The family of Arthur Tasaka has requested the Patriot Guard to be present to Honor this American Hero from "The Greatest Generation". It will be our Honor to do so.
Art was born on Jan. 26th 1922 in New York. After graduating High School, Art went into the Army to help defeat the enemy during WWII. He served proudly from June, 1943 to October, 1945 during WWII until his Honorable Discharge.
During Art's time in the Army he was deployed to Italy, France and all of Europe. He got quite the reputation for helping anyone, and everyone in their time of need.
Art was assigned to Company G, 2nd Battalion,442nd Regimental Combat Team 36th Infantry Division.Art became an Honorary Texan after being involved in the battle for the "Lost Texas Battalion". The 442nd Regimental Combat Team was a storied unit consisting almost exclusively of Japanese-Americans, here is a link to more info:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/442nd_Infantry_Regiment_(United_States)
He finished his service with the 100th Battalion. In 2011, both the 442nd and the 100th were awarded a Congressional Gold Medal. Art was also the recipient of a Silver Star, a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart.
Art once ran across a heavily enemy fortified field under fire to lend first aid to one of his team members who had been wounded, saving the mans life.
Art was always being called a Hero. His staunch comeback was "We left the real Heroes there"
After the service Art went back to school. He became a graduate of USC, and followed them every single game no matter where they played. Art graduated with a BA in Business in 1953.
Art met the love of his life Jane in Los Angeles after the military, they married and raised 6 children. Art loved golf but gave it up to spend more time with his family. They loved taking the kids to as many National Parks as they could. They traveled all over this country and the world. Sadly Art's wife Jane passed in 2008.
Art passed away to be with his young love Jane on Jan. 26.2017, his 95th Birthday. He was also a great friend and neighbor to Mike,Vern,and Marilyn Grimshaw of the SoCal Patriot Guard.
Art leaves behind his 5 daughters, Cathie, Pam, Aileen, Christie, and Terri, and one son, Arthur. 17 Grandchildren and 2 Great Grandchildren, and his brother Henry. He was predeceased by his sister Alice.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this Military Veteran. For those interested, and all are welcome, we will be accompanying the hero and his family from the temple services to his final resting place. Please see the time table if you would like to participate. For those who would rather go directly to the cemetery, we will meet you there.
Time Table for Monday Feb. 13, 2017:1230 - Stage at Nishi Hongwanji Buddhist Temple, 815 E. First St., Los Angeles, Ca. 90012
https://goo.gl/maps/oWgyyin9tzP2 (Please arrive quietly as service will be in progress)
1245 - Mission Briefing
1315 - Flag Line as our Hero is brought out to coach
1330 - KSU to Evergreen Cemetery, 204 N. Evergreen Ave., Los Angeles, Ca. 90033
https://goo.gl/maps/qrYaPcW9duv1345 - ETA at Evergreen Cemetery
1400 - Flag Line as our Hero is brought to his final resting place and rendered Military Honors
R/C Mike "Joker" Courtright
SoCal PGR - Ride Captainmokynanapo@sbcglobal.net
714-321-3356
You do not have to be a Veteran or a motorcycle rider to attend this mission. Everyone is welcome. We encourage those who do not ride to attend in your car. If this will be your first mission go to the initial staging area and you will be briefed there by the R/C (Ride Captain). Dress for motorcycle riding or dress casually if you are driving a cage (car). Please feel free to attend any portion of this mission you can. Please ride/drive safely.
