Loved George! When George, Terry, Wayne & Grace deployed in the ‘90’s I prayed for their safe return- then continued while the others returned & George went to Kosovo- I’m saddened by his loss & the loss to our program- Rest In Peace, George
I first met George at COBC in 2010. Ever gracious with a calm and friendly demeanor, he was kind to all who worked with him regardless of their experience level and often took time to guide and coach them. Thank you, George.
Our deepest sympathies to Lena and the Ishikata Family. George’s leadership and friendship has empowered superiors and peers alike. His most enduring impact are qualities seen in our future leaders who he educated and mentored.
I would always make fun of him for being the region commander, like “Can I get a picture with the region commander?” or “Wow the region commander is at our squadron!” and we would laugh about it.
He was a very special person, loved and respected by all, I’ve known George since I joined the 223rd Dec 1991, he was always a smile away.
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 first met COL Ishikata in CAP. He later recruited me into the 223rd in January of 1990. I spent the next 18 years on a glorious romp around the globe visiting foreign countries meeting new and wonderful people and then going home. He will be missed.
Thank you for the life lessons, George.
Once, he took the entire squadron to Fort Funston to play Capture the Flag… in the dark. As he let us -11 year olds to 17 year olds- fumble and tackle each other in the dark with glee, he mumbled to those of us laughing on the sidelines, “This could be a great exercise in leadership, or a sh*t storm.” It was both. And we loved him for it. 🙂 He will always be the…
George is, and will always be, a hero to myself and everyone who was fortunate to come into contact with him. There isn’t a memory or instance I wouldn’t trade. Calm, cool, collected, and in charge. What an incredible person and leader! After nearly 15 years of contact, it feels like yesterday, where he provided his insight and direction selflessly. His persona was contagious. You wanted to be around him. He had a magnetic personality.…
George was the calm before, during and after the storm.
I knew George since we were 17. He will be greatly missed.
My memory of George was he was the epitome of excellence in action.
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…
Years and years of laughter, smiles and love at CAP events. George was family over the past 35 years
A friend and mentor who was always there for you , especially in those hard times.
A wonderful mentor and friend. He will be dearly missed.
Dad at COBC
A wonderful person and friend.
Was a good friend and confidant.
