February 2nd, 2009
Joking around Homma Kancho; left: former President Kelly, right: new President Mirabella.
Captain Doug Kelly, Nippon Kan General Headquarters NPO President for the past 6 years retired as President this year. Captain Kelly was instrumental in the procurement and development of Nippon Kan’s current facility. With career promotions and a growing family, Doug found it was time to “pass the baton” to our new Nippon Kan General Headquarter President Michael Mirabella Esq.
Captain Kelly is an international pilot and flight instructor for United Airlines. For the past few years, his growing position and responsibilities have made it more difficult for him to participate as actively as president. Captain Kelly helped steer Nippon Kan through “take off” in our new headquarters until reaching our current “cruising altitude” and we are all grateful for his service.
With the development of AHAN’s international humanitarian programs, Mr. Mirabella, long time legal council for Homma Kancho and Nippon Kan, was chosen by Captain Kelly and staff to step into the position as new Nippon Kan President.
On February 2nd, the “changing of the guard” ceremony was performed at the February Hakama Kai meeting. Announcements were also made at this meeting of Nippon Kan hakama members, of the appointments of Noel Camp as the new Youth Program Instructor and Jim Lattanzio as new uchideshi coordinator. Many, many thanks to Thomas Dammen for your many years of service as past Nippon Kan Youth Program Instructor and James Haugen for serving as Uchideshi Coordinator.
Written by
David Geras
Nippon Kan Treasurer/Secretary