Hawaii Commandery THE Military Order of Foreign Wars
December 7, 2016
Table of Contents:
Vol. V, Issue 4, December 7, 2016
Commander’s Comments…………………………………………….. p. 1 Chaplain’s Corner…………………………………………………………. p. 1 2016 JROTC ACU Collection Drive…………………………………. p. 3 Veterans Day 2016 Punchbowl………………………………...….. p. 4 Veterans Day 2016 Governor’s Ceremony ………………,….. p. 5 Veterans Day 2016 Natatorium.……………………………...…... p. 6 History of Our Order: Companion George Barnett ………. p. 7 Mahalo to Veterans United Foundation ………………………..p. 8 NAUS Hawaii Chapter 1 Report.. ……………………………….…. p. 8 Pearl Harbor 75th - Marine Corps Air Station Ewa Field…p. 9 Upcoming events ……………………...………………………………… p. 11
Our next Commandery meeting is 7 January 2017, as listed under upcoming events. If you cannot attend, please send your inputs to the Commandery officers. I wish all who shall see these pages a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Cover Photo: The USS Arizona Memorial photographed from the shore of Ford Island, Pearl Harbor. Visitors can be seen exiting the memorial. Photo taken on Dec 2, 2016. by Companion Arthur Tulak. If you are an amateur photographer, submit your photo for our next cover!
“Deus et Libertas” COL, Ret. Arthur N. Tulak
Commander’s Comments.
Chaplains Corner
Aloha!
By Chaplain, LTC, Ret. John Molina Roots and Wings for 2017 (MMXVII)
...and Mahalo to our Companions who volunteered to represent our Order on Veterans’ Day. We once again covered all three of the events that we traditionally support. This Commandery News is being published on the 75th Anniversary of the Attack of Pearl Harbor that launched the United States into World War II. As reported in the last issue of the Commandery News, the 75th Committee has planned nearly thirty events for the commemoration effort. If you participated in any of these, please share your story for publication in the next Commandery News.
Certain value systems, holistic institutional and parental influence such as the Constitution of the United States, the 7 Army Values, positive religious upbringing, caring and loving parents, give us both roots and wings! Such positive exposure equips and positions us to ask and answer the important questions we will face in life. What will make me significant (addressing our core identity and self-image question)? How can I sustain myself over the long haul (addressing the basic question of education, occupation, social skills, and the social access these provide)? With whom or with what group will I go forward (the foundational questions of affiliation, core relationships, and companionship). Identity, vocation, and relationships give us the mental, physical, social and spiritual structures and foundation which empower us for the rest of our lives. When these important concerns are not understood and experienced at some level we remain underdeveloped and our dignity and human potential is stymied.
We had another successful ACU collection drive, thanks to the hard work by U.S. Army Element PACOM and Companion Molina who made the delivery to Waianae High School. Interest in this program is strong, and we plan to do this again next year. As 2016 comes to a close, I offer my sincere thanks to the Officers of the Commandery for sustaining our operations in the Community, and for your volunteer service.
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Chaplain’s Corner, (continued from p. 1)
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I have heard it said that we do not think ourselves into a way of living but that we live first and learn and are constantly becoming ourselves into a way of living! Having experienced order, we are able to recognize it anywhere and at any time, it is then that we are most capable of facing disorder by integrating the negative and the inevitable other side of everything. We cannot honestly face disorder unless we have a previous sense of order. Without this awareness we become angry cynics, frustrated or reactionary. It is at this point of expanded awarenes that we are ready to get our wings and can soar to new heights. When we have the right tools we can both trust ourselves and also critique ourselves along with our religion, our country from the inside out. When our hearts and minds become expansive, it is then we are capable on being inclusive! Jesus taught the principle of the expansive and inclusive when he said "No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment. If he does, the new piece will pull away from the old, and a worse tear will result. And no one pours new wine into old wine skins. If he does, the wine will burst the skins, and both the wine and the wine skins will be ruined. Instead, new wine is poured into new wine skins” (Gospel of Mark, chapter 2:21-22). Unless we move beyond narrow and tribal thinking, good roots will also fail us and we will not go far beyond what we are used to and comfortable with. We will not be able to make room for others outside our group nor get past our personal identity. The following story about a modern day hero alerts us to our need to be grateful and thankful for our roots as well as greatly desire that others have similar opportunities to develop. I pray this story will also inspire you to strengthen you wings and dare you to soar into new heights!
By EMS responder Ziad Dawiyat Chana and Shmuel Braun and their new baby girl were at the Rakevet station on Ammunition Hill in Jerusalem, waiting for a train. Suddenly, a terrorist attacked the station — deliberately plowing his car into the crowd. The terrorist’s vehicle knocked Shmuel over and struck the baby carriage, flinging the infant several feet away. Although Shmuel’s leg was injured, his only concern was his daughter’s safety. Moments later, Magen David Adom paramedics arrived in Mobile Intensive Care Jerusalem Ambulance Unit #12. They immediately began CPR on the little girl, and then transported her and her parents to the hospital. Sadly, her injuries were too severe and she died several hours later. After that day, whenever Chana and Shmuel saw the number 12, they were reminded of that ambulance. And they would think about their daughter — and pray that nothing like this would happen to anyone else. They also remembered the kindness and courage of the medics who tried to save their daughter. They wished they could express their gratitude and thank them properly. And then one day they got their chance. Eleven months later . . . Chana went into labor. When it became apparent they weren’t going to make it to the hospital in time, Shmuel called Magen David Adom for help. When the ambulance pulled up, Shmuel was stunned — Magen David Adom operates more than 1,000 ambulances in Israel, and yet the ambulance parked in front of his house was Mobile Intensive Care Jerusalem Ambulance Unit #12. Ziad Dawiyat, a senior EMT and ambulance driver, entered their home and assisted with the birth of their baby girl. For Ziad, this was one of the hundreds of calls he has responded to in his career. He has treated everything from sprained ankles to heart attacks, from bullet wounds to terrorist bomb blasts. Ziad is an Arab-Israeli and it was obvious to him that Shmuel and Chana were Orthodox Jews, but that made no difference to him. For the 15,000 staff members and volunteers of Magen David Adom, the focus is always on saving lives — never on questions of religion or nationality. Chana found herself staring at Ziad as he cut the umbilical cord. “I remember you…,” she said. “You cared for our daughter after the terrorist attack. You drove us to the hospital.” She started crying. “Thank you,” she whispered. “Thank you.” Then Shmuel embraced Ziad and kissed him. “Yes,” he said. “Thank you.” “I didn’t know what to do or say,” Ziad recalled later. “To congratulate them — or give them my condolences. I was very moved and just wished them mazal tov, good luck.” www.SavingLivesInIsrael.org 2
2016 JROTC ACU Collection Drive: Hawaii Commandery partners with U.S. Army Element U.S. Pacific Command in support of Waianae JROTC Cadets. The Hawaii Commandery and the U.S. Army Element of U.S. Pacific Command teamed up to conduct an Army Combat Uniform collection drive for the Cadets of the Waianae High School “Seariders� JROTC Battalion. The uniforms are needed for Adventure Training, to include the annual Ranger Challenge, the Junior Cadet Leader Challenge, and the Waianae Adventure Challenge. The ACU collection drive was conducted at Camp H.M. Smith Hawaii from 14-31 August, and netted over 300 individual uniform items. From these the Cadet Battalion S4 netted a total of 82 complete ACU uniforms, as well as components for the Class A and B uniforms worn by LET 1 and LET 2 Cadets. Companions Arthur Tulak and John Molina made two trips to Camp Smith to pickup the donations, which overflowed the collection box set up by MSG Wayne Embry, the NCOIC of the U.S. Army Element. Companion John Molina delivered the uniform items on 2 September, and was assisted by 1SG Milo Sinapati and a detail of cadets: Skye Gionson, Tomilynn, Serenity Campbell, Jesse Edder, and Kyle Banda. Photo: Cadets Skye Gionson, Tomilynn, and Serenity Campbell count the
The Hawaii Commandery of the Military donated articles under the supervision of 1SG Milo Sinapati. Order of Foreign Wars expresses its sincere appreciation for the great support of MSG Embry and the Soldiers, NCOs, and Officers of the U.S. Army Element PACOM for their great support!
Photo: Companion Molina assists in the item tally.
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Veterans Day 2016 National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific “Punchbowl” Maj. Gen. Mark J. O’Neil, the Chief of Staff of United States Army Pacific, was the guest speaker at the Veteran’s Day Ceremony put on by Oahu Veteran’s Council at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl. The ceremony is run every year by the Oahu Veterans Council, of which the Hawaii Commandery, MOFW, is a member organization.
Photo: Companions Hirai and Manchester display the MOFW Wreath at the base of the steps leading up to Lady Columbia.
Over 120 organizational wreaths were presented to honor our Veterans 4
COL Ret. Emmet White was the Master of Ceremonies, and OVC President, COL, Ret. Ed Cruikshank, presided over the event. The Marine Forces Pacific Band and PACOM Joint Color Guard provided active-duty military support, and the Kahuku “Raiders’ JROTC Battalion assisted with presentation of colors and wreaths. The focus of this year’s ceremony was on all Veterans who served, but with more emphasis placed on honoring those Veterans living and serving in our communities today. Companions “Manny” Manchester and Peter Hirai represented the Order and presented a stunning floral wreath, which occupied a prominent position at the top row of the display.
Veterans Day 2016 Governor’s Ceremony Hawaii Adjutant Gen. Maj. Gen. Arthur J. Logan, and Hawaii governor David Ige presided over the ceremonies at the Hawaii State Veterans Cemetery. Companions COL Ret Mike Madsen and Lt. Col. Ret. Jim Burkholder represented the Order. The theme for the ceremony was “Veterans: for love of country, they served,” which included a parade of flags, presentation of floral leis and music from the 111th Hawaii Army National Guard Band. Our Companions marched with the Commandery Colors in the Parade of Flags, and presented leis on behalf of the Hawaii Commandery. Commandery colors were carried in by Youth ChalleNGe Academy Cadets sporting a new khaki-colored field uniform. As always, the event was impressive, well attended with representatives from several dozen organizations present to present their colors and memorial leis. Mike and Jim were assisted again this year by YCA Cadets Briann Ekhart and Kiana Julian. The well planned program included stirring speeches, a solo singer with an amazing rendition of the National Anthem, and strong participation from Hawaii’s many Veterans, Civic, and Patriotic organizations who came out in large numbers to show their support for our Veterans.
Photo by Staff Sgt. Jason Fudge U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific
Preparing for the Parade of Flags, Companions Madsen and Burkholder spend time with YCA Cadet Briann Ekhart.
VA 2016 Poster with the National “Courage” theme.
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Veterans Day 2016 the Hawaii World War One Memorial, Natatorium Companions Manchester and Hirai supported the annual ceremony held at Hawaii’s only World War One Memorial, the Natatorium, in Waikiki. This ceremony is run annual by American Legion Post 17 and VFW Post 8616. Ron Lockwood, the commander of diamond head VFW Post 8616 was the Master Ceremonies. Mr Victor Macdallena, 101 years old and a survivor of the Bataan Death March was an honored special guest. Nathaniel Keanumaiha’ Iiokawailana Lockwood was the singer, and music was provided by Supporting the event were Boy Scouts from Boy Scout Troop 616, Hawaii Junior Marines, The guest speaker was History Professor Brenden Bliss, of Hawaii Pacific University, and Member of the Governor’s World War One Centennial Task Force. Professor Bliss gave a presentation focused on the WWI Veterans honored by the Memorial with the theme “Why We Remember.”
The Hawaii WWI Memorial is of great significance for Hawaii’s WWI Commemoration, which will start on April 2, 2017, which marks the day that the President asked Congress for a declaration of War. Over the next two years, the Hawaii WWI Memorial will be prominent in WWI Commemoration events pay tribute to the 10,000 volunteers from Hawaii, who in 1914, served in many capacities for the United States of America. This was one of every eleven citizens in Hawaii !! The Stone of Honor at the WWI Memorial lists those who died in service of the United States, as well as those who fought as members of the Allied Forces, prior to America’s entry into the War in 1917.
Photo: Professor Brenden Bliss, Hawaii Pacific University, an expert on 19th and 20th Century Naval History, and official representative of the Hawaii WWI Centennial Task Force, provides the key note address “Why We Remember”. 6
History of Our Order: Companion George Barnett by Companion Arthur Tulak In the halls of the Headquarters of Marine Forces Pacific at Camp H.M. Smith, on the historical murals depicting the history of the Marine Corps, one finds the image of a painted portrait of Maj Gen George Barnett, the 12th Commandant of the Marine Corps, and a distinguished Companion of the Order. Companion Barnett attended the U.S. Naval Academy and was commissioned as an Ensign in the Navy in 1881. Three years later, he transferred into the Marine Corps at the rank of Second Lieutenant. As a First Lieutenant, he served aboard the USS New Orleans during and saw combat action on that ship during the Spanish–American War, participating in several bombardments of the forts at Santiago, Cuba. Promoted to Captain, in 1988, he was inducted as a Veteran Companion of the Pennsylvania Commandery of the Military Order of Foreign Wars. Companion Barnett served additional qualifying tours of service following his promotion to Colonel in 1910, and later assignment as the Commander of the First Marine Regiment. As Regiment Commander, he deployed to Cuba to quell insurrection from 1911-1913. Companion Barnett was promoted to the rank of Major General, and appointed as Commandant of the Marine Corps on 25 February 1914, serving for a period of four years. At his retirement in 1923, he had served an impressive 42 years as a commissioned officer. Continuing the tradition set by the Grand Army of the Republic following the Civil War, the War Department and Navy Department authorized the wearing of medals of groups formed by veterans of the recent conflict, and therefore Lt Gen Barnett wore his MOFW medal proudly when in dress uniform as shown in these photographs. Today, Marine Corps Uniform Regulations (Section 5103, Chapter 11 MCO P1020.3G) still authorize the wearing of medals of approved military societies.
The citation in the 1910 Register of the Military Order of Foreign Wars of the United States, National Commandery. 7
Photos top, and above, Companion Barnett as a Major General in the USMC.
Mahalo to Veterans United Foundation The Veterans United Home Loans of Hawaii has continued to advocate for the Commandery in the annual grants administered by the Veterans United Foundation, the charitable arm of Veterans United Home Loans. On October 12, Companion Tulak had the opportunity to address the staff of the Hawaii office to thank them for their continuing support, and to outline the major programs supported by their corporate sponsorship. At this event, Veterans United Home Loans of Hawaii presented a check for $2,500, which covers nearly 85% of the Commandery’s Cadet Awards Program.
Photo: Rylan Maddox, Branch Manager for Veterans United Home Loans of Hawaii And Sheryl Chun (MOFW awards volunteer and VU employee) present the grant check to Companion Tulak at the offices of Veterans Home Loans Hawaii for Cadet programs.
Our NAUS Affiliate: Hawaii Chapter 1, National Association of the Uniformed Services. By Denis Egge Aloha, On the occasion of Veterans Day and the Centennial of the First World War, the NAUS Hawaii Chapter goes on record as having always favored full and complete restoration of our WW1 Memorial natatorium; anyone who says "that's not possible" is expressing an opinion: If this includes relocating the neighboring Aquarium, as an alleged source of water pollution, so be it! The funds needed to accomplish this noble mission is not an issue; see the subject website for funding tools and details ww1cc.org\tools Funding for full and complete restoration of our Natatorium is patently reverse amortized by decades of shameful state and municipal government neglect.
Ask those who represent your interests in government to "come clean", regarding this issue, and why. If they hang their hats on "costs too much" to support, ask them "to whom?
At your service, Dennis Egge; NAUS Hawaii Chapter President
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Pearl Harbor 75th Commemoration: Marine Corps Air Station Ewa Field. The Hawaii Commandery participated in the 8th Annual Ewa Battlefield Commemoration, which is held on December 6th. The event was sponsored by AMVETS Hawaii Post, Commanded by Donovan Lazarus. Special honored guests were Ewa Field combatants Major, USMC, Ret. John Hughes and Eugene Leonard, USMC Ret. Major Hughes gave his account of the battle, which was televised on KHON News.
Several VIPs ad local politicians were present, to include City Councilwoman Ms. Kymberly Marcos Pine, who provided remarks . Among the guest speakers was Colonel, USMC, Ret. Jason Seal, Officer in Charge of the Kapolei H.S. Marine JROTC. The audience this year was bolstered by the National WWII Museum in New Orleans, who brought 100 tourists in five busses to attend the event, and brought additional Pearl Harbor survivors on the tour. Ewa Field Historian, Mr. John Bond, who has fought tirelessly to preserve this battlefield, saw his efforts rewarded on May 23rd of this year, when the Ewa Plain Battlefield (Ewa Mooring Mast Field) was officially listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
Photos: Left, the flag pole is the lasting memory of the countless marines who served on Ewa Field (Note the AT-6 fly-over at top). Right: Kapolei High School JROTC Cadets performed the color guard mission in a very professional manner.
The heard from guest speaker LTC, USA, Ret. Dr. H. Stanley Jones, about the losses delivered by the attacking Japanese fighters and bombers at Ewa Field, and by the defenders. Approximately 50 American and Japanese planes were destroyed, with 32 killed and 65 wounded in the overall battle on the Ewa Plain. (continued on next page)
“This place is sacred ground to the United States Marines that died there, to the Japanese aviators that perished and the civilian residents of Ewa plantation. Remembering our solemn commitment to their memory is the promise that is fulfilled at battlegrounds that are preserved and enshrined by our nation.� Daniel A. Martinez, Chief Historian WWII Valor in the Pacific National Monument
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The Battle of the Ewa Plain included air to air combat between Japanese Zeros and US Navy planes from the USS Enterprise. Army P-40 fighters joined the air battle over Ewa Field successfully shooting down several Japanese dive bombers. Army, Navy and Marine anti-aircraft batteries fired on Japanese planes from Puuloa (Iroquois Point area) near Ewa Beach. Other Navy shipboard units fired on departing Japanese planes from Pearl Harbor and West Loch. As dive bombers regrouped and circled over Ewa Field, Navy AA units concentrated fire in that area causing Antishrapnel to fall all over the Ewa Plantation area.
From L-R, LTC Ret. Roger Rabiego (Asst Director of Army Instruction, Hawaii JROTC Multiple Schools Unit; Companion Tulak, and; NAUS Hawaii Chapter President Dennis Egge, attending the commemoration.
Several fly-overs were conducted with vintage planes as seen in the photo of the flag pole with an AT-6 in view. This event continues to grow in prominence, but retains a hometown feeling to it that makes every participant feel like a VIP. The Hawaii Commandery extends a hearty congratulations to the Hawaii AMVETS Post for a job well-done!
Photo: Hickam Air Force Base Honor Guard provided the closing Rifle
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Upcoming events:
6 December— Memorial at Marine Corps Air Station Ewa Field—Commandery lei presentation 0930-1100 15 December — Youth ChalleNGe Academy graduation and awards presentation at the Pearl City Cultural Center, 2100 Hookiekie St. Pearl City. Uniform is Class B - 1800 hrs. 24 December, 2300 hrs, Vietnam Candlelight Vigil, Korean and Vietnam War Memorial at the State Capitol. 7 January —MOFW Commandery Meeting at Monterey Bay Canners 17 January—25th Anniversary of the Start of the first Persian Gulf War 1 February—National Freedom Day 12 February—Birthday of President Abraham Lincoln 22 February—Birthday of President George Washington March — Judging of Cadet Vietnam War Essay contest entries 1 March— Asiatic Fleet Memorial Day The United States Navy's presence in the Far East dates to 1822. The Asiatic Fleet was formed in 1902, reestablished in 1910, and continued to serve into 1942. The Congress, by Public Law 105-261, on October 17, 1998, has authorized and requested the President to issue a proclamation in commemoration of the United States Navy Asiatic Fleet. 3 March —”Star Spangled Banner” is officially the National Anthem in 1931 19 March — 13th Anniversary of the start of the Iraq War (2003) 24 March — 17th Anniversary of the start of the Kosovo War (1999) 27 April — JROTC Governor’s Parade, Fort Shafter.
Military Order of Foreign Wars Hawaii Commandery Oahu Veterans Center 1298 Kukila Street Honolulu, HI 96818
Mahalo to our 2016 Sponsors:
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