Japan
The day of the Japanese earthquake, we reached out to two SBAN members in Japan to make sure they were okay and to offer assistance and support. We’re happy to bring you the news of their safety in their own words.
Timothy RamlerFirst of all, I’d like to thank those for their concern and contributions made towards the devastating series of events that struck my home (Japan). My wife and I have been watching the aftermath throughout everyday and in disbelief. The houses and shops and towns and schools and the people that occupied them are gone. "Everything is gone.” This is first time I have seen a major natural disaster from this perspective and it’s been a sad and strange experience – it’s incomprehensible.
Though the reactor still poses a threat, we’re making a strong recovery and in time Japan will become as strong and great as it was before. There have been HUGE amounts of donations and support from all over the world. I’d especially like to thank the U.S. for their overwhelming care and concern. With me being American, I’ve never been on the receiving end of getting aid. I’ve never complained about my tax money going to aiding other countries but I’ve also never realized the difference it makes. You save lives and we appreciate it. Thank you.
Thank you Obama for providing support. Thank you U.S. Navy for ignoring regulations to give stranded people food (this actually happened – it brought tears to my eyes). Thank you to all the other countries who have also given aid.
Thank YOU for your support and contributions. Thank you for your thoughts and concern.
Tim & Shoko Ramler
Fukuoka, Japan
Vince RicciDear Family and Friends
Greetings from Tokyo. Many of you have reached out with messages of support and encouragement. It is truly appreciated. Thank you. We continue to monitor Japan's ongoing nuclear emergency. At this time, we are taking our cues from the U.S. Embassy. Six hours ago, Ambassador Roos said, "If we assess that the radiation poses a
threat to public health, we will share that information and provide relevant guidance immediately.” In the meantime, we still have our SFO flight scheduled for Wednesday, March 30. If necessary, we will fly earlier. Thankfully, some friends outside Tokyo have kindly offered accommodation should we need to escape the city.
We have a full tank of gas in the car. Luca and Mari are now at school. Kazuko went to the office. Vince is working from home. We are conserving power and stocking water in case events take a turn for the worse. We will send email updates when possible. In the meantime, please consider following Vince's frequent Facebook updates on his personal page.
In Love and Courage,
Vince, Mari and Luca
UPDATE FROM VINCE RICCI SENT APRIL 3, 2011:
Dearest Family and Friends,
Just a quick note to let you know that we are now safe and happy by the San Francisco Bay. Much gratitude and respect to Vince and Jean for warm hospitality, and pure California love. Please enjoy the attached collage, taken one day after we arrived here. We are clearly in a place that comes down in favor of spontaneous public displays of affection between two nations. Right on.
Best to all of us,
Vin, Mari & Luca
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Former BT Atlanta Student & BT San Juan Capistrano Teacher
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