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VFW YOUTH GROUP of Orange County · Post 3670
About us

Started by the Kazuo Masuda family in 1957

The Kazuo Masuda VFW Post 3670 Youth Group of Orange County is a non-profit that fosters the growth and development of youth and builds community through service and volunteerism. Our programs teach good sportsmanship and teamwork on the court, and engagement and leadership off it.

We provide a developmental basketball program for children ages 7 to 18, coached and run entirely by parents, family members, and volunteers. Our Keiki Kodomo summer program introduces K–2nd graders to the sport — around 100 children took part last summer, coached by our own middle and high school players. And every year, graduating seniors are recognized for scholastic achievement, service, and personal growth through our Senior Recognition Awards.

Team huddle Players on court
Sergeant Kazuo Masuda The Masuda family
Our namesake

The Kazuo Masuda story

Our organization carries the name of Sergeant Kazuo Masuda — born in Westminster in 1918, interned with his family during World War II, and enlisted in the U.S. Army's 442nd Regimental Combat Team, where he gave his life valiantly protecting his fellow troops. His story anchors everything the Post and Youth Group stand for.

Read the Masuda family story (PDF)
The Post we serve

Kazuo Masuda Memorial VFW Post 3670

Mustered on November 2, 1957 in Garden Grove — celebrating 60+ years of service to our youth and community. The Youth Group supports the Post's veterans year-round: teams bring snacks to monthly meetings, help with the Memorial Day ceremony, and pitch in on Post clean-up days.

Commander James Nakamura
Senior Vice Commander James Masaki
Junior Vice Commander Bruce Nishiwaki
Quartermaster Robert Wada
Adjutant David Uyematsu
Chaplain Nori Uyematsu
Judge Advocate Robert Wada
Surgeon Ken Hayashi
Join Post 3670

Service outside the continental United States during WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Panama, Grenada, Desert Storm, and other qualifying operations makes you eligible for membership. Call James Nakamura at (714) 350-7356 for more information and an application, or visit vfwpost3670.com.

We must never forget our POW/MIAs.

VFW Post 3670

Officers

All volunteers — parents, family, and community leaders.

President John Chiembanchong
Vice President TBD
Secretary Gloria Gomez
Treasurer Diron Lai & Kurt Nakano
SEYO Rep Erin Sugita & Christopher Hatae
SEYO Rep Alt Jeff Kosaka
Youth Group Coordinator Miki Mong, Joy Chiembanchong & Nina Lao
Gym Coordinator Sherilyn Nakano & June Zane
Equipment Coordinator TBD
Tournament Chairman TBD
Keiki Kodomo Coordinator Michelle Le
Webmaster Timothy Nguyen & Howie Ko
Senior Recognition Awards

Scholarships

Graduating seniors from VFW teams can qualify for a Senior Recognition Award. Applications are reviewed by the Senior Recognition Awards Committee, with winners honored in the tournament book each October.

Eligibility

  • Played on a VFW team at least 3 of 4 high-school years, including 2 Winter (Junior) seasons
  • Cumulative unweighted GPA of 3.00+ (grades 9–11 plus first semester of 12th; transcript required)
  • 40+ hours of community service, at least 20 through VFW activities (Keiki Kodomo, Post clean-up, drives, Holiday Party, and more)
  • Written answers to four short questions from the Awards Committee, plus an interview
  • Application completed by the Committee's deadline, with a senior photo for the tournament book

Frequently asked questions

What is VFW?

The Kazuo Masuda VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) Post 3670 – Youth Group of Orange County is a non-profit started by the Kazuo Masuda family in 1957. Our mission is to foster the growth and development of youth and to build community through service and volunteerism. Programs include youth athletics that teach good sportsmanship and teamwork, and service events that promote community engagement and leadership skills.

Who manages this organization?

VFW Youth Group is run entirely by volunteers — parents, friends, and community leaders who want to make a fun and safe environment for our children to play basketball, learn new skills, and build friendships.

How can I get my child involved in VFW basketball?

VFW is one of many youth organizations in the SEYO basketball league. The Winter Season (grades 2–8) runs December–February and the Spring Season (grades 8–12) runs March–May, with league games on Sunday afternoons; VFW teams practice year-round on Saturdays. New teams form at the end of summer for incoming 2nd graders — and teams tend to stay together all the way through high school. For registration questions and openings on older teams, start with the interest form on our Basketball page, or email vp@vfwyouthgroup.org. Not yet in 2nd grade? Our Keiki Kodomo summer camp is the perfect introduction.

Are there other VFW opportunities and activities for my child?

VFW holds fundraisers each year to fund gym fees, uniforms, and equipment, and each team has volunteer commitments that keep the organization running. As kids get older there are many more opportunities for community service, leadership, and social gatherings — teens can earn volunteer hours through service events in the organization and the wider community.