Theodore H. Okawa, assistant international student advisor at BYU, is accustomed to helping students across the world come to BYU.

Little did Okawa know that after the Sept. 11 attacks, he would be sent across the world to help in the war on terrorism and that his service would lead him to receive an army commendation medal.

Okawa, a lieutenant colonel of 15 years in the army reserves, was ordered to report at the US Army Japan Headquarters following the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.

"I wondered if I would be called up to report for duty," said Okawa. "Then I heard President Bush on T.V. tell all the reserves to prepare for duty."

Okawa said he received a phone call in the beginning of October from his duty section in Japan telling him to prepare for orders to report for duty.

On Oct. 28, 2001 Okawa's orders arrived, and he left one week later for Fort Benning in Georgia for processing.

"I only had one week to prepare for my departure," said Okawa. "Obviously I was very rushed. My children even had to pack my suitcases."

After spending two weeks at Fort Benning, Okawa was sent to Japan to aid in the planning of the logistical support of an operation called Operation Enduring Freedom - Philippines also known as Freedom Eagle.

"Since President Aquino kicked us out of the Philippines, we don't have bases there anymore," said Okawa. "Our closest bases are in Japan."

The Freedom Eagle operation was a process of sending Special Forces to the Philippines to train the armed forces of the Philippines to combat terrorists.

During his service in Japan, Okawa was in charge of the personnel portion of the Freedom Eagle operation.

Okawa said while serving in Japan he was worried about two things: his wife and his abilities to do his job.

"I wasn't sure if I could do the job," said Okawa. "I spent a lot of time on my knees asking for the Lord's help."

Okawa said as he performed his duties with a reliance on God, he felt the guidance of the spirit helping him achieve his responsibilities.

"I found that with the Lord and his spirit, I was guided to function properly," said Okawa.

Okawa, a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, invited those around him to attend Church meetings and to listen to the missionary discussions.

"I have helped two or three people learn more about the Church," said Okawa. "Some of them have gone to church."

Leon Sumpter, a public affairs officer that worked with Okawa, said he knew Okawa was LDS ever since Okawa invited him to Church.

"You should all be proud of him," said Sumpter in a letter to the Daily Universe. "He has ably represented not only your school and church, but the nation as well."

Okawa said the influence of his father on his upbringing was what prompted him to enter the army in the first place.

"My father was a scoutmaster," said Okawa. "He taught us the importance of duty to God and duty to country."

After serving a mission for his church, Okawa came to BYU to finish his studies. It was during this time that the United States was engaged in the Vietnam War.

"I figured I did two years of service for God," said Okawa. "Now I can give a few years to country."

Okawa entered BYU's ROTC program and entered the army towards the end of the Vietnam War.

After serving in the army during the war, Okawa became part of the army reserves program.

"I am a Vietnam-era veteran," said Okawa, "and a veteran of enduring freedom - the global war on terrorism."

Okawa aided in the war on terrorism for one year in Japan. He returned to his Orem home on October 31.

"When I arrived home to my family on Halloween, I knocked on the door and said 'trick or treat,'" said Okawa.



Copyright Brigham Young University 13 Nov 2002