November 7, 2004
I stumbled across your website and enjoyed it very much. I was wondering if you were the same Dr. McClary who sometimes played bass guitar in a band that I believed was called "American Heartland" ? I was at Kadena in 88-89 and my shop chief also played in that band. You looked familiar. Thank you.
Keith B.
I wrote back, conceeding that I was indeed in the band, "Heartland U.S.A." but that I was only a stand-in for the real bass-player who flew on tankers and sometimes couldn't make a show.
November 10, 2004
Mick,
Thanks for returning my e mail. Yes my shop chief was Steve Ashton. Have you had any contact with him over the years. I tracked him to South Dakota but the number I had was no longer in service. My wife asked me how I remembered you and I know you wouldn't remember this but you treated my knee when I hurt it hopping down from an F-15 back in '89.
Keith
It's interesting how I come across old friends and acquaintences through this website! One of my Tour Okinawa videos contains a brief clip of me re-enlisting Steve Ashton.
Saturday, November 27, 2004 11:01 AM
Hello,
Great site on Okinawa!
My name is Larry Mauter. I am trying to find somebody that can help me find out if a woman known as Noriko Takemoto in 1953 is still alive.
My father (deceased) was stationed in Okinawa (Camp Sukiran) in 1953/1954. There are notes and photos from, and of this woman. Can you lead me in the right direction. There is some evidence of a possible child.
I have an old address if that would help. Thanks for any help you can give.
Larry Mauter - 734-847-4888
Unfortunately, I don't have a clue. Once again, if any reader there can help this man, please contact him. Mick
Friday, December 03, 2004 12:14 AM
Just had to add a little about the beautiful island.
My husband and I were there from 1970 to end of 1972. He was at kadena in the 418thTac unit. I love reading all of the emails about Koza city and the Habu plane, Camp Kue hospital, and all the sights.
Does anyone remember Sam's Anchor Inn where the Kobe beef was so good..and the Mexican Lima House?
While we were there there was only the A&W where you could get a hamburger... Now there must be many places... We loved our stay in Okinawa..
I would love to visit again just to see it again.
Vi Hill ... Texas
I remember the A&W too. The one in my memory was out in the Awase-Nishihara area and I can remember the french fries being so danged good, and me being so danged poor in those days, that I went home and tried to make some fries like that myself. Ho, what a mess! I tried rolling flaked potato into long rolls and deep frying them. What a mess.... and, what a jerk! Ha!
Friday, Dec 17, 2004 3:44p.m.
From: George Huntley
Subject: VHS Order
Hello Mick,
I am sending cashier check in the amount of $135 to cover the cost of 14 set Okinawa videos and protective cases.
I really enyoyed your site, it brought back many memeriories. I was born and grew up on the Island. I graduated from Kubasaki High in 67. The last time I was on Okinawa was in 72.
Thanks
George
Wow!
I just missed you! Sent out another message to you only moments ago.
You left Okinawa in '72 and that was the year that I arrived for my first assignment! I stayed till 1975 then wasn't able to get back until 1986. I left in 1990 and haven't had the pleasure of returning since then. One day, however, I shall... probably after my SECOND retirement - Ha!
Thanks, George, for this notice and I'll have things ready for you pronto!
Domo arigato gozaimasu!
Mick
Monday, January 03, 2005 12:49 PM
There was another whole part of the island north of where most of you seemed to have lived. Camp Hansen was, and still is so far as I know, a base for the USMC. I went there from Camp McGill in Japan late summer or early fall 1957.
I was A Company 3rd Tank Battalion 3rd Marine Division executive officer. Kadena was a big place to us in those days. There was not much build up apparent to. Hard to get around although I did come by a Harley 125 which helped a lot. With the USMC there was no family life - no wives or children. We lived in old Quonset huts which were much damaged by a storm about September 1957. I returned to the USA in January 1958.
It is interesting to hear all of you talk about family life as the island developed. I would like to have had some memories like that.
Thanks for sharing.
John T Fisher, Memphis, TN
Jan 8, 05
Hello, John!
Happy New Year to you and your family!
Thank you for visiting ClickOkinawa.com and for your message. I envy your having been stationed on Okinawa prior to Reversion. I got there a few months AFTER Reversion and for the 2 and 1/2 years of my first tour the yen rate stayed right around 300-to-the-dollar. I witnessed the beginning of a building boom and by the time I got back to Okinawa in 1986 there was definitely a world of change - on the south end. To my delight, the north end was still pretty much the way I had remembered it. The Nago area was built up and the Motobu Peninsula was developed as a result of the 1972 Ocean Expo. But most of the rest of the north was laid-back, rural and the way I really enjoyed it. Some of my best outtings on the island were up north - I'd park my van, get out and walk around the villages and tlk with those who cared to visit and who knew enough English to tolerate my skoshi bit of their native language. Anyway, those one-on-one visits with the locals, away from touristy areas, are among my fondest memories.
Thanks again, John, for your visit and your note. Please visit again.
Kindest regards,
Oya sumi nasai!
Mick
John F. Nodd, Sunday, March 6, 2005 6:13p.m.
Hi Mick:
I spent 13 years on Okinawa on 3 tours of duty ranging from Mac Command Post, Base Operations,67 Tactical Fighter Squadron, 33 Air Rescue and 18 Tactical Fighter Wing Airspace Management with all my time there I happen to accomplish a 5th degree black belt in Okinawa Matsumura Shorin Ryu Karate.
My wife is from the island and we really miss it.
Send mail
John and Hiroko Nodd USAF RET
Tuesday, March 08, 2005 7:19 PM
Wesnmimi@wmconnect.com
Kon nichi wa,
I was browsing through the web and came across your website. I didn't realize that so many people have had such fond memories of Okinawa. As a half Okinawan/American your website made me homesick. I was born in Sobe, Yomitan-Son near Torri Station in August 1959. My Mom is Okinawan and her name is Hiroko Ikehara. I was raised by my Grandparents until I was 10 and then I came to live with my Mom and my dad (my stepfather) in San Diego. I had always known that my dad was not my biological father since my Mom told me when I came to live with them. My Mom had not told me anything about my dad except that she loved him and he died when I was a baby. Recently, I found out that that was not the case. My dad was married and he's from New York. At first I didn't want to know about my real dad but being an only child, I wonder if I have any sisters or brothers? and if they look like me. I'll be 46 in couple of days and if I wait any longer, I may not find anything out or it might be too late. Please post my quest on your website maybe there is someone who would have some information about my dad - Carlton W. Crough from New York. He might be around 70 years old. Even If I don't get anywhere with my quest at least I know that I have tried searching for him. Thank you
Tuesday, March 08, 2005 7:49 PM
Kon ban wa!
Wow! Your story sounds so much like mine! My mom remarried and I never knew my birth father who ran off when I was 5 days old. My brother was 2 and 1/2. I'm now 53. When I was 49 I did a web search and located my birth father in Florida. I e-mailed and telephoned a few times. Whereas I have no desire to meet him we do exchange cards at holidays, etc.
Ironically, my daughter who attends Florida State University and my son who lives out in Washington State, were in Florida this past winter and they both drove down to Orlando where my birth father lives. The irony is that THEY met him yet I never have! Goofy, huh?
Well, I'll certainly post your message on the website and I do indeed hope that someone is able to help you.
I don't know if you did so on purpose, but you did not include your name in your message - so, I'll call you "Friend" and wish you well.
Thank you again, Friend, for visiting one of my websites!
S. A. Mick McClary
Richard Porcelli usermail=wingnet@earthlink.net
Thursday, March 10, 2005
Lived on Oki (Koza City) from 1963/65 and worked in the 18th A&E Maintron as a General Electric Tech Rep with the ECM QRC-160 Program. Sure would like to hear from NCOIC Milo VanCamp or any others that were there then.
eMail me at: wingnet@earthlink.net Regards, Richard Porcelli
Sunday, April 24, 2005 7:40a.m.
I always find Okinawa sites too late. One of the visitors on the below link [https://members.tripod.com/~MickMc/stories.html]. Richard, probably worked for my dad in the 418MMS but it looks like his posting is from 1998.
scormier@verizongni.com
Joe Menno, Ft. Lauderdale
Sunday, April 24, 2005 5:23 p.m.
Kadena 1951-54
Mick,Great site and a lot of memories. I served with the 9th AVRS(Air Vehicle Repair Squadron) at Kadena and still meet about 15 buddies (at) our reunion every year.
Doing research and would like to know if anyone has any pictures of Kadena AFB and the surrounding area that were taken between 1950 and 1954 and can share them with me.Thanks.
Sending your site to my buddies.
Joe Menno
Hello, Joe!
O genke desu ka?
Please forgive my delay in answering your message. I'm terrible about that!
I really envy your having been ok Okinawa in the early 50s. So soon after the war! It must have still been so much like it was before the war - the culture, I mean. Very likely there were places up North that were relatively untouched by the devastation. I wish I could have had your experience. I have a sincere love and respect for the Okinawans - the Ryukyuans.
I think it's terrific that you and your buddies get together still. What a collective memory you guys must have and what a block-buster story you could tell!
Well, Joe, I'm going to post your message to the Mailbag and hope that someone sees it who can help you get your hands on some photos.
Best of good fortune to you, your family and your friends!
Mick
David Lee
Monday, April 25, 2005 5:19 PM
hi, i happened upon your site and thought you may be interested in other points of view regarding Yamato (plz don't consider this an antagonistic email):
http://www.kimsoft.com/2004/japanese_roots.htm
http://www.kimsoft.com/2004/jp-origin.htm
http://asnic.utexas.edu/asnic/countries/japan/introduction.html
http://asnic.utexas.edu/asnic/countries/japan/originsofthejapanese.html
http://www.areastudies.org/documents/asia002.html
http://gias.snu.ac.kr/wthong/publication/paekche/eng/paekch_e.html
happy readings.
BJ
Friday, April 29, 2005 11:48a.m.
Hi Mick,
I'm going to order the three tape selection. [See Tour Okinawa Videos] I have enjoyed your site. An old Navy buddie and I are headed to "Oki" and the PI in Feb. 06.
We were on the Island at NAF NAHA airbase in VU-5B together from 1963-65. We will be spending a week there on Okinawa and then on to the Philippines to see other friends and shipmates......Thanks, BJ
Good morning, BJ!
Thanks for letting me know your tapes made their way home!
Best of good fortune to you and your Navy buddy when you go back to the Island.
Mick
Saturday, May 14, 2005 6:24 AM
Jeff Beish
Was stationed at Naha AB from late 1960 through July 1962. Still remember much about the island in those days. I would not like to return now to see the changes so will just keep old memories intact.
Nice site, always enjoy visiting it. Something about those of us who were there back then that can never be told - beyond words.
Hi, Jeff!
THanks for visiting ClickOkinawa.com again. I think I know what you mean about not wanting to go back. Things are never the same. I was happy, though, to find that when I went back to Okinawa in '86 (and stayed for about 4 and 1/2 years) I was able to enjoy many of the same places and experiences I had recalled from 1972-75. I had to go more to the North though to find it. The central and southern part had changed so much that I had a lot of trouble finding some of the things I had seen before. And, of course, some of the places were gone. Sad.
Well, thanks again, Jeff, and I hope you enjoy your visits to the website!
Mick
Saturday, May 14, 2005 4:35 PM
Mick,
In 1960 when I got there at Naha I was only a few months into post-teens and
it was a virtual paradise. My friend and I were first sent to Ashiya AB,
Japan so we could help tear down a C-130A flight simulator and ship it to
Naha, then we arrived at Kadena and stayed at the transit barracks by
mistake. The first night was in Koza and you know what we did! 8-) After
reaching Naha we settled in and began our nightly visits to Naminoue. What
a different world that was. For a guy who had just turned 20 and all those
bars and gals, it was something else. Looking back I wonder how we all made
it out alive! I recall the population of Okinawa was around 500K then. It
was easy getting around the island because we all had either a motor cycle
or bicycle. Several of us saw nearly every square inch of the place and
some of he islands off to the west as well. Yeah, north would be the best
place now. There was an old Japanese landing strip way up north were
motorcycle races took place. We all would dive off the coast up there too.
Even after more than 43 years I dream about it. I had practiced Judo since 1952 and continued throughout my years in the Far East, finally gave it up in 1989 and now just sit! Actually, astronomy was always an interest of mine and I would observe occasionally there with the Naha AB Astro-hobbyists. The sky was very dark then. When the wife and I visited our son and family at Atsugi NAF, Japan in March 2002 some astronomer friends took us out on the town, so to speak, in Yokohama. Wow, they love to entertain. Anyway, I was then invited to give a talk on Mars down somewhere on Okinawa, expenses paid, and nearly went. I told them we were there to visit my son and that would not be in good taste to run off after he paid for our trip over. Guess that worked because they took us out again to some fancy restaurants in Yokohama!
My Okinawan girl friend was a hair-dresser down in Naha and I think of her even now after all the years. We wrote back and forth for several years after I returned to the States, but lost contact with her in 1964. Could never get in touch with her again. Her brother was one of my Judo instructors and I even lost contact with him. Oh well, guess that was the way it was meant to be. I have been happily married for 40 years to the same Texas gal now and we enjoy talking about the good old days - or at least she listens to me talk! :)
When ever I get to reminiscing about my youth I check your web site. Sometimes the old teahouse music really set me off since we would go to a teahouse on Saturday night and get drunk with the locals. I learned to play one of those tiny guitar like Samisen things and they loved it. What one will do with lots of Sake :) If only I had written all of it down in a journal it would make for some interesting reading, but the memories are faded too far back into the recesses of my nimble mind.
Jeff
Konban-wa, Jeff-san!
I love reading messages such as yours. I wish I had a dime for every person who has fond memories of the Island. Unfortunately, not everyone shares their stories. *sigh*
I've added your story to the Mailbag (page 8). If you would like your e-mail link added so that someone who might recognize you can contact you, just let me know. Otherwise I won't publish your email address.
One of these days, probably after I retire from my second career :) I'll make some time to write out a few more of my own stories. It's fun to remember stuff - even more fun to share!
Oyasumi nasai, tomdachi!
Mick
Monday, June 27, 2005 8:44a.m.
ackepler@charter.net
[unedited]:My father was stationed in Okinawa between the years 1981 through 1983.
Myself and my brother were when we moved there 11 and 12. We lived near
Kadena base. Nabu Hill was our back yard. My brother and I use to sneek
off base through a hole in the fence and hed up towards Nagaguska
Castle. We would go to a little MamaSan store and by candy and drinks.
On thing that was my favorite was these dried seeds, or fruit that came
in these tiny ziplock bags. They were very salty, I think you could
also get ones that were sugary. You gat maybe 4 in a bag and they were
about the size of a nickel, maybe a little larger. Do you have any idea
what these are, or what they are called. I would love to try and get
some sent to me if I could remenber what they are. Thank you.
Christine Kepler
If anyone can help Christine with this, I bet she'd appreciate your effort! Mick
July 20, 2005 - 10:47a.m.
Hello,
I have been looking at your site while looking for a place to sell my collection of printed material about Okinawa. While on Okinawa (67 -72), I found a boxed book in a local Okinawan book store: "A History in Pictures Okinawa Then & Now" by Shojiro Taira. It also bears a title of : Koji Shima. Hard bound, undated (probably 1964 - 66), published by Shigeru Sakuda, 300 pages in both Japanese and some English translations covering pre-War to post- War. It also contains advertisements for local Okinawan companies.
So far other than seeing it before me, I can find no record of it on the Internet. I am wondering if you happen to know anything about it?
When I put together a listing of the books, phamphets, USARYIS briefing notes, topo maps, etc., I will see if I have any other books that are not on your list.
George Lane
Hello, George!
Shigeru Sakuda has published books about Karate, such as "Karate meijin retsuden."
As for "A History in Pictures..." the book was edited by Shojiro Taira and translated by Nashiro Masajiro. Published at Naha, Okinawa in 1966. I'll bet one of the advertisements is for Beirsley's (sp?) soda pop! I probably looked in many of the same Google sites that you did in search of more definitive information about the book.
Wish I could help, George, but I've struck out.
I should get back to the ClickOkinawa.com site and update it. I've got lots more books to add to the Library.
If you ever have an interest in parting with the book, please keep me in mind!
Thank you very kindly, George, for visiting ClickOkinawa.com and for your interesting inquiry. My searches to find out information for you didn't pan out what we're looking for but I've certainly found a number of sites that I haven't yet read/toured. So, now I have more work to do!!
Mata a-i masho!
Mick
July 21, 2005 - 1:07p.m.
Hi Mick,
Thank you for your time and trouble. You found more than I have and I
tried again today. It is like the book never existed. I don't think it
was very pro-American and is mostly in Japanese. I have put up 13 books
for sale on Amazon.com but I can't list this one as it 'doesn't exist'
and I have no idea what it is worth. I know I thought about it for
awhile before I bought it as it was the only copy in the store and it
was much more expensive than I could afford at the time. I did list it
with an outfit that searches for scarce books and if they ever respond
with an offer, I will let you know what they say it is worth first. One
probably needs to read Japanese to get the most value from the book.
I also have a number of LP records of Okinawan folk songs, I bought
while there in 67 -72, plus an assortment of various magazines, bound
Okinawa Times newspapers, 2 years of the 7th PsyOps Shuri No Hikari
magazines, some Typhoon Alley and other current magazines of the times.
Time is moving on and I need to think about moving into a retirement
community soon as I am all alone now. So I am trying to find homes for
my stuff before it all winds up in an estate (big flea market) sale.
Thanks again for your efforts.
Best regards,
George
AUG 2, 2005 11:43p.m.
username=DALE BOWEN
usermail=TARZAN04@SBCGLOBAL.NET
userwebsite=SEMPER-FI@STYLIZER.NET
howUfound=GOT IT BY TRYING TO FIND BC STREET.THE OLD HANGOUT.OHHHH THE BAD MEMORIES,AND THE GOOD.
comment=[unedited by ClickOkinawa.com]: WELL HELLO,TO EVERYONE WHOS BEEN THERE,AND ALL WHO MAY READ THIS LITTLE RANT.A LONG TIME AGO IN A FAR OFF LAND,A NEWLY CHRISENED MARINE,AND HIS FRIENDS FOUND THE LOCAL COLOR.THE COLOR STARTED WITH THE MONGOOSE AND SNAKE FIGHT,WHICH THE MONGOOSE WON EASILY.THEN IT WENT TO A RESORT ON THE ISLAND,WHERE I SAW MY FIRST FRUIT BAT,WOW WAS THAT A SCARY SIGHT FOR A YOUNG MAN FROM MO.
THEN WE FOUND,B.C. STREET,OHHH MY GOSH!WHAT HAVE I DONE TO DESERVE THIS?TWO FOR ONE DRINKS,LOUD MUSIC,SEXY WOMEN,ETC.OHH YES I GOT CAUGHT UP IN ALL OF THE PLEASURES THAT WERE OFFERED.WENT OVER,THE CHERRY BOY,CAME BACK,MANY BRAIN CELLS LATER.
NOW ITS MANY YEARS LATER,IVE GOTTEN OUT OF THE MARINES.IVE JOINED ANOTHER CLUB,THE AMERICAN TRUCK DRIVER,THATS RIGHT I DROVE IN THE CORPS AND CAME TO DO IT LATER.IM ALMOST TO THE END OF THAT PART OF MY CAREER ALSO.IM STARTING A LIMO SERVICE IN SOUTHEAST MO.HEALTH PROBLEMS ARE MAKING IT HARD TO GO ON WITH MY OVER THE ROAD LIFE.I HOPE YOUVE ENJOIED MY LITTLE TAIL,NOTHING WRONG WITH A LITTLE TAIL,HA HA HA,SEMPER-FI.
MAY THE BEST OF YOUR PAST BE THE WORST OF YOUR FUTURE.YEAH I STOLE THAT FROM A MOVIE,BUT IT FITS MY FEELINGS AT THIS TIME.YEAH IVE GOT THOSE THINGS,FEELINGS THAT IS.SO GET OFF MY BACK.AGAIN,HAVE A GOOD LIFE.
E-MAIL IF YOU THINK YOU MIGHT WANT TO INTERACT.
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