Helping sick kids is what moves this Ford

Kiah Ford is a good guy.

Ford, a Sales Engineer, who works in AWA's Engine Components department, frequently spends evenings as a companion and friendly face for those in need, mostly children, who are patients at Detroit Children's Hospital.

As a bed-side volunteer, Ford's work requires that he goes room-to-room visiting juvenile patients of all ages. And, depending on their interests, Ford could be playing video or board games with them, reading aloud to them or, in the case of babies, simply comforting them. Ford says he enjoys this immensely because he feels like he is doing a good thing.

Kiah Ford

Ford was influenced by former soldier and NFL player, Pat Tillman, who died in Afghanistan while serving the United States. Tillman walked away from a promising football career to make a commitment to the U.S. Army. Today, like thousands of others who suffered the same fate, he is considered an American Hero.

The story of Pat Tillman weighed heavy on Ford's mind. He began thinking, “If I died tomorrow, how would I be remembered?” That’s when Ford decided that he wanted to begin volunteering and serving others. He wanted to do something that made a positive difference, and to ultimately be remembered for something worthwhile.

After a two month process of paperwork, background checks, and interviews, Ford was accepted as a volunteer, and began his work in August 2004. While developing a bond with the patients, Ford says a couple of experiences have stood out, including a patient named Mykia.

“We have similar names, so right away we took a liking to each other," says Ford. "MyKia and I met about three years ago. She wasn’t able to walk then, and was in a wheelchair. And, although she still uses a wheelchair, she is now capable of walking, and does so often. It’s amazing to watch her grow older and improve."

Another experience involved a teenager who Ford befriended at the hospital. “There was a particular 16-year-old boy, who I spent a lot of time talking to and playing board games with," says Ford. "A few years later, I was walking in the hallway of the hospital, and I heard my name being called. It was him, only this time, he wasn’t there as a patient. He became a volunteer. He said he appreciated my volunteer work, and the time I spent with him so much that it inspired him to do the same. I was touched.”

Ford says volunteering at Children’s Hospital isn’t the only way he gives back to the community, and says he was also inspired by his friend, and his father (both of whom have MS), to volunteer with the annual MS walk for the last several years.

When it comes community work, Ford is joined by his wife, Jen, who volunteers at their church developing educational curriculum, and serving as a teacher. Together, the Fords make a positive difference in their community.

2011 President’s Cup Tournament

The annual AWA President's Cup Golf Tournament, held Sept. 18, at Northville Hills Golf Club, brought beautiful weather, a record number of golfers, and a fabulous prize table.

Nearly 70 participants representing AWA, AHA, ATC-A, ADVICS, IMRA, AWTEC and FTTA, joined the fun during this, the first year that Aisin group companies came together for the tournament. The day provided a great opportunity for all Aisin members to bond and interact, despite the fierce competition.

The event, which was sponsored by AWA and ATC-A, also received cash donations from various executives to be used for prizes. Additional prizes were donated by several Aisin partners, including:

• ADI
• Advics
• Daiken USA
• Dykema Legal Offices
• IHS (CMS)
• Ricardo Engineering
• Rohatynski Public Relations
• Rowe Thomas Display
• Toyotomi America Corp

Special thanks to the committee which worked hard to put the event together: Rick Gorski, Mike Gilpin, Mike Lapinski, Yoshi Sekihisa, and David Testa; and Joanne Wojnar and Michelle Kassabri for their assistance with registration, photography and other tasks.

The 2011 President's Cup Tournament was played in a four player scrambles format. First, second, and third place winners received Aisin brandy snifters, along with first pick at prizes donated to the event.

The play was competitive, and forced a three-way tie with the low score of 67. By virtue of a card playoff Mike Liberty (AWA), Ed Thai (AWA), Terry Takano (FTTA), and Tsukasa Ito (AWA Seymour) finished first. As is tradition, the winning team, along with an abundance of prizes, has the honor of planning next year’s President's Cup.

Second place went to Michael Lapinski (AWA), Brian Moriarty (AWA), Sharon Katopodis (FTTA) and Shinji Kochi (AWA). Third place winners were Al Bernat (AWA), Sadayuki Makino (ATC-A), and Jeff Reitz (AWA).

Kudos to "closest to the pin" winners: Sadayuki Makino (ATC-A), and Theresa Couch (AWA). Theresa also won the longest drive award for women. Yoshi Inoue (AWA Cincinnati) received the longest drive award for men.