Article by Capt Kyle Ho, RPOU(W) Program Officer

As part of the Defence Team Canadian Asian Network’s (DTCAN) national Asian Heritage Month celebrations, Master Warrant Officer (Retired) Gary Ross Izawa, from the Western Region, was selected as one of the four panelists. He delivered a deeply moving and courageous story of his personal journey as a Japanese Canadian and a veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces.

Now serving as a Canadian Ranger with 4 Canadian Ranger Patrol Group in Ucluelet, British Columbia, Izawa recently retired from the Royal Canadian Engineers after more than 20 years of service. He concluded his military career as the Squadron Sergeant Major of 6 Engineer Squadron in North Vancouver. In his civilian life, he continues to serve his community as a paramedic with the British Columbia Ambulance Service.

During the national event, Izawa shared a powerful reflection on identity, intergenerational trauma, and the long path to self-acceptance. Born in Hope, BC, to second-generation Japanese Canadian parents who survived the internment camps during the Second World War, he spoke about the silent legacy of that injustice and how his family lost everything, and how that trauma shaped his upbringing and sense of self. Raised to integrate into Western society, Izawa recounted the racism he endured growing up, the shame he felt about his heritage, and the internalized prejudice that followed him into adulthood. “I hated myself for being Asian,” he admitted. But through his military service, he found a sense of belonging, purpose, and the strength to reclaim his cultural identity. “I felt lucky to be surrounded by more great mentors and peers than the few abusers,” Izawa shared. His message was not only one of survival but of transformation to lead by example, to teach others, and to believe in the power of change.

The success of this national event was made possible through the dedicated efforts of DTCAN members across Canada. In the Western Region, members from Real Property Operations Unit (West) played a key role in supporting and promoting the event. Their grassroots efforts ensured that voices like Gray’s were heard and celebrated.

Gary’s story also highlighted a personal turning point. While his older children were given Western names as his parents did to help Gary and his sister to fit in, Gary choses a different path for his youngest son, naming him “Takeo,” meaning “warrior” in Japanese. “He will walk the path and learn about his Japanese culture,” Gary said. He concluded his speech with a powerful message that resonated deeply with all the listeners. “I believe there is good versus evil, where the few must take an unwavering stand of good, to set the example of never giving in to self-defeat and always taking the higher path. If you lose everything, keep your integrity, honour, and courage. The only way you can lose it is to give it away. So don’t do it.” Izawa family is no longer afraid.

Gary Izawa’s story is a reminder of why grassroot networks like DTCAN exist. It is to make space for truth, to empower survivors, and to ensure that no one feels they have to hide who they are. DTCAN is a welcoming network open to all Defence Team members, military and civilian, who are committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. It works in alliance with other Defence Advisory Groups to provide mutual support and drive meaningful change across the CAF.

If you wish to be notified of or involved in future events, please contact dtcan-raced@forces.gc.ca

CHIMO!