About the NVN
Why We Exist
The Nisei soldiers are the Americans of Japanese ancestry who served during World War II. These soldiers overcame discrimination and adversity to serve their country and became the most highly decorated military unit for their size and length of service. Their struggle to overcome prejudice and demonstrate their loyalty to the United States is a story that can inspire, inform and empower us. The National Veterans Network is proud to share and perpetuate this important part of our American military history with you.
Our Mission
The National Veterans Network is a national organization whose mission is: to preserve, inform, and advocate how the Japanese American World War II Nisei soldiers’ loyalty, courage, and patriotism embody American values and shape future decisions about justice and equality in a democracy.
By partnering with nationally renowned organizations, the NVN has engaged millions of people across the country through interactive exhibitions, curriculums, public events and a digital archive. NVN is fiscally sponsored by the Tides Center, a 501(C)(3) non-profit organization.
Who We Are: The NVN Leadership
Christine Sato-Yamazaki
Executive Director of the National Veterans Network
Advisory Board
Donna Cole
President & CEO, Cole Chemical
Houston TX
Lynn Fuchigami-Parks
Executive Director, Japanese American Museum of Oregon
Portland OR
Amy “Emiko” Hever
Consultant, J. Mueller & Associates
Philadelphia PA
Howard Hieshima
Former Commander, Chicago Nisei Post No. 1183, the American Legion
Chicago IL
Dale Ikeda
Superior Court Judge, Retired
Fresno CA
Floyd Mori
JACL National Executive Emeritus
Salt Lake City, UT
Mari Okayabashi
AARP Texas Executive Council
Houston TX
Maj. General Tony Taguba
Chairman of the Board, Filipino Veterans Recognition and Memorial Project
Alexandria, VA
Bill Takakoshi
Consultant, Hurt Norton & Associates, Inc.
Oakdale VA
Rosalyn Tonai
Executive Director, National Japanese American Historical Society & The MIS Learning Center
San Francisco, CA
Yuzo Tokita
Board Member, Seattle Nisei Veterans Committee
Seattle WA
Dale Watanabe
Executive Director, Japan America Society of Washington
Seattle WA
Mari Watanabe
Executive Director, Partners In Diversity
Portland OR
Lt. Col. Michael Yaguchi (Ret)
Board of Director, Armed Forces Insurance
Seattle WA
Our History
The National Veterans Network is established
The Congressional Gold Medal (our nation’s highest civilian award) is collectively awarded to U.S. Army’s 100th Infantry Battalion, the 442nd Regimental Combat Team and the Military Intelligence Service
The Congressional Gold Medal embarks on a national tour in partnership with the Smithsonian Institution
The Congressional Gold Medal is displayed at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History
The digital exhibition “The Nisei Soldier: Congressional Gold Medal” is unveiled in partnership with the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center and the Smithsonian National Museum of American History
The White House hosts the NVN and Japanese American World War II veterans at their Generational Experiences of Asian Americans & Pacific Islanders and MASSA communities event
A Japanese American WWII experience curriculum is produced in partnership with the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center
The collection of Japanese American WWII objects begins, along with exhibition development at the National Museum of the U.S. Army
A new elementary and middle school curriculum will launch in partnership with the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center and Teaching Tolerance
Education and public programs highlighting the Nisei Soldiers and Congressional Gold Medal exhibitions launch at the National Museum of the U.S. Army
Our Partners & Supporters
The NVN thanks all of our program and exhibition partners and donors for your collaboration, support and generosity.
