Japanese-pow Listserv
A listserv may be described as an automatic e-mail re-mailer. The Japanese-pow Listserv is a "closed" listserv which means that only people that have been "subscribed" as members of a listserv may send messages that are retransmitted to all members of the listserv. The purpose of the Japanese-pow Listserv is to provide a vehicle for the exchange of information relating to Prisoners of War of the Japanese during World War II. Membership is open to anyone who wants to send and receive messages on this subject. Please do not be concerned that the name West Point is in the title of the sponsoring organization. The name comes from the origin when a group of West Point graduates wanted to take advantage of the internet to exchange messages rapidly with all members of their group. This organization is called West-Point.Org (WP-ORG for brevity) has grown to become a sponsor for a large number of lists including a list for almost every graduated class, parents groups, sports groups, friends of West Point groups and others - about 25,000 members combined in all groups. This fine organization has volunteered to sponsor our list of persons interested in information concerning Prisoners of War of the Japanese during World War II.
WP-ORG has three rules concerning messages sent via this listserv. Messages may not exceed 17KB in length, they must be written in "Plain Text" and no attachments are allowed. As the Listserv Moderator, I have added one more rule -- please do NOT send any jokes, cute stories or other matter not related to the purpose of this listserv.
Members of this list may send messages to all members of the list at any time by sending an e-mail to the group address that is provided to all members. When you receive a message and want to comment on it, you may send a message to the entire group in the same manner. Also, you can reply to the sender only if you so choose.
There is no direct cost to members; however, it should be obvious that some money is needed for computer equipment and to pay the two paid employees (there are many volunteers such as the moderator of this listserv who are not paid). Twice a year, WP-ORG will solicit contributions to obtain the money needed. When a fund drive begins, members will receive a message stating the amount needed and the number of members combined on all lists. For instance, a recent solicitation stated a need for just over $111,000.00 and a combined membership of about 25,000 persons - so each person can easily determine a member’s fair share. If you choose not to contribute, you will NOT be removed from the list. Contributions are voluntary. Of course, we hope that each member will be satisfied with the listserv and will want to contribute.
Join now and whenever you find new information relating to Prisoners of War of the Japanese during World War II that may be helpful to others searching this topic, share the good news by sending an e-mail to the list. If you find a good book, a manuscript or other document that may help someone else find out more about a relative who was a POW, share the discovery. Maybe someone else will find just what you need and share it with you.
To join the Japanese-pow Listserv, send a message to me by using the e-mail link below. Include information about your relative that was a POW of the Japanese (relationship, his/her name, military rank, unit at the time of surrender. POW Camps and POW Ships - as much as you know of these) OR your other reason for joining the listserv. Former POWs are encouraged to join - especially if they are willing to assist descendants in their efforts to learn more about their former POW relative.
John B. Lewis
Moderator, Japanese-pow Listserv