Henderson Field-Night. Watercolor by Sgt Hugh Laidman in the Marine Corps Art Collection
http://www.yelp.com/biz/james-see-surfboards-san-pedro
“James See has adopted the entire neighborhood, from skaters to surfers, giving them a sense of belonging and a job or two. This neighborhood has been invaded by tweens and teens alike, sporting their boards and congregating on the corner. Thanks to James See and a bit of Patience from Peggy (Corner Store Owner), the kids have a safe place to hang out.”
http://www.nps.gov/history/history/online_books/npswapa/extContent/usmc/pcn-190-003122-00/sec11.htm Quote from this website…
“VMF-214’s five-month tour of combat created eight aces, including Pappy Boyington. The Black Sheep accounted for 97 Japanese aircraft downed. VMF-215’s tour lasted four-and-a-half months, and Bob Hanson and his squadron mates — the squadron’s roster included 10 aces — destroyed 137 enemy aircraft, 106 in the last six weeks.”
I had a great time getting to know my new son-in-law, James See, while visiting family in San Pedro, California during the New Years holiday. James and my daughter, Deanna, were married just a year ago. It is easy to observe how happy they are in their new life together close to the beaches they both love in southern California. It was also wonderful seeing Deanna so happy and catching up with my grand kids Mike and Cameryn pictured above (to my right, Mike, and 2nd to my left Cam) on this website.
James and I have much in common. I started surfing about 10 years before James on the same beaches of Redondo and Torrance. We both have surfed in Mexico and Hawaii. We both bought our first surfboards from Greg Noll in Hermosa Beach. But James followed his dream of making the surfing world his life by building surf boards with the popular “Onion” brand and traveling the world surfing spots that most of us only dream about… Most importantly, we both have the honor of fathers’ who came from the “Greatest Generation.” James’ Dad, Robert, was a WWII Marine Corps fighter pilot ace, who served with heroes like Pappy Boyington and the famous Black Sheep Squadron. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VMA-214 My Dad, Vernon, survived the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, while serving aboard the USS West Virginia…
Even more striking is what we both have in common making a difference with kids in our own communities. James is well known in San Pedro for his mentoring of youngsters with a passion for surfing, including giving them jobs and teaching them how to surf. I know from my own experience growing up as a kid in South Bay near Palos Verdes how important surfing was to my own well being and feeling of accomplishment. The camaraderie and competition of the the sport of surfing provides big rewards for kids who participate with a winning attitude. Surfing helped me feel better about myself and gave me goals to be the best as a teen living a dream…
I am not only happy for my daughter’s new life, but proud to call James See my son-in-law. I am looking forward to our close friendship for many years to come, and the chance to get back to my surfing roots. The memories of my own experience as a teen while revisiting the popular surf spots of southern California, reminds me of some very positive and fun experiences as a young surf dude in So. Cal.
Steve Sparks
Author
Reconciliation: A Son’s Story
