Go back to PRESS RELEASES
Sharon Yamato
310-823-7997
sharony360@gmail.com
GO FOR BROKE NATIONAL EDUCATION CENTER STATEMENT:
Organization's Former National Spokesperson General Eric Shinseki Ideally Suited to Run the Veteran Affairs
TORRANCE, Calif. (December 8, 2008) – The Go For Broke National Education Center teaches the values of citizenship, patriotism, and leadership embodied in the American story of a unique group of World War II soldiers of Japanese ancestry through its education and preservation programs. From December 2006, General Eric K. Shinseki (U.S. Army, Retired) served as the organization’s national spokesperson and upon learning of his nomination, stepped down from his role. During his two years as national spokesperson, General Shinseki helped ensure greater understanding and awareness of the significant but little-known contributions of Americans of Japanese Ancestry to our nation’s World War II efforts.
"On behalf of the veterans and the Go For Broke National Education Center, though we will miss General Shinseki we are pleased that President-Elect Obama has selected him to be his Secretary of Veterans Affairs. We can think of no other person who is better suited for this position. General Shinseki has a proven history of taking care of soldiers, veterans and their families. He will do much to ensure that all veterans, including those serving in uniform today, receive the care and benefits they rightfully deserve, earned and need. It is a proud moment for our community and our country," said Christine Sato Yamazaki, president and CEO, Go For Broke National Education Center.
Born in Lihue, Kaua'i, Hawai'i, Shinseki served in the Army for 38 years. Prior to assuming his duties as the 34th Chief of Staff, United States Army in 1999, he was simultaneously Commanding General, U.S. Army, Europe; Commander, Allied Land Forces, Central Europe; and Commander, NATO Stabilization Force, Bosnia-Herzegovina. His service also included two combat tours with the 9th and 25th Infantry Divisions in the Republic of Vietnam.
The National Education Center's programs include: Hanashi Oral History Program, the nation's largest oral history collection of its kind, American Story Teacher Training Program, Resource Center, interactive educational initiatives, and the Go For Broke Monument located in the Little Tokyo district of downtown Los Angeles. Resources, including its oral history archive, lesson plans, historical content, and membership are available via the organization’s website www.goforbroke.org.
Go back to PRESS RELEASES
