I had the pleasure of attending COBC as a cadet with George as the commandant. He was always smiling. While having lunch with him during the course, he had this amazing way of diving into leadership things and leading you to the answers all while making you think you arrived to those answers on your own accord. He was great at dropping some knowledge and walking away leaving you alone for the light bulb to…
I remember how George supported the veterans preference in the BMR housing legislation. We brought it to the Commission’s attention a year ago when I met George. He was a very inspirational leader and was very supportive. I really appreciate his leadership in every board meeting being the referee.
Unfortunately I never got to meet Col Ishikata in person but from what I saw he was leading us in the right direction.
My favorite part about COBC was listening to George every night. I will miss hearing the Giving Tree read to us by him.
Too many to think about. George was my best friend, the person I could share anything with, and someone I could count on (as was I to him). We met in high school, got to know each other in CAP (Squadron 86, Excellence in Action), experienced encampment and COBC and so many cadet activities. After retirement, we got back involved in Squadron 86, and were able to get together and just hang out. I don’t…
My name is Samantha, Colonel called me Sammi. Up until this point I hadn’t given it much thought but Sammi is a name for me that’s reserved for my family. Since I considered him family, I never gave it a second thought once he started calling me that. Colonel always made sure to come out and support me if I performed in a talent show or anything and always made sure I knew I had…
Known to me only by a common friend who extolled George’s wonderful character.
I first met Colonel Ishikata at the Academic Bowl competition in July 2021. The first few minutes talking to him all my anxieties from the completion melted away and his kindness and gentleness comforted me. The next day he came along with us to explore D.C. with us. I remember he bought us a TEN dollar balloon just because we said it was cool. I will always appreciate his kindness, thoughtfulness, and calmness.
I personally didn’t know Colonel Ishikata very well but I do know that he made a very big impact on the people around him especially those in JROTC and will be always be remembered by his students, friends, and family as someone you could always rely on.
My first year at camp parks I needed medicine he went out of his way and beyond to get me the medicine I needed.
I never knew him personally, but he was a huge help to Lowell’s JROTC program. Thank you!
Buying dim sum for him and having brunch.
He is a friend and colleague and will not be forgotten. I will fight the fight for JROTC that I will promise under your name.
Volunteer to be the lead Judge for the Veterans Day Parade 2021!
He was a kind and supporting mentor. You could find him cracking jokes when cadets were under pressure and always bring a smile to their faces.
Always kind to others, although he looked at me funny sometimes.
He always thought i was the BDE CSM when I’m the XO!
George was such a champion for young people and cared about offering them a channel for discipline structure, and personally well-being in their lives through JROTC. He will be missed. His manner and style was calming.
Being in Lincoln JROTC and seeing his great smile every time he walks into the room or being super humble every where I see him. Every time I talk to him, he always says “hey hunter, how are you?” I’ll miss everything about you colonel and I’ll miss our great laughs and you are very supportive no Matter what. Never forget! A great mentor, friend, and you created a huge mustang family!
It’s still difficult to believe that George has left us. As a school board member, I fought to keep JROTC a vibrant program and had the privilege of working closely with the JROTC instructors including George. His work with students was extraordinary, always going to extra mile. When I mounted an underdog campaign for office, George supported me in countless ways. He was always the first volunteer to arrive and the last to leave for…
Colonel Ishikata was the calmest, most even-keeled leader with whom I have ever worked. He was a joy to be around.
During my mission on the JCAT I got to know COL Ishikata as a leader, mentor, and friend. He paved the way in looking at life from a viewpoint that changed my life for the positive. He wrote a recommendation for my dissertation program and helped me pave the road to my current career. So many good memories and enjoyable times over the years that I’ve known him. George will always be remembered by how…
Col Ishikata visited Alaska in September 2021 and professed to be a big fan. All who had a chance to meet him or hang out with him were blessed by his insight and enthusiasm. We miss him greatly!
