22nd Annual Reunion

Recap: 22nd PSHS Annual Reunion, 2006

Almost two hundred, including fourteen former Philippine Scouts, turned up for our 22nd PSHS Reunion/Business Meeting on May 27-28 at the Embassy Suites in Burlingame next to the San Francisco airport. Internationally-known Japanese journalist, author and human rights activist Kinue Tokudome delivered an excellent keynote speech. Ms. Tokudome, a long time California resident, has worked closely with Col. Mel Rosen in advocating that the Japanese pay compensation to POWs used as slave labor during WWII. In addition to writing and speaking on the subject, she has established a website promoting Japanese-U.S. reconciliation at www.us-japandialogueonpows.org.

Other highlights of our twenty-second annual reunion include the following: panel discussions on both the defense of Corregidor and Bataan and the guerrilla warfare against the Japanese; as well as information sessions on veterans' issues and on Japanese compensation for POW slave labor. The Corregidor/Bataan panel was chaired by Col. Mel Rosen, with Capt. Menandro Parazo, Capt. Felipe Fernandez and Dr. Isabelo Torio participating. The guerrilla panel was chaired by Lt. Col. Ed Ramsey, with Maj. Fred Foz, CWO4 Aniceto Bagley, Malcolm Decker and Chris Schaefer as panelists. These panelists are mostly drawn from Philippine Scout infantry, cavalry and field artillery units, as well as three guerrilla organizations. Three participants also have written books on WWII in the Philippines. Dennis Uldricks, Department of Veterans Affairs conducted the session on veterans' issues and Col. Rosen and Ms. Tokudome led the session on slave labor reparations.

New officers elected at the meeting include Sen. John Patterson, President; Jose (Joe) Calugas, Jr., First Vice President; Chris Schaefer, Public Relations Officer; Bob Capistrano, Assistant Historian; and Mike Houlahan, Secretary. Major Fred Foz, remains upon the Board of Officers as President Emeritus. A much more comprehensive report on the reunion will be carried in our next newsletter. Information on subscribing may be found on this website's "Newsletter" page.