Response to the earthquake and tsunami in Japan
To HLS Alumni and Friends:
The HLS community is tremendously concerned about the safety and well-being of our alumni and friends in Japan at this terrible moment. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
HLS can be a resource and we hope you will get in touch with us so we can reassure concerned HLS classmates and friends. In the comment box below, please post information, ask questions, or relate your personal experiences to share with other alumni and with us here at HLS.
Sincerely,
Steven Oliveira
Associate Dean and Dean for Development and Alumni Relations
Tahmika Ruth Jackson c/o 2001
March 16, 2011 @ 11:34 am
I am active duty Navy, stationed in Japan. My commander is the executive lead for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations for the US Navy response. I am homeported far away from the central area of devastation and I am not physically near the troubling nuclear power plant. However, our ships are there. Our pilots. Our crew members. The Marines we carry aboard our ships. Our supply and logistics officers and Sailors. All are very engaged working hard with our allies on their response–they have the lead. We just help where we can and where we are requested: search and rescue efforts, delivering their military members to devastated areas, delivering relief supplies by air lift, providing experts and professionals for coordination with our Japanese Self Defense Force allies. Today I met with another Navy JAG, class of 2010, who will be embarking one of our ships to work with our overall commander for SEVENTH Fleet standing the watch and helping to vet legal issues associated with disaster relief efforts in a complex environment. We are working hard to make a positive difference even in our limited roles where we can. I speak only in my personal capacity, certainly not on behalf of the US Navy. I appreciate your prayers and all positive energy.
Thomas Seoh '81
March 16, 2011 @ 12:21 pm
Godspeed to you and our forces in helping our Japanese friends in this time of great trial.
Matthew Hutchins '10
March 16, 2011 @ 12:49 pm
I think that we should create a bulletin board where alumni and students can post needs and offerings for purposes of aiding the relief effort. People who have displaced may have need of housing, clothing, or assistance in travel out of Japan or back home to help others. We should make it easier to coordinate this in any way possible.
Arthur I. Hirsch",L"63
March 17, 2011 @ 11:25 pm
I employ a Japanese-American Assistant,, first name Utafumi, whose parents live in Japan.
They hosted me on a 5-city tour of Japan, which I shall never forget as one of the most wonderful trips of my life.
My Assistant, has, over the years, put up with my Type A HLS perfectionist obsessions, with her typical Japanese calm , courtesy, patience, discipline,loyalty and forbearance and uncomplaining demeanor.
I have only seen her display sad emotions on very rare occasions, the last being today when she spoke of her parents’ distress. Tears came to her eyes.
I asked her what I could do, and she suggested,of the many charities that are aiding Japan, that a contribution through the Japan Society (in NYC for me) would be greatly appreciated.This was done, and perhaps it will ease her pain a little……please donate as well.
Ken Ellingwood, '89
March 31, 2011 @ 6:39 pm
I second Matthew Hutchins’s idea for a bulletin board!