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By P.C. Staff

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Japanese American Veterans Assn. announces its annual scholarship award program for 2015. Twelve scholarships will be awarded to a range of graduating high school seniors, advanced undergraduate students and postgraduate and professional education students.

This year’s scholarships fall into three categories: the U.S. Sen. Daniel K. Inouye Memorial Scholarship ($5,000), the Founder’s Scholarship in the name of Phil and Douglas Ishio ($3,000) and the JAVA Memorial Scholarships in the names of Grant Hirabayashi, Joseph Ichiuji, Mitsugi Kasai, Teru and Victor Matsui, Betty Shima, Orville Shirey, Betty and Calvin Taira, Bob Nakamoto, Kelly Kuwayama, Kaoru Shimabukuro and Kiyoko Taubkin (10 awards of $1,500 each).

There are different eligibility criteria for each of the tree categories. Criteria includes descendants of those who served in the 100th Battalion, the 442nd RCT, the Military Intelligence Service as well as descendants of WWII Nisei soldiers from other units. In the case of only the Sen. Inouye scholarship, applications also will be accepted from any past or present member of Hawaii’s 100th Battalion or 442nd Infantry. A current war veteran member of JAVA whose membership began at least one year prior to April 1, 2014, or his or her child may also be eligible.

As in the past, favorable consideration will be given to eligible applicants who demonstrate their lifelong commitment to public and uniformed service leadership for the nation, e.g., participating in military commissioning programs while in college.

Complete rules and application forms are available on the JAVA website. The final date to submit an application is May 15. The names of the awardees will be announced at the annual JAVA scholarship luncheon in June.

For more information, visit www.javadc.org.