Gala unites generations of USC veterans, service personnel, and ROTC participants

Months shy of his centennial birthday, World War II veteran and USC graduate Yoshio Nakamura received a warm reception when honored at USC’s 16th annual gala for veterans, service members, and ROTC students on Thursday.

Among the loudest cheerers was U.S. Air Force ROTC cadet Tyler Malley, who was seated at a lively table at the far end of the ballroom at The Westin Bonaventure Hotel in downtown Los Angeles, surrounded by fellow cadets.

“It is incredibly humbling to witness all these individuals who laid the groundwork for us and all they’ve endured,” Malley, a senior, stated in an interview. “It’s truly exciting to engage with them and have them come out to encourage us as well.”

Nakamura and Malley participated in a deeply moving gathering of several generations of past, current, and future military members during the annual dinner, which attracted over 500 attendees.

The gathering included toasts, speeches, and the presentation of medals for service by USC President Carol Folt to five astonished veterans in attendance.

“I’d like to start by expressing gratitude to the Trojans who sacrificed their lives to protect our esteemed nation and safeguard our freedoms,” Folt stated during her introductory remarks. “This is such a proud heritage.”

Surprising moments in the limelight

The unexpected medals bestowed before dinner became the evening’s emotional pinnacle. From the podium, Folt complimented the veterans’ lives of “bravery and valor,” sharing a brief biography of each as USC Board of Trustees member Frank Cruz draped a medal around the neck of each veteran as they stood at their table.

“I was completely astonished and taken aback,” U.S. Marine veteran Edward A. Perez Romero expressed after receiving his. “I thought I was just coming here to celebrate with everyone else, and suddenly I find myself in the spotlight.”

Romero was at the table with his grandson, Christian Romero, a junior at the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences, who is majoring in intelligence and cyber operations and is employed at USC’s Veterans Resource Center.

“I am pleased that those who served in Vietnam are finally receiving the respect they rightfully deserve,” Christian Romero remarked. “When they returned home, it wasn’t a warm welcome. The fact that this is happening now is remarkable because we understand what he and others accomplished.”

Another honoree, U.S. Army veteran Harold Nelson,

“`was sharing a table with his granddaughter, USC Dornsife junior Hannah Nelson, a participant in USC’s Army ROTC who presently holds the top rank in her cadet class.

“I feel immense pride for him,” Nelson remarked regarding her grandfather. “This moment has been a long time coming, and it presents a wonderful chance to demonstrate how significant he is to the country he defended for so many years.”

U.S. Air Force veteran Mark Randol, an educator at the USC Viterbi School of Engineering with 35 years of military and federal experience, was overwhelmed with emotion after receiving his medal.

“I’m completely at a loss for words and truly astonished,” Randol expressed following the ceremony. “I felt privileged just to receive an invitation to attend, but being included in that group was exceptionally meaningful.”

Also honored with medals were USC graduates Robert Katon, a submariner in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War, and Byron D. Foreman, who initially served in the U.S. Air Force and subsequently in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War.

Beside Foreman sat his son-in-law, USC Vice Provost for Academic Operations Mark Todd. “His commitment to his country and family is something I aspire to, and it is characteristic of his generation,” Todd stated.

Military histories of legendary Trojans

The evening’s featured speaker, retired U.S. Army Gen. Robert B. Brown, honored the 99-year-old Nakamura, who was positioned at a table near the front of the ballroom.

A double Trojan, Nakamura is among the few remaining Nisei soldiers from World War II who fought valiantly for their country despite the U.S. government’s forced relocation of many of their family members to incarceration camps back home.

“It’s an immense privilege to have you here, sir,” Brown acknowledged to Nakamura from the stage. “It’s remarkable.”

Brown also invited all Vietnam veterans in attendance to rise for applause. As a collective, many faced indifference, animosity, and a lack of acknowledgment for their service from a nation divided by the conflict.

“We can never express our gratitude enough,” Brown expressed.

Brown continued by highlighting the “selfless dedication” of three deceased Trojans, starting with U.S. Army Capt. Louis Zamperini, an Olympic runner who survived 47 days adrift and over two years in Japanese POW camps. His remarkable tale was chronicled in the book and feature film Unbroken.

“He exemplified forgiveness and extraordinary bravery until his passing in 2014 at the age of 97,” Brown remarked about Zamperini.

Brown also referenced Ben Salomon, who fought in World War II and saved lives but was ineligible for a Medal of Honor because of his position as a medical officer (he was posthumously recognized in 2002), and Iris Cummings Critchell, a USC alumnus and Olympic swimmer who served in the Women’s Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs) during World War II. Critchell was a strong advocate for female pilots, inspiring future generations. She passed away earlier this year in Claremont at the age of 104.

Brown, who served as the commanding general of U.S. Army Pacific, expressed hope for the future of military service despite challenges in recruitment. He stressed the significance of the less than 1% of the population that serves in the armed forces.

“Freedom comes with a cost,” he stated. “There are countless narratives of extraordinary, selfless service throughout our nation’s history, spanning all branches of the military.”