We Remember


Tokyo VFW Post 9450 member Francis A. Hunter plays the bagpipes during Memorial Day at the Foreigner's Cemetery in Yokohama.

Every year VFW posts in the Tokyo area join embassy staff and both active duty and retired military members in remembering our fallen comrades-in-arms at the Foreigner's Cemetery in Negishi, Yokohama and the former Prisoner-of-War cemetery in Hodogaya, Yokohama.

"Our Fallen Comrades"
Silent blows the wind across the waving grass
that grows above, our fallen comrades.
From all the wars past, the crosses stand proudly
above ones that gave all, our fallen comrades.
Our Flag waves gracefully as the breezes lift it
long may it wave above, our fallen comrades.
Row after row of stones stand basking in the sun,
our thoughts always with, our fallen comrades.
Fallen comrades laid below, no life do they enjoy
No wandering here and there, our fallen comrades.
Let freedom ring for all to see that which we hold so dear,
let nothing more dismay, our fallen comrades.
Speak out for our country for those who gave so much,
Cherish them always, our fallen comrades.

- Author Unknown

We are sad to report that Mr. Richard (Rick) Roa, a long time and true friend to the Tokyo community, passed away this past Wednesday morning, the 12th, in the comfort of his hospital bed at 7:41 a.m. in Ochanomizu, Tokyo, Japan. A true American patriot, Mr. Roa is survived by his wife Machiko and his son. Rick became an icon in his 37+ years living in the Tokyo area amongst the entertainment, sports, and business worlds. Post WW II, he created and was the leader in bridging early US/Japan cultural relations with a one-year-long traveling train, presenting American culture through major brand sponsors, called: "The American Train in Japan."

A former US Navy man, Rick served in the Korean War and was an active member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Tokyo Post 9450. A sports entertainment legend, he was one of the original founders of the Rugby Union in Japan, and was one of the leaders bringing in the Professional Bowling Association, among others. In the entertainment industry, he represented such renowned celebrities as the Kanno Sisters, among others, and was one of the original founders of The American Music Awards in Japan and The Play Boy Club in Japan.

Mr. Roa's 2005/2006 published book, "The American Maverick in Japan," made him a must listen to speaker in the seminar/entertainment/business worlds; some of his focused messages were, "it is never too late to reach the top -- it simply takes courage, hope and believing in oneself -- take the leap/step forward." In addition, Rick was a consultant for publishing and major commerce companies; he loved to give sales presentation training, and was well known as one of the more successful sales closers in Tokyo. The day before his long, challenging illness of cancer took to the worst at the hospital, he related, "You should hear the deal I am working on now."

Rick will be sadly missed by his Tokyo friends, but he will always be remembered as a fighter in life, a successful family man and a true professional and teacher -- and as a friend to all.

Funeral/memorial arrangements were being arranged for this coming weekend, but could not be concluded before publishing time/date. For updated information, please contact:

Mr.	Salvatore M. Salvino	or	Robert Bernal
Phone:	090-7816-4612		090-1803-5481
e-mail:	admin@intervent.bz		bbernal@gol.com

Let us also not forget those whose fates remain undetermined....

pow3d.gif (18326 bytes)