - my Dad's father - and his service in World War I. Dad spoke of an issue of National Geographic that he once had that had a photo lay-out of a bombed out village in France. One photo was of a badly damaged 2-story home; in one window on the 2nd floor, three "Dough Boys" were hanging out one of the windows, hamming for the cameraman. Well, Dad had lost the Nat Geo magazine but remembered the month and year of the issue. As we continued to speak I jumped into eBay and, sure enough, there was the issue being offered. I bid, I won and sent it on to my Dad. What a terrific surprise it was for him!
As for the miracle? Before the Internet, how would a guy in Great Falls, Montana have ever been able to hook up, in just minutes, with another guy in New Zealand who just happened to have a dusty old National Geographic in his basement?
Few things, in my opinion, deserve to be called "awesome." Nowadays, people say, "Awesome!" as casually as I used to say, "Cool!" when I was a kid. There are only a few really awesome things, in my mind. The SR-71 is one. The Lord, and, of course, the Internet!
Well, my friend, I've probably bored you to tears with my ramblings.
Thank you, Bill, for remembering me and especially for getting back in touch. You're awesome! Just kiddin', but I do think you're cool!
Kindest regards,
Mick
Stephen A. "Mick" McClary
Great Falls, Montana

From: Ray
Monday, February 20, 2006 7:58p.m.
rayburr@ria.net
I was stationed on Okinawa from January 1966 to February 1968. I was in the Army with the Air Defense Artillery. I was assigned to the Nike-Hercules (NH) battalion (BN) on the north part of the island.
There were two HAWK BN's and two NH BN's. We also had a RADAR site up on the Motobu peninsula at the top of Mt. Yaetake (Site 18). Our Headquarters and Headquarters Battery (HHB) was fragmented between Sites 1, 2, and 18. I was the HHB Commander (CMDR) and Asst. Operations Officer for the NH BN. This entailed travel between the three sites. I put 5000 miles on my wife's Rambler and 3000 miles on a Honda motorcycle in the two years I was there.
I worked as many as 140 hours in one week and usually 80 hours per week. When I first went to work at the BN Ops Center at Site 2, I asked the Ops Officer how they worked their time off. He replied, "It's sort of like a day on and stay on. We usually give the married men time off to get the divorce."
The week I worked 140 hours occurred so that I could have the weekend off when my family arrived. There was a six month waiting period for on-base housing at that time. We were in a brand new duplex at Camp Kue. By brand new I mean we were the first family to live in it. At least my family did. I was on-site more than off.
I was the only officer in the 30th Brigade to ride a motorcycle. The 30th Brigade CMDR (a one star General Officer) required all motorcycle operators be members of the Special Forces Group Motorcycle Club which had a stringent driving test. I had to drive the bike to Machinato to get an actual driver's license. After I passed the written test, I asked if the examiner wanted to go with me for a road test. His reply was, "If you drove it this far, you must know how to handle it." So there was no road test.
My tour was cut short by orders to Vietnam in February 1968.
My wife was a substitute teacher while we were there. Our son started school in Colorado where you had to be five years old before school started to start kindergarten. His sister, who is one day shy of being two years younger, was able to start kindergarten on Okinawa (under California school laws) at age four before turning five in December. That placed them graduating from high school (back in the States, of course) and starting college only one year apart.
I have rambled on too long. My experiences on Okinawa were much different than those of you who served there later on. The Ryukyu Islands were governed by the Americans when I was there. We used standard U.S. currency and drove on the right side of the roads. The top speed on Hiway 1 was 35 MPH.
My family enjoyed the local life more than I had an opportunity to do, but I enjoyed what little I saw of it. Especially the motorcycle drives up to Site 18 on the back road (dubbed "Pineapple Road"). The views were spectacular.
Thanks for listening.

Hello, Ray!
Thanks for visiting ClickOkinawa.com and for your message. As I'vetold so many of my readers, I truly envy your having been on Okinawa pre-1972. I've heard so many stories about how wild and crazy it was in the "old days" before Reversion.
I've enjoyed every word in reading of your adventures and hope that someone who knew you back then reads this and will get in touch with you to reunite and share some old war stories!
With great respect for your sevice in Vietnam,
Kindest regards,
Mick

From: John Pippin
Saturday, February 18, 2006 3:47p.m.
johnpippin2000@yahoo.com
Mick-Okinawa was my very first assignmenet [Jun 1972-Dec 1974] in the USAF. My wife joined me there after she finished phase II medical lab tech school (In fact she was the first female med lab tech assigned to the clinic). The clinic was at the time the 824th CSGp Dispensary. As such, we a had 24 bed ward, which was closed when the Air Force did away the term Dispensary. You were either a clinic, hospital, or medical center. When the ward was closed, I worked the Immunization Clinic.
I still have fond meories of Kadena & Okinawa.
Ronald J "John" Pippin
MSgt, USAF, Ret
Saint Simons Island, Georgia, USA

"All things bright & beautiful
All creatures great & small
All things wise & wonderful
The Lord God made them all...."
Cecil Alexander

Dyslexics UNTIE!

Hi, John! Please forgive my delay in getting back to you. Gomen-nasai!
So nice to hear from you - and thank you, John, for visiting ClickOkinawa.com!
I, too, was a medic; a 902 (corpsman) at Kadena and Naha Air Bases in 1972-75 and then went back to Kadena Clinic in 1986 as a PA. Had a great time and I too have a ton of fond memories. Since you were there '72 - '74 I'll bet our paths crossed. I worked in the Emergency Room of the clinic at Kadena until 1975 when I went down to the Naha Clinic to run that place until I left in May.
I don't remember having any inpatient beds though. Whenever we had to admit someone we'd haul 'em over to the Army hospital at Camp Kue. As you probably know, that old Army hospital has been a Naval Regional Medical Center for many years now.
Well, John, I'm very happy that you contacted me and look forward to keeping in touch!
Kindest regards,
Mick


Sunday, February 5, 2006 1:14PM
Donna Musil
Hi Mick!
I just wanted to drop a line to say thank you so much for your kind words and your continued support of the film. You personally helped when we needed it most and I will always be grateful.
I also want to say how happy I am that the film helped. Like Oprah says, “We do better when we know better.” I’m sure you weren’t as terrible as you think – but it takes a really strong individual to step up to the plate and see their own mistakes and say ‘I’m sorry.’ Your children are very lucky to have a father like you. So much of the time, that’s all it takes – just acknowledging the mistakes and saying I’m sorry. My own mom did that a couple years ago and it made all the difference in our relationship and in my life. It also really enabled me to focus more on the good things about my ‘brat life,’ once I got beyond the challenges. I’m sure it will do the same in your boys’ lives.
I also know how hard intimacy and commitment is for all of us brats. I’ve always thought it was ironic – as kids, we just jumped right in and got to know everyone, even if we were only going to be there a year. Now, I keep using the “well, I’m going to move anyway” excuse not to get involved in my community at all. I think this legacy is going to be a lifelong struggle for all of us… but the more we face our fears, the easier it will get. I try to tell myself now – hey, if the worst happens, I survived before, I can survive again. Better to take a chance on getting what you want than assuring yourself you won’t get it by never taking a chance. Right?
By the way – I’m also encouraging folks to start what I call informal “BRATS Clubs” in their own neighborhood. Kind of like a neighborhood book club? Where brats can watch the film together and talk about it. I think there are loads of brats in people’s neighborhood that they don’t even know are brats – and the film can bring these people together. And not just military brats – but foreign service brats, corporate brats, missionary brats, military brats of other countries, etc. We often have more in common with each other than with the other folks in our lives. If you do form one, let me know and I’ll start posting a list of the clubs around the country and what people are thinking/talking about.
You mentioned the Okinawa websites. Any chance you could follow up on that and add your review/links to the sites? Your word will probably have more pull than mine will. We actually sent Sunny Schwentner a screening copy of the film and apparently, she didn’t like it. So I’m not sure how much she is “passing the word around.”
And if you know anyone in the military we should talk to – about getting copies of the film to the doctors and teachers and family services and even into the PX and theaters – let me know.
Thanks again, Mick – for everything. I really appreciate it – and I’m glad the film helped! Your brother’s copy will go out in the mail tomorrow.
Warmly,
Donna Musil, Director
“BRATS: Our Journey Home”
Brats Without Borders, Inc.
P.O. Box 3096
Eatonton, GA 31024
www.bratsourjourneyhome.com
info@bratsourjourneyhome.com
From: Dr. Kay Sackett
Tuesday, January 17, 2006 6:51p.m.
kaysack@buffalo.edu
Stephen,
I came upon your site looking for information about Okinawa. In specific, I am looking for audio tapes of the Okinawan language ( Ho-gan I believe). Ideally I'd like tapes with English and Ho-gan so I could practice. Have you seen or heard of anything like this? I tried the university arena and found language courses but no tapes. Any suggestions you might have would be much appreciated.
Thanks.
Kay Sackett

I wasn't able to find a thing for her. Anyone out there who can?


From: Ron Harkins
Tuesday, January 3, 2006 5:17PM
Hi Mick,
I just viewed your Okinawa pictures. They brought back some memories…all good.
I was on the Rock from June 66 through Dec.1970. My son was born at Camp Kue Army Hospital and we lived at #4 Awasi Meadows just past the Gold course as I remember it.
When I get the time I'll review some of the 300+ photos I took of the island and if any are still good I'll send some interesting ones to you for your site.
Which brings me to a question maybe you can help me with.
I used to work at a PACAF Munitions Control Facility in the Bishigawa area that coordinated all the munitions carried by the BUFFs going down south each day. I worked at a complex off of old Highway 1, I think it's now Highway 58, right? Anyway, I remember we drove through Kadena Circle heading north. The access road to the 400MMS Control Facility was the next right turn after passing the road to Yontan Airport.
I'm curious if you, or one of your readers, might know if that facility is still there?
Also, like I said, I lived at #4 Awase Meadows and my wife and I had a great time on Oki even if there was a war going on. It's nice to see someone else also enjoyed the people and places that was Okinawa. I hope to get back there to see all the changes in the near future. From your pictures I know that old Gate 2 Street and most of the territory south of Kadena has really changed a lot in the last 35 years. But I'd sure like to experience it once more myself.
Well, take it easy and have a great New Year. I really enjoyed your site.
Regards,
Ron Harkins
Friday, November 11, 2005 1:52p.m.
Mick,
Is this a coincidence or what? I'm Stephen A. Spencer...did I read that you are Stephen A as well? Or is this not the case?
Nevertheless, I'm more than impressed with your love and knowledge of Okinawa.
I grew up as a missionary kid on Okinawa, 60-72, and I had returned to North Carolina for College by the time you arrived on the rock for your first tour of duty. I now live in Seattle and work as a chaplain for the VA which I've done for 7 years now. I had the opportunity to organize a Kubasaki High School 30 year class reunion here in Seattle in 2002 and brought 30 of my old classmates to the Puget Sound. We had a blast.
Anyway, if you are in Montana and ever get out here to Seattle give me a buzz. My parents were good friends and colleagues with Edward Bollinger who died not long ago. His widow lives in California and I grew up with his two daughters Debbie and Beth. My wife Joan, my two daughters (ages 22 and 27) and I will be going back to Okinawa for a 10 day trip in August, 2006. My wife and I went previously but this will be my first opportunity to introduce my daughters to my home.
My surfing the web today introduced me to your web site. Thanks for what you've set up. It's tremendous. My journey back is a "soul" journey, as Okinawa was my home and still is even though my last trip was in 89 and I haven't lived there since I was a teenager. I went to Hawaii last month for a professional mtg., but it's not the rock!
Steve Spencer
VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle
Coordinator of Clinical Pastoral Education
Stephen.Spencer@med.va.gov
http://www.va.gov/pscpe
From: Dan Dermody
dandermody@jmpradio.com
Tuesday, November 08, 2005 11:58 AM
I was stationed on Okinawa at Kadena from March of '64 to September of '65. Loved every minute of it.
Worked on the Flight Line, where the pilots would fly 'for time' to keep current, in T-33's and T-39's. Would love to hear from anyone who was there at the time. Worked "off duty" for AFRTS , and KSBK radio. Would love to hear from some of the guys from back then. Jim Estep..Doug Greene..Jay Sherwood..etc.
Also..if anyone has any information on The Paulettes, an all-girl band from the Phillipines that played the clubs on Okinawa on a regular basis back then, I'd love to hear from you. They were really fantastic. Hard to believe they'd be in their upper 50's now.
Where HAVE the years gone?

Tuesday, November 08, 2005 11:11 PM
Hello, Dan!
Thank you very kindly for visiting ClickOkinawa.com. I hope that you are enjoying the website.
Thanks, too, for your message. I'll post it very soon in the MailBag and hopefully you'll get some "hits" from it.
I was on island 1972-75 and 1986-90. I really wish that I could have experienced Okinawa BEFORE reversion. I got there 5 months AFTER. *Tsk!*
I hope that you've taken a look at my Tour Okinawa video collection too. Let me know if I can be of any further assistance in getting you hooked up with some of your old buddies.
As for your question about where those years have gone... Man! Ain't that the truth!
God Bless, and kindest regards,
Mick


From: Cheryl Rogers
e-mail: arogers@itilink.com
Saturday, October 1, 2005
I lived on Okinawa and loved every minute from 1968-1972.
My father was in the Air Force and I attended Kubasaki 9 and Kubasaki High School, graduating in 1972. I worked for 4 years (69-72)at Yaka Beach.
My husband (born and raised on Okinawa and also a KHS graduate) and I returned to visit with our children in 1983. We'd love to go back again.

I'm thinking that you, your husband and your children went back to Okinawa in '83. What you wrote sounds like you and your hubby went to visit with your kids.... never mind! *grin*
Anyway, a lot has changed since '83. I know, 'cause I left there in 1990. The 4 years I spent ('86-'90) were clearly different from my first tour of the Island ('72-'75). I'm hoping that we can go back in '06. I've been wanting to go every year for the last 4 or 5 years and something always comes up that precludes the trip. Well, enough of that!
I trust, Cheryl, that you have been to the Kubasaki website - yes? If not, go to my "Links" page and make the trip back to KHS. Hmmmm... "KHS" must have been a problem. Kubasaki High.... Kadena High....

More in the bag!

Page 1 of MailBag
Page 2 of MailBag
Page 3
Page 4
Page 5
Page 6
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Page 8


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