VIA Times – September 2016 Issue Vital News, Vibrant Views for Asian Americans in Chicago & Midwest
By: Ryan Tejero
I will never forget the man who gave me the National Editor job of NaFFAA national newsletter in 2012! When Ed decided to start a newsletter after he was re-elected for his second term as national chair in 2012, he approached me to take care of creating the online monthly publication. I told him that I have a very limited experience in handling the job. But he insisted. He promised that he will be there to support, and said that he will bring in other people to help me out. Of course, I believe him! Then, we had the first issue, the second issue came, and next month— September 2016, it will be our fourth year anniversary already! Unfortunately, Ed will not be there next month to congratulate me on the 48th issue of our NaFFAA newsletter! I am already sad that he has no feedback on this month’s issue of the newsletter.
This August issue of the newsletter is by far the hardest to create for me! In the past, I would look at submitted stories or pictures, and I can create titles for them so easily. Ideas would flow out from my head as I layout the articles in my publisher page. I also get excited about choosing a front-page story, and incorporating interviews or comments from readers and leaders. I remembered when we featured “Leader on the Spot” in the front page, I would receive emails and Facebook messages inquiring about who would be the next NaFFAA leader to be featured. That’s when I told Ed “I can’t believe we actually have readers of the newsletter now!”
When I started working on this month’s newsletter, I was so un-motivated. I was not excited about it. I did not have any desire to look at what stories to be included or at least start on collecting pictures and organizing them. I got stuck on the front page. I never thought at all that the man who trusted me to create newsletters for a national organization four years ago, is going to be on the headline this month, with a story of his passing! I cried so hard after putting together the first page, that my wife and daughter heard me that day! It was just so sad!
Then I caught myself writing what I felt at that moment, and so I came up with this! Not a whole lot to say here, but I know that I am truly blessed to have met Ed. He was strong in believing in the potentials of other people. I learned from him how to be firm, yet cordial. He taught me how to care genuinely in order to get back the same. His generosity with time and bridging connections of people was endless. His care for the community was unparalleled. He takes pride of his family – his wife and children. He talked about his shortcomings. He would care about other people’s problems and difficulties, like he wants to help. He would talk to you about his faith!
This newsletter is my greatest memory of him! I missed him now!
I just can’t imagine the days to come! Eduardo “Ed” Navarra is a two-time National Chairman of NaFFAA (2010- 2012 and 2012- 2014). Ed’s endless track record of outstanding community leadership started from the state where he resides – Michigan. He became an editor of the Filipino American newspaper, and an agent in promoting Philippine-based performers to raise funds for local organizations of Michigan. His leadership at the Filipino American Community Council (FILAMCCO) has brought relevant fundraising initiatives that fueled the organization’s projects for the Filipino American community.
FILAMCCO is the umbrella organization of over 52 Filipino- American organizations in Michigan. Ed was one of the founding members of the Council of Asian Pacific Americans (CAPA), which is a consortium of Asian Pacific organizations and leaders composed of Chinese, Japanese, Koreans, Asian-Indian, Filipino and other Asian Pacific groups in Metro Detroit.
Ed’s journey in NaFFAA started in 2003. Then, National Chair Loida Nicolas Lewis appointed him as Region 3 Chair. Region 3 is composed of Midwestern states that include: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, and Wisconsin. He occupied the same position four times. During his term, he has organized highly successful regional conferences and a well-organized national conference.
Ed was instrumental in making NaFFAA as one of the most reputable Filipino American organizations in Michigan until this date. His outstanding leadership and dedicated service to the community was recognized by various award-giving bodies here in the US and the Philippines.
In 2006, Ed received the prestigious Presidential “Banaag Award” for Community Service by then Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. He has been honored by other organizations here in the US for his major contributions in advancing advocacies for the Filipino Americans and their communities. In 2013, Ed was appointed by the Republican National Committee as one of the four Filipino American leaders to sit in the Asian Pacific American Advisory Council.
Ed was employed by Ford Motor Company for over 30 years as Systems Engineer. He was actively involved in the company’s Diversity Advisory Board for five years. He completed his Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering in Feati University back in the Philippines, and his Master’s in Computer & Electronics Systems Engineering from the University of Michigan and Wayne State University.
Ed is married to Dr. Vicky Navarra. They have been blessed with three children and four grandchildren.
Ed Navarra – October 27, 1943 – August 26, 2016
VT Columnist Ryan Tejero with Ed Navarra at the 2014 NaFFAA National Empowerment Conference in San Diego, CA.
