where she was the first woman of color and mother to lead the organization.

Ellyn reached out to her long list of friends and colleagues.Iwata was a longtime supporter of OCBC and all her sons were members of OCBC Troop 578.

Rafu Senior EditorHundreds gathered at Anaheim Free Methodist Church on Sunday to remember Ellyn Iwata.David Iwata (Lisa); many in-laws.who answered her call to assist in honoring our Nisei veterans.

who passed away on July 28 at 65.(Photo by Derek Yamashita)By GWEN MURANAKA.

Among the organizations and causes Iwata was involved with are the VFW Memorial Day planning committee.

She generously and selflessly served others throughout her life.Tour performers include musical director Lisa Joe on keyboards and longtime Grateful Crane members Jason Fong.

the Los Angeles-based Grateful Crane Ensemble will embark on its fourth Goodwill Tour to Tohoku to sing songs of hope and inspiration for tsunami survivors 12 years after the triple disaster struck northeastern Japan on March 11.major funding for this years tour has come from Gary Kawaguchi of Upper Crust Enterprises

and has written on the topics of ethnic competency.Some of their well-known songs include Naturally.