Recently there has been several articles and awards this site has recieved. Thank you to those that have said so many nice things about the site.
How the Site Came to Be:
This website was started in July of 2007 after a short Family Reunion in Wichita Kansas. I was stationed on Okinawa (2005-2009) while serving in the Air Force, was asked if I knew anything of the battle that happened on the island. At the time, my knowledge was limited of what exactly happened during the battle here, but that would soon change. My Grandfather had inquired about the battle, due to his cousin losing his life here. At the time all I really knew was, that there was a War Memorial on the south end of the island, and that all the soldiers/sailors that lost their lives was engraved there. Needless to say, no one in the family had ever heard of this memorial. I then was told the story of his cousin's life and was asked if I could go to the memorial to make a copy of the name along with a couple pictures then mail it home. Once I arrived back at the hotel, I logged onto the web and started searching to show my family the memorial I was talking about. I couldn't believe how little there was on the web about the Battle of Okinawa Memorial. Also, it really bothered me how many different versions of the battle are out here on the web. I wanted to find out the real story. So after a short discussion with my wife, and the decision was make to document and create a website so people like my family could search for lost loved ones.
My tour here on Okinawa has come to a close.... The site will remain online and now be maintained by the Air Force Sergeants Association Kadena Chapter. I will monitor the site now from afar. To those that have requested name rubbings, your package will soon be at your door.
In leaving, I've learned so much about this island, its wonderful residence, and it's amazing history. I've made sure that the site is being transferred to good hands. It is my hope that this service is not done in vain. Please pay it forward.....
