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 educate current and future generations about the extraordinary legacy of American WWII soldiers of Japanese ancestry in order to promote equality and justice.
By partnering with nationally renowned organizations, the NVN has engaged millions of people across the country through interactive exhibitions, curriculum, teacher training and public events.
Who We Are: The NVN Leadership
Christine Sato-Yamazaki
Executive Director of the National Veterans Network
Advisory Board
Lynn Fuchigami-Parks
Executive Director, Japanese American Museum of Oregon, Retired
Portland OR
Amy “Emiko” Hever
Director, The Players Trust, Major League Baseball Players Association
New York NY
Howard Hieshima
Former Commander, Chicago Nisei Post No. 1183, the American Legion
Chicago IL
Dale Ikeda
Superior Court Judge, Retired
Fresno CA
Lindsay Horikoshi
Engagement Manager, Camber Collective, LLC
Washington D.C.
Jani Iwamoto
Senator, Utah State Senate, Retired
Salt Lake City, UT
Floyd Mori
JACL National Executive Emeritus
Salt Lake City, UT
Bill Takakoshi
Consultant, Hurt Norton & Associates, Inc.
Oakdale VA
Linda Tamura
Professor Emerita of Education, Willamette University
Hood River, OR
Rosalyn Tonai
Executive Director, National Japanese American Historical Society & The MIS Learning Center
San Francisco, CA
Dale Watanabe
Executive Director, Japan America Society of Washington
Seattle WA
Founding Emeritus Board
Donna Cole
President & CEO, Cole Chemical
Houston TX
Maj. General Tony Taguba
Chairman of the Board, Filipino Veterans Recognition and Memorial Project
Alexandria, VA
Mari Watanabe
Executive Director, Partners In Diversity (Retired)
Portland OR
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. NVN is fiscally sponsored by the Tides Center, a 501(C)(3) nonprofit organization.
