By his living example, my dad, Harry Matsunaka, taught me the most important lessons a father can teach a son:  maintain your personal integrity, stand up for what is right, and work hard for what you believe in. Do these things, and you will live a life without regrets.

Dad was born and raised in Colorado by parents of Japanese ancestry, but as an American citizen by birth, he was deeply troubled by growing militarism in Japan in the late 1930s. When Pearl Harbor was bombed, dad volunteered to serve in the United States Army.

	My dad, S/Sgt Harry Matsunaka, in an Army photo of the 442nd Regimental Headquarters Company   Click to enlarge

Reporting for Duty
He and George Sakai, a buddy from Colorado, reported to Camp Shelby in Mississippi as soon as they were allowed to enlist. They trained with other Japanese Americans in what became known as the 442nd Regimental Combat Team.

Dad became a Staff Sergeant and a radio operator, and served with both the service company and the cannon company of the 442nd as they battled up the boot of Italy to free Europe from the grip of Hitler and Mussolini.

Returning Home to Colorado
Dad came back to Colorado in 1945, after having served in every battle that the 442nd Regimental Combat Team fought. The 442nd was recognized by President Truman as the most highly decorated unit for its size in World War II, with members earning thousands of group and individual honors, including the Congressional Medal of Honor and the French Croix de Guerre. Not only had they helped to defeat the fascists, but, by their hard work, patriotism, and exemplary gallantry, they had also defeated the demon of racial bigotry directed against Japanese Americans as well.

		My parents got married  in 1950 in Denver  Click to enlarge
	Me as a kid with my younger brothers Dean, Richard, and Alan   Click to enlarge
	My home in Ft. Morgan, where  I grew up   Click to enlarge

Two members of the 442nd went on to serve as United States Senators, and others went on to high profile careers in business, academia, and other fields. Many reunions of this celebrated group were held, but when my mother passed away in 1964, my dad had his hands full raising five young boys as a single parent.

Raising His Children
Rising to this second major challenge of his life, dad once again provided an exemplary role model for my brothers and me.

He supported us not only financially, but emotionally as well. He cooked, cleaned, did the laundry, and came to our ball games, while also serving as Denmaster, WEBLOS leader, Scoutmaster, and Civil Air Patrol Cadet Commandant.

Now in his eighties, my dad is still a source of inspiration to me. He and his buddies in the 442nd Regimental Combat Team successfully rose to meet the challenges of their generation. Through service to my constituents, my community, my church, and my family, I hope to rise to the challenges of mine.