Richard H. (Dick) Rodby was born in Waialua on Oahu's north shore, January 31st, 1931. His mother, Carita Fisher Rodby, was a member of one of the first families to settle at Schofield Barracks in 1911. Dick's father, Leo B. Rodby, arrived at Schofield in 1920 as a First Sergeant.

Elementary school at Leileihua was interrupted by the attack on Pearl Harbor, December 7th, 1941. Dick's family lived next to Schofield Barracks at the time of the attack. The Rodby family watched as the Japanese pilots strafed Schofield, flying low and slow so the pilots could smile and wave at Dick and his brothers and sisters. Unknowingly, Dick and his brothers and sisters waved back at the Japanese pilots.

The family was instructed to evacuate the area. On their way to Wahiawa, the Rodby family witnessed the barracks at Wheeler Field burning, men running out, some with clothing, others not, but headed for the trees that afforded them no protection. Many were strafed and did not survive.

Families were advised to leave because a food shortage and invasion was expected. The Rodby family traveled to northern Minnesota to stay with relatives. Dick's family returned to Hawaii right after VJ Day in 1945. In northern Minnesota, the Rodby children learned how to speak English and wear shoes.

Dick graduated from Schofield Barracks High School in 1948, went on to Woodbury College, graduating with a BBA in 1952.

Dick's father passed away in 1953 and in 1958, Dick became President of Kemoo Farm, the family business. The real estate has recently been sold, but Dick maintains an office and a bakery on the premises.

Dick has been married to Joan (Martin) Rodby for forty-three (43) years. Dick and Joan have three (3) children and three (3) grandchildren.

Dick is known as Dr. Commemoration. Dick assisted in establishing the Aero Space Museum, Travel Industry School at the University of Hawaii and the Food Service Department at Leeward Community College.

Dick's military honors include being an honorary member of the 25th Division, receiving two (2) commendations from the division. During the celebration of the 50th Anniversary ending World War II and the Pearl Harbor attack, Dick worked as an aide to Lt. General Claude Kicklighter, who headed the commemoration committee.

Dick now serves on the Board of the Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame and the Arizona Memorial Association. Dick is also the Historian for the Liliuokalani Church in Haleiwa and provides the public relations and entertainment for their annual luau. Last year over 2000 tickets were sold for this function, and Dick hoped to increase attendance this year.

Dick also serves as a Trustee for the Midway Foundation. Dick was instrumental in having Midway Island designated as a Historic Battle Field.

Dick assisted writer Larry Rodrigues in writing the book, We Remember Pearl Harbor, containing stories of fifty (50) civilians as they recalled their experience, December 7th 1941.

This month, Dick will speak on "The Importance of Commemoration".

Sincerely,

Donald E. Devaney - President, HJPA