What began as a single mission to honor WWII veterans by bringing them to see their memorial in 2005 has now honored more than 300,000 veterans in over 129 hubs nationwide. Central Valley Honor Flight lifted off Sept. 16-18 for the 29th flight with 67 Korean and Vietnam war veterans on board. Their journey took them on a private capital tour along with visiting the memorials that both honor their military branches and their service. Participation in the Honor Flight allows each veteran alongside their guardian, to remember the fallen, share their stories and for many, the first time they feel valued and honored for their service. This series highlights many of the unforgettable stories from Central Valley Honor Flight 29 as Fresno Christian Schools aims to raise awareness and funds for this organization during our 39th Annual Homecoming. 

Masami “John” Shiba and his daughter were among those who boarded the 29th Central Valley Honor Flight. They were filled with gratitude to have this opportunity after waiting for three years. Among their highlights was visiting the National Japanese American Memorial at Memorial park in Washington, D.C.

“I tried to thank the people at Honor Flight for what they showed me, for what we learned on this flight,” Shiba said. “I told them I wouldn’t be able to see half of that in my lifetime.”

At three months old, his family was sent to a Japanese Internment Camp in Poston, Arizona, where they would spend the next three years. Shiba’s parents were immigrants from Japan with eight kids. Every person was allowed to bring only one piece of luggage to the camp. Shiba’s father chose to bring a swamp cooler for his baby John to help in the Arizona heat.

Shiba’s parents didn’t talk much about their experiences in the camps because they didn’t want to dwell on the past. Their attitude, which Shiba said is important to the Japanese,  was “Let’s just carry on.”

During their time at the internment camp, the Shibas’ neighbors, the Hurst family, took care of their ranch and saved it for them until they were released. Most Japanese families at that time lost everything when they went into the internment camp. John lived on the family ranch until the property was sold in 2016. 

While at the internment camp, Shiba’s two older brothers were sent to World War II. His brother George was wounded twice with the 442nd Regimental Combat Team. George had a “go for broke” motto. 

At age 19, John Shiba was drafted and followed his brothers’ footsteps. He served from 1964-66 in the beginning of the Vietnam War.  While he was there, Shiba helped to operate 8-inch self-propelled howitzers with Battery B, 3rd Battalion, 18th Artillery Group. He helped to calculate the math for setting up the artillery zones. 

Shiba’s only daughter, Jennifer Doyle, accompanied her dad on the Honor Flight. At the beginning, she was hesitant to go but after some convincing from her husband she participated in the trip with her father which she enjoyed.

“They had so much support from just random people, strangers, people holding signs, lots of kids wanting to shake their hands and thank them for their service, it was a really great experience,” Doyle said.

Gallery • 7 Photos

Kori James

Guardian and daughter Jennifer Doyle with John Shiba at the National Japanese American Memorial, Sept. 17.

The veterans would not have been able to see their own memorial without the Honor Flight. Getting to see their impact while sacrificing for our country’s freedom.

To read more about the honor flight organization visit their Home page.

To donate to honor flight visit CV Honor flight

To read more from The Feather visit: Central Valley’s 29th Honor Flight or HONOR FLIGHT: Robbi Huckaby Veteran

Join us for Fresno Christian’s 39th Annual Homecoming, Oct. 11, 6 p.m.