Dalat Family Summer 2017

The Dalat’s Update

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U.S. Army’s Page Page 17

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Contributors

Dan Dalat, a Graduate from Zama American High School who enjoys making short animated film using LEGO toys. Additionally, Dan loves making cartoon using an app in his iPhone. Dan is scheduled to attend University of California Irvine Fall 2017.

Daisy Dalat, will be a junior at Zama American High School in fall who enjoys baking, cooking, and watching Japanese anime. In her spare time, she plays Varsity Tennis and serves in as a senior cadet leadership role at ZAHS Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC)

Hanna Dalat, will be a fifth grader at Arnn American Elementary School who loves Vietnamese potbelly pigs, enjoys drawing and cracking jokes.

Sunrise View from Mount Fuji Summit

Photographed by Lan Dalat 2017

Minnie -Hydrangeas at Midtown Tokyo

We have been in Japan for a year and four consecutively years in the Far East region. However, we are no strangers to this region since both Lan and Minnie's birthplace is in this part of the world. And since 1998, our family have been living, working, and exploring this region as an Army family.

We are getting used to the weather, the driving, the public transportation systems, the culture, the food political instability within the region. In this newsletter, we will highlight some of our adventures, cultural activities, some of the best spirits, and the unease tensions between U.S. and North Korea as the situation continues to escalate.

Dan has had an actions packed summer starting with a trip down under to Australia with his graduate buddies. Then, he summits Mount Fuji on his 18th birthday. Upon getting back down to the sea level, he goes on a river rafting and kayaking trip with the members of the youth center. In between time, he registers up with the Selective Service System, studies for California Driver License, and prepares for a college career by filling out many forms.

Daisy is not taking any slack either. However, her approach is more focus. Her aim is to be a better tennis player in her junior year. With that in mind, she takes the time to teach, coach, and mentor her younger sister Hanna with the ability to play tennis. That inspires and motivates her mom, dad, and brother to come out and practice tennis in the evening hours during the hot and humid summer. Her dad even competes in a local tennis tournament.

TOKYO, JAPAN: Hanna jumps for joy as she celebrates the beginning of summer with her sister Daisy while shopping at Tokyo Midtown Shopping Center.

Dan and Daisy Learn to Drive in Japan

Hanna Learns to Play Tennis with Daisy

Daisy keeps an eye out for her li le sister at Midtown Tokyo

Lan and Minnie enjoy a walk in a park in Midtown Tokyo

Minnie and Daisy relax at Midtown Tokyo

Hanna practices her new violin during the summer break

Minnie points out a turtle in the water to Daisy Hanna enjoys a nice day in Tokyo

Cousin Chu and family visit Dalat Family at Camp Zama, Japan

Family Tennis Day at Camp Zama, Japan

Lan and Minnie visit Asakusa, Tokyo

Minnie, Hanna, Dan and Daisy at SEGA Center

Dan checks out the evening scene in Roppongi

Dan and Hanna encounter a large stainless mural in one of the subway systems

Lan scans Shinjuku area for a shot

Dan plays the drum of an Eisa Matsuri performer.

Dan captures a perfect moment as his dad returns the tennis ball.

Dan and his team enjoy white water ra ing in Japan

Dan prepares to embark on a kayak adventure

Going Down Under

a Dan Dalat’s Journal

week after walking across the stage at Camp Zama, Japan and accepting my High School diploma, I headed off to Australia for the senior trip organized by Camp Zama Youth Center. Flying on a discounted Jetstar Airlines to Australia, I can't watch any movies since they're Pay-per-View. I just slept for most of the flight and played games on the plane.

I woke up in the next day, still in the plane moving, out to the land down under. At 5:00 a.m., our plane arrived and we got on the bus heading toward the Bay Village Flats for breakfast. I ate before back to sleep. At around noon, my friends and I looked around the nearby town and saw the muddy beachfront. I ate some of the local snacks such as the Maltesers and Tim-Tams. I also ate a kebab afterward. Along with Kevin and Ellis, I bought a T- shirt on a consolidated deal. That late afternoon, we returned to the flat, quite nice, at 6:30 p.m. to meet with Aboriginals.

The night was interesting. Most of us got some face paint from

the Aboriginals and they reformed their spiritual dances relating to animals and fire. We had dinner later on and I ate kangaroo. The meat was tough even if it is cooked medium rare. We went through the shop and that was my first day in Cairns, Australia.

My first real adventures occurred on June 17, 2017, I boarded a boat over to the Great Barrier Reef, just threw some tea overboard (AMERICA!). I went to the front of the top deck and enjoyed the wind flowing through my hair at 70mph while the rest of me rocked with the boat side to side. The reef is harbored with a floating dock where I began my snorkeling activity in the reef. I could not see very well without a pair of prescription goggles. Nonetheless, I saw some small mostly blue black striped fish, We also went on a half submersible with windows at the bottom. By then, I was extremely tired and groggily ate

Cairns

Queensland, Australia

my lunch. After a nap, I finally changed out and hung around waiting for the others to finish. The

market. After doing six laps through it, I finally bought a boomerang. Kevin, Hunter, and I went back to the hotel and watched TV together. Hunter probably didn't like the programs though, not quite his type of humor. We played Heads Up when Ellis

e 2017 Youth Center Senior Trip in Australia is o to a great start! HS Grads are at the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park, where they are learning about the traditions and history of this country going back 40,000 years. Dance performances and re lighting ceremony as well to gain insight to the ancient Australian culture... and enjoy a delicious barbecue, also known as a barbie in Aussie slang! at Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park - Cairns Day & Night Tours.

Boarding a high speed ferry heading out to the reef for snorkeling adventure

arrived and that was the day. Also, the first time I took a shower here.

Day Three: I woke up early for the jungle tour. We went to a nature preservation and saw some birds, koalas, dingos, kangaroos, and some crocodiles. Later on, I got to take a photo with a koala. The bus continued on to the jungle surfing (ziplining) spot and ate lunch prior.

I proved my prophetic abilities by talking to Kevin about how I was dreaming I was in the bus eating fries. That eventually came true with a cup of chips from lunch and a short bus to the jungle. The zip line was fun and we got free buffs (a headband/ sweatband/ scarf/ mask/ mouth cover/ ninja hood). Finally, we went on a boat for the crocodile tour. Didn't see much though. We headed back with the tour bus and later ate dinner at Outback Jack's and had some burgers. We played some catch with the rugby and eventually went down to the volleyball field to play rugby. Some of the local Aussies even stopped playing to spectate and make certain remarks about or match. After a few rounds of Heads Up in the flat, we went to bed.

Day four: Today is our free day, also we get to sleep in. I woke up for breakfast at 8:00. Kevin, Hunter, Ellis and I head for the pool/ lagoon nearby to pass a rugby ball. We couldn't have the ball in the water and the water was really cold, even though it was salty, so we played on land and eventually settled down to talk. We went to town later on and ate at some Vietnamese restaurant, curated by me, and the boys seemed to have enjoyed it. Afterwards, I went to Woolsworth with Kevin to buy some more Tim-Tams. We went down the volleyball field again to play jackpot instead. We went back after an hour and chilled with our phones and telly. For dinner, we went down to a restaurant called "Cock and Bulls." The boys had some bevs and I had a kilogram of chicken legs all for myself. They were pretty good; had a bit of spice and lime. We went back to the flats and packed up for our departure tomorrow.

Day five: Woke up at 7:00 and packed my final things to go back to Japan. We left the hotel at 8:30 and went to the airport. We saw the overpriced merchandise they

were selling and all pf the candy too. The lowest price was. $4.00 for snacks. We got on our plane and flew back. We arrived in Narita and did the usual process to leave. We had a bit of a kerfuffle when one girl left her bag back in the terminal, so she went back with big hero Kevin to find it. The bus went home and I arrived back at home famished, ready to eat some good asian noodles. I unpacked and rested to go on with the rest of the summer.

Dan poses with a koala bear during his visit of a so call Zoo in Australia.

Souvenir Boomerang

Summer 2017

Boy to Man Transition

On July 5, 2017, a day after America celebrated its 241st Independence Day, Dan was prepared to celebrate his 18th birthday in a unique way.

“Dan, technically, you are a boy today. Tomorrow, you will be a man. So, I want you to do something significant that would define you for many years to come. I want you to climb up Mount Fuji with me on the 5th of July and you will see the first sunrise as a man on the summit of Mount Fuji.” Lan conveyed his thought to his son Dan.

“Okay!” Dan agreed.

Two days prior, Nanmadol, a named tropical storm with an expected heavy rain and wind gust up to 50 mph is scheduled to touch down in Honshu which encompasses most of southern Japan.

Fortunately, on Wednesday July 5th, the tropical storm changed course. Lan and his son Dan continued with their plans and got dropped off by

Minnie at the train station near their home as they began their trek to Mount Fuji.

They took the JR Train, Highway Express bus, and Fujikyu bus to reach 5th Station on the Subaru line where Yoshida trails would lead them to the summit.

Around 4 p.m. on day one, father and son team arrived at the start of Yoshida trail where they challenged themselves with the arduous climb to reach a critical milestone in a

Summer 2017

Japanese woman during Mount Fuji climb. They used their military training to provide aid and transport the woman to safety. According to Stars and Stripes, the 23 year old woman had a seizure along with high fever.

During the descend, Dan joined other hikers from Mexico City and Madrid. They shared stories and encouraged each other during the most challenging phase of Mount Fuji.

At ten til 8 o’clock a.m., the hikers reached the 5th Station. There, they loaded up the bus that transported them back tot he main transportation hub named Kawaguchiko Station.

The father and son team returned home as men who had met their challenge and overcame difficulties to meet a simple objective. Climbing Mount Fuji.

https://youtu.be/02zo7dD9rCE

Daisy takes it very safe and easy this summer. Besides, she takes good care of her family especially her little sister, Daisy is a reliable friend to anyone.

This Summer, Daisy’s aim is to be a better tennis player in her junior year. She had a taste of being on the varsity last year. So, this year, she wants to maintain that status and strive to have more wins. With that in mind, she takes the time to teach, coach, and mentor her younger sister Hanna with the ability to play tennis. That inspires and motivates her mom, dad, and brother to come out and practice tennis in the evening hours during the hot and humid summer.

While her mom, brother, and sister opt to travel to Korea, Daisy stays in Japan to spend times with her best friend who she had met in Korea through JROTC and tennis. Together, the two girls enjoy their time at Zama Sunflowers Festival, Asakusa Toro Nagashi Lantern festival in Tokyo, and just hanging out together.

Daisy is now set for her junior year in high school. She has her focus on academic, leadership, and athletic achievements.

Daisy relaxes in the shade next to Senso-ji temple in Asakusa, Tokyo, Japan during the 4th of July weekend.

Daisy and her best iend Lydia relax in the shade at Zama Sun ower Festival.

Swiss VacationDaisy’s

2015 flash back

Daisy visits Lago di Lugano, Ticino on 24 July 2015 with Aunt Mimi, Nicolas, and Adrian.

Multi- talented Hanna has had a very active summer doing things that most kids would try to avoid like doing math homework, reading, or playing the violin. Well, Hanna is not one of those kids. As a 10 years old getting reading for fifth grade, she is open to all opportunities to learn and to excel in learning. Hanna’s brain is like a sponge at this phase in her life. She enjoys exploring the unknowns and embracing the knowns. Most impressive of all is her ability to comprehend the process and excelled in doing the learning discovery.

Within a week of learning how to play the violin, she has the ability to understand the music, and the instrument that produces those amazing sounds. Likewise in art, she picks up the brushes for the first time and yet she paint a realistic looking watermelon after only one try. This is not painting by the numbers. She figures out how to apply the watercolor to get the shades and tones for the object in front of her. Her dad is thoroughly impressed.

Besides being creative, Hanna is also an athlete. She is agile, flexible, and very coordinated. She mastered Taekwondo, the balancing beam in gymnastic, and striking a tennis ball. In addition, she takes lessons from Daisy in tennis.

Hanna poses for her dad at Midtown Tokyo, Japan.

Hanna enjoys her time at Pokemon Mega Center in Tokyo.

Math Lesson Art Lesson Art & Crafts Workshop

Tennis Practice

Violin Lesson

studioCreative

Besides being a busy mom, a coach, and a teacher, Minnie also focuses on her fitness and creativity. She begins her day with Yoga followed by a balanced and healthy breakfast comprised of Greek yogurt, fresh fruits, and flax seeds. In addition, Minnie rides her bike in the afternoon for 30 minutes before making dinner for the family.

In between, she teaches art to her students who are her neighbors and friends. In the afternoon, Minnie teaches Hanna how to paint and tutors math problems. In the late afternoon, she joins Daisy at the the tennis court where Daisy tries to improve her skill.

Recently, Minnie takes advantage of the Space Available flight for military members to travel between Japan and Korea to visit her relatives in Korea.

Garden Organic

Minnie enjoys gardening in the back yard where she grows several tomato and cucumber plants. ere are also owers and herbs in her garden.

Minnie’s student is showing o her oil painting at an early phase of the art project.

Minnie applies the details to her oil painting.

Taste Japan

WHISKY

Dinking alcohol on the job is frown upon in many cultures. However, here in Japan, it is an important aspect of building a stronger relationship. As a senior officer, Lan often attended these social events to strengthen the alliance between the United States and Japan.

During these “bilateral engagements,” Lan must learned how not to offend his host by partaking in some of the dinning and drinking

Two most popular whiskies in Japan

Japanese Whiskey is a serious contender among the world’s five best whiskies: Scotch, Irish, American, Canadian, and Japanese. Lan’s favorites are Yamazaki and Hibiki. They are much smoother than Johnny Walker Blue Label any day of the week.

BEER

US Army Japan and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) Bilateral Engagement

To begin, gifts exchange usually occurred after the business engagement. More often than not, the gifts contain alcohol in several forms starting with the most popular: whisky, sake, and wine. Beer is never presented as a gift. Following the gift exchange, the host would invite the delegation to dinner. In most occasions, the dinner is a buffet at an elegant venue such as the wedding hall or a high end hotel in the area. It’s also during dinner that drinking would occur starting with the host pouring the drink for the guest.

Japanese beer is a serious player in the world’s stage of finest tasting beer. Having tried various beer around the world to include Germany, Italy, Belgium, Vietnam, Korea, etc… Japanese beer has the most refreshing taste.

RICE WINE

Sake (rice wine) is another amazing refreshing alcoholic beverage. It goes well with sushi. Minnie and Lan often enjoying sake and sushi at a local restaurant within walking distance from home.

MIDTOWN TOKYO- Kirin promotes its new whiskey line at Midtown Tokyo Shopping Center. It o ers taste test for a small fees.

Whisky

Stock Photos by Mfg.

Photo by Lan Dalat

US ARMY Cele ating 242nd Bi hday

Celebrating the Army’s 242nd Birthday, our family took part in several events throughout the week and culminating at the Army Ball on the evening of June 16 in a filled ball room Camp Zama.

Earlier during the Army Week, Lan engaged in several team building events within his command to include running, and golfing; both of which he enjoyed doing.

On a beautiful Thursday morning, 28 four person team competing against each other for the bragging right as being the best golfing team within US Army Japan. Lan’s team did not win but scored one over par for the 18 hole game. The winner had 10 under par.

The final day of the Army Week began with a US Army Japan run where everyone met at the High School football field for the group photo. Following the event, Lan changed into his Class B uniform and went to welcome General and Dr. Brooks to Japan. The band was at hand to welcome the general with four ruffles and flourishes.

In the evening, Lan and Minnie dressed up for the final occasion. After being in the Army more than two decades, Lan and Minnie attended their first Army Ball and was very impressed by the historic presentation and the entertainment provided by the Japanese Taiko drummers. Another significant about this ball is the trilateral relationship between US, Japan, and Republic of Korea. All three were represented at the ball.

Lieutenant Colonel Lan T. Dalat and Mrs. Minnie Dalat prepare to go to the Army Ball on June 16, 2017

General Brooks, USFK/CFC/UNC commander (2nd le ) stands with U.S., Japan, and Korea generals during the 242nd Army Birthday Ball at Camp Zama, Japan.

Major General James (Jim) Pasquare e and Mrs. Liz Pasquare e welcome Lt. Col. Lan Dalat and Minnie Dalat at the receiving line

Units om throughout the Camp Zama stand in formation and salute the ags during installation run led by Maj. Gen. James F. Pasquare e, commanding general of U. S. Army Japan, and Command Sgt. Maj. Richard R. Clark, command sergeant major for USARJ

DRIVER’S ED

School is out but summer school is now in session. Well, they are not exactly in a summer school but rather summer driving school taught by dad.

Recently, there has been a change in the driving policy for military dependents. Student drivers under the age of 18 are now allowed to drive inside the base between 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. with a licensed driver.

As a first time driver, Dan and Daisy face a unique challenge of driving on the left side of the road while the steering wheel is on the right side of the vehicle.

The windshield wiper lever and the turn signal lever are also on the opposite side. So, when Dan returns to the US at the end of the summer, his habit will make him activating the wipers instead of a turn- signal prior to a turn. However, the most important thing to remember is to be on the correct side of the road.

Upon completing the driver’s training, Dan and Daisy will have to take a hands on test with Camp Zama Motor pool. If they pass the test, a Permanent License will be issued by the Provost Marshal Office. However, if the teen doesn't have the stateside driver license, he/she is only allowed to inside the base and not outside on Japanese public road.

Drive on left side of the road

B Visiting Korea

efore heading back to the U.S. for college, Dan took a trip to Korea along with his mom and his little sister visiting some relatives and retracing his Korean experience with sights, sounds, and of course, food.

On August 9, the traveling party woke up early and drove to Yokota Air Base where they caught a Space-A flight to Osan Air Base in Korea during the same period when Kim Jung -Un threaten to launch missiles against Guam. Sitting next to Hanna on the plane, Dan uses his judgement to ensure his sister has a comfortable ride. “I didn't want to scare Hanna by watching Logan, I'm sure it's very violent and gruesome.” Recognizing a familiar place, Dan, his mom and sister Hanna took a taxi to Junny - Minnie’s niece’s apartment in Osan. Together, they went out for Korean chicken dinner.

For the next few days, they traveled to Seoul where they visited more relatives and all familiar places such as Paris Baguette bakery, Kanbbu Chicken, Korean BBQ restaurants, Lotte Department Store, Dongdaemun, Itaewon, Hyundai City Outlets, and of course Yongsan Garrison where they had resided during their last tour. During that same period, Dan revisited his Eagle Project at Seoul American Elementary School to see its current condition. “I also saw the map I painted for the Eagle Project. The paint is still in good condition, there are some cracks with some grass growing, and it's covered in sand and dirt.”

After eight days in Korea, Dan returns to Japan preparing for another chapter in his life as a college student at University of California Irvine.

Minnie enjoys Korean BBQ with her niece Junny in Korea

Hanna and her Korean cousins are back together again in Seoul

Dan visits his Eagle Project to check on the current state.

Back in the USA

Dan departs his home at Camp Zama, Japan for college in California, USA on August 24, 2017

Minnie, Daisy, and Hanna bid farewell to Dan as he and his dad are scheduled to y back to California where Dan

Grand pa ai Lang (right) and Grand ma Cam Quy welcome Dan to California as they pose for a photo at University of California Irvine campus.

Lan, Cam Quy, Dan, and ai pose for a photo at UCI campus with the mascot Anteater, one of its kind in the U.S.

Hanna is very sad that her to college.

Christine, Lucas, and Sisi welcome Lan and Dan to California.

Family Legacy

Lan and Minnie are married in Sep 1998 Taegu, Korea

Minnie Dalat (Yi Kyong Hwa)

Vietnamese Boy Scout Private, US Army Reserve

2nd Lt. Lan Dalat and Miss Yi Kyong Hwa in Bangkok, Thailand June 1998

Captain & Mrs. Dalat with Dan (3) Daisy (2) in Ireland 2002

Lan, Minnie, Dan, and Daisy visit Luxembourg 2002

Thai Lang and Cam Quy visit their son Lan and his family in Germany

Dan Dalat

Daisy Dalat

Hanna Dalat

Happy Birthday

Dan’s 18th Birthday

Dan celebrates is 3rd birthday in Landstuhl, Germany

Dan celebrates is 18th birthday at Camp Zama, Zama City, Japan.