Hawaii Commandery THE Military Order of Foreign Wars
June 1, 2016
Table of Contents:
Vol. V, Issue 2, June 1, 2016
Commander’s Comments…………………………………………….. p. 1 Chaplain’s Corner…………………………………………………………. p. 1 2016 JROTC Governor’s Review & JROTC Centennial..….. p. 3 “Giving Back to the Next Generation” ….....……………....…..p. 4 ROTC and JROTC Awards Ceremonies……………………….….. p. 5 ANZAC DAY…………………………………………………………………... p. 6 50th Commemoration of the Vietnam War Cadet Essay Contest Winners.…….………………………………... p. 7 1st Place Cadet Essay by CDT Aletha Ann Asis………………. P. 8 50th Vietnam Veteran Recognition Program .……………… p. 10 Poppy Appeal…..………………………………………………………….. p. 13 News from the Oahu Veterans Council & Center ………….p. 14 Hawaii State WWI Centennial Task Force….…...……………. p. 14 Companion Profile……………………………………………………….. p. 15 NAUS Hawaii Chapter 1 Report.. ……………………………….….p. 16 Commandery Operations .………….…………………………….…. p. 16 Mahalo to our Corporate Sponsors ……………………………….p. 17 Upcoming events ……………………...………………………………… p. 18
As we now embark on the World War One Centennial, I invite you to share the story of your WWI ancestors here in these pages, and at the “Stories of Service” page on the World War One Centennial Commission website — see page 14 for more information. Looking forward to the next quarter, we will continue to reach out to community organizations to assist them in honoring Vietnam Veterans they nominate for recognition. These ceremonies will be grass-roots in nature, and will require volunteers to step forward. I encourage you to serve where you can. “Deus et Libertas”
Cover Photo: Cadets in formation at the 2016 Governor’s Parade, courtesy of SPC , Nikko-Angelo, Multimedia Illustrator, 311th SC (T) Public Affairs Office.
COL, Ret. Arthur N. Tulak
Chaplains Corner
Commander’s Comments.
By Chaplain, LTC, Ret. John Molina
Aloha! As we are still in the busiest time of year for the Hawaii Commandery, let me offer a humble Mahalo Nui Loa to the Loyal Companions, Supporters and Volunteers who have once again carried out our mission of service in the community.
Thank you for your service Dr. Alicia, Steve, Pastor Phillip, and you! Heroes, witnesses and bigger than life individuals are all waiting to be discovered. We are surrounded by those who make a noticeable or not so noticeable difference in our lives and in our world day in and day out. From parents who go about daily doing what good parents do, to public servants who are looking out for others' best interests without seeking personal acclaim and recognition.
In support of Cadet programs, we have once again completed our support to JROTC Cadet Awards Ceremonies and executed and successful Vietnam Essay Contest. We have also completed our first Vietnam Veterans Recognition events for 2016.
These pace setters silently encourage each of us to take note and lighten up. They challenge us and call us to take inventory and heighten our personal awareness. They call us to ask what is there in our lives which hinders and easily entangles us? How are we to throw off what is not needed nor beneficial so that we can run with perseverance the race before us and not grow weary and lose heart?
Memorial Day observances, Youth Challenge Awards, and recruiting operations will finish-up the first half of 2016. Look for reporting on our these activities in the next Commandery News and on the Commandery Facebook page. Share your stories of volunteer service with others and encourage them to find ways to “give back” to their community. As an example, please see CPT Hanson’s article on page 4.
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Chaplain’s Corner, (continued from p. 1)
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I recently met Alicia. She is a local young mother and pro bono medical doctor serving those who cannot afford quality medical care in our community. I was introduced to her as she was looking out for her mother and for her ailing father who recently passed. She made sure her mother would be ok and her father's memory was honored in death. Did you know actor, sartorialist (interest in clothing and tailoring), and racing legend Steve McQueen, also known as the “King of Cool,” served in the U.S. Marine Corps? Over the years I have enjoyed watching many of Steve McQueen's movies but did not take the time to learn about the man. Did you know he was also demoted seven times in three years while in the service? However, McQueen who for all intended purposes was the classic "anti-hero" in real life as well as on the screen-- later did become a hero by saving five men from drowning in an exercise in the Arctic when their tank broke through sea ice. He went on to finished out his Marine service contract on an honor guard protecting President Truman’s yacht (his reward for bravery). In 1952, McQueen went on to use his GI Bill to study acting and...as most of us know, the rest is history. McQueen had a rough start. His father left his mother six months after meeting her and his mother was an alleged alcoholic who could not care for her newborn and left him with her parents during the Great Depression. He was dyslexic and partly deaf from an early childhood ear infection. She eventually took him back at age eight but things did not work out well with a step father who used to beat him and at age nine the young McQueen left home to live on the streets. His life continued to be a big struggled with many ups and downs. He died of cancer at 50. Philip Neri was a native of Florence, Italy. He was ordained a Catholic Priest in Rome. He was known primarily for being a caring and joyful person. John Henry Newman wrote of him that "nothing was too high for him, nothing too low. He taught poor begging women to use mental prayer; he took boys to play; he protected orphans...Cardinals (high church officials) hung about his room, and popes asked for his miraculous aid in disease...it was his mission to save people, not from, but in, the world." He died in 1595. I would like to encourage you to look at Hebrews 11. This chapter in the New Testament of the Bible could easily be titled the "Heroes' Hall of Faith". Notice I do not say "fame". Often in life, doing the right things and living meaningful and productive lives may bring us no fame whatsoever, however, it always takes great leaps of faith to stand up for today. Heroes live lives which more often than not look like they are going "nowhere". Yet, they learn to live with intention and purpose in the "now here" and that is what takes them to a "somewhere" which matters! Hebrews 11:1-3, 13-16. 1 Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. 2 This is what the ancients were commended for. 3 By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible… 13 All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth. 14 People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. 15 If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them. 2
Hawaii JROTC Celebrates Centennial at Annual Governor’s Review. On April 21, 2016, approximately 400 cadets from 26 High School JROTC units assembled in formation on the historic Palm Circle Parade for inspection of troops by 311th Signal Command (Theater) Commanding General, Maj. Gen. Lawrence W. Brock III and Governor David Ige. This was the 34th iteration of the Governor’s Review, which provided a historic look back on JROTC in Hawaii. Several female cadets wore recreations of historic uniforms of the auxiliary program for females, that preceded the program going co-ed in 1972. Prior to that time, females were allowed to participate as “Sponsors” to a male cadet. Over the next two decades, female representation in JROTC grew steadily. By 1993, female cadets comprised over 40 percent of the corps. Cadets representing the 4 Services. The cadet at right is wearing a recreation of the “sponsor” uniform, worn by female cadets prior to 1972. Photo SPC , Nikko-Angelo, 311th SC PAO
MG Brock, CG 311 Signal Command and Governor Ige inspect the Cadets in formation on historic Palm Circle, at Fort Shafter. Photo Credit SPC , Nikko-Angelo, 311th SC (T) PAO Office.
Cadets conduct a Pass in Review for the many distinguished guests, to include the USARPAC Commanding General GEN Vincent K. Brooks. Photo Credit SPC , Nikko-Angelo, 311th SC (T) Public Affairs Office.
The annual Governor’s Parade of JROTC Cadet units provided the backdrop for Hawaii’s commemoration of the Centennial of the establishment of Reserve Officers Training Corps as established in the National Defense Reorganization Act of 1916. Those Companions who were JROTC Cadets will remember well studying this legislation in the blue text books issued to JROTC Cadets up to the mid 1980s. Under the provisions of the Act, high schools were authorized the loan of federal military equipment and the assignment of active duty military personnel as instructors. Public Law 88-647, the ROTC Vitalization Act of 1964, signed by President John F. Kennedy, expanded JROTC from an Army program to include the Navy and the Air Force, and replaced most of the active duty instructors with retired members of the armed forces, who worked for and are cost shared by the schools. In recognition of the Centennial, a Cake was presented to the Official Party for a ceremonial cutting. Veterans organizations who have provided support to Hawaii’s JROTC programs were recognized for their volunteer service with a coin, presented by the Hawaii Multiple Schools Unit Officer in Charge, LTC Ret. Toni Correia. Representing the Hawaii Commandery, and accepting the coin was Commandery Supporter Paul L’Ecuyer. 3
ROTC and JROTC Awards Ceremonies “Giving Back to the Next Generation� CPT Dane Hanson, On April 27, 2016, I had the opportunity to represent the Hawaii Commandery Military Order of Foreign Wars at Kahuku High School's JROTC awards ceremony. I was never part of JROTC in high school, so it was a unique experience to hear just how special the JROTC program is and what it does for Kahuku HS students. Fortunately, I did ROTC in college and have been in the Army for nine years, so I felt right at home with the Red Raiders.
JROTC provides an environment for young adults to work together as a team, learn the attributes and qualities required of leaders, become better citizens, and most importantly grow individually. Surrounded by other organizations and veterans, we watched the Red Raiders past year in action on screen. These young men and women participated in numerous volunteer and physical challenge events through out Oahu. The best part was seeing how they worked together, accomplished something larger than themselves, and the joy they experienced. In a world full of many choices, these young men and women are making the right ones, and will one day soon join the military or become Hawaii's government and business leaders. This year was quite special as the Red Raiders send two JROTC cadets to the United States Military Academy at West Point and several other students on to college. Deeply steamed in a rich warrior culture, I am happy to have volunteered to recognize these young men and women on behalf of the Military Order of Foreign Wars. The organization is proud of them, and we are all excited to see what their future holds. Kahuku High School JROTC "Pride of the North Shore"
Commandery Volunteer CPT Dane Hanson presents the MOFW Leadership Excellence Medal to C/PVT Melvin Lin, and the Academic Excellence Medal to C/CPL Victoria Tamoepeau. 4
ROTC and JROTC Awards Ceremonies The Commandery did a great job once again in supporting the annual Cadet Awards ceremonies for ROTC and JROTC. The photos and reports are still coming in, but this photo montage provide a view of this year’s ceremonies.
Kaimuki H.S. Army JROTC. LTC Ret. Wayne Swan presents the MOFW Academic Medal to medal to C/1LT Phuong Du.
Hilo H.S. Army JROTC. LTC Ret. Joern Lindenau presenting MOWW medals to C/CPL Rafael Nickson Jr. and C/SSG Robert Molina.
Mililani High School Army JROTC. LTC Ret. Matt Keller presents the MOFW medal to C/CPL Kyle Fujioka
Campbell High School Navy JROTC, Cadets Michael Garces (Leadership) and Michelle Shellko (Academic)
Farrington H.S. Army JROTC. COL Ret. Arthur Tulak presents the MOFW Leadership medal to Cadet LTC Cassey Mandado, and Academic Medal to Cadet CPT Ayessa Fuentes.
Punahou High School Army JROTC. LTC Ret. Wayne Swan presents the MOFW Medals to C/CPL Asato and C/PFC Lagupa
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Aeia High School Air Force JROTC, Cadet (Leadership) and Rohan Keawemauhili-Viernes (Academic)
Hawaii Commandery Participates in the Commemoration of ANZAC Day 2016 Companions Arthur Tulak and Jim Burkholder attended the 100th ANZAC anniversary commemoration of ANZAC Day. This was the 101st anniversary of the Gallipoli Campaign where the Australia窶年ew Zealand Army Corps participated as part of the British-led amphibious invasion of the Ottoman Empire in the Dardanelles., which waged from April 25, 1915 to January 9, 1916. Companion Tulak also represented the Hawaii World War One Centennial Task Force in laying a wreath in honor of these WWI Veterans at the memorial stone at the base of the stairs leading up to Lady Columbia.
Marine Forces Pacific Ceremonial Firing Squad, photo by Cpl Timm, MARFORPAC Combat Camera.
Companions Jim Burkholder and Arthur Tulak, with Afghanistan Veteran, COL, Ret. John Williams, British Army at ANZAC Day.
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Companions Tulak and Burkholder display the wreath presented by the HI WWI CTF of which the HI MOFW is a member organization.
MOFW Vietnam War Cadet Essay Contest in its Third Year The Hawaii Commandery once again conducted the 50th Commemoration of the Vietnam War Cadet Essay Contest, open to all Hawaii JROTC and Civil Air Patrol Cadets. This year saw some excellent submissions, as well as a demonstration of how last year’s essays have encouraged other Cadets to find ways to honor Vietnam Veterans. First Place. Our first prize essayist was Cadet Aletha Ann Asis Governor Wallace Rider Farrington High School JROTC, for her excellent biographical sketch of one of Hawaii’s veterans who died in the service of the United States while fighting in the Vietnam War. Cadet Asis’ sketch of SGT James Gabriel’s service in Vietnam captured relevant lessons of service, valor and sacrifice from veterans of the Vietnam War for today’s generation of Cadets and Midshipmen. Second Place. Cadet Alyssa Martinez James Campbell High School NJROTC, for her excellent essay titled “How Altruism Depicts Countless Acts of Service and Sacrifice” which provided an inspiring biographical sketch of the military service of SGT James P. Gabriel, from Hawaii, who was killed in action in April 1962. Third Place. Cadet Robert Johnson, James Campbell High School NJROTC, for his excellent biographical sketch of the military service of Captain Robert Maluenda Caliboso, Aviation Branch, U.S. Army from Hawaii, who was killed in action by enemy ground fire, on March 5, 1966 while piloting his helicopter during critical resupply operations in Vietnam. Honorable Mention Certificates were issued to the best of category essays (among the four categories) that were not in the 1st through 3rd place overall. Cadet Maila Rose Julian Gov. Wallace Rider Farrington High School JROTC, for her excellent essay titled “Those Who Sacrificed Before You” which captured relevant lessons on how the values of duty/honor/country were exhibited by the generation who served their nation in the military in the Vietnam War. This was the best essay submitted by applicants for Category 2. Cadet Aldrine Jade Pascua James Campbell High School NJROTC, for his excellent essay titled “Unsurprising Lessons About the Vietnam War,” which captured relevant lessons from the War about the roles and duties of the citizenry to its military in time of war. This was the best essay submitted by applicants for Category 1.
Companion Tulak presents certificates and prizes to Cadet Major Maila Rose Julian and 1st Prize to Cadet Captain Aletha Ann Asis
From left to right, Companion Tulak presents certificates and prizes to Cadet Aldrine Pascua, Robert Johnson, and Alyssa Martinez
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“I would give my life for the Green Beret”
Cadet Aletha Ann Asis Governor’s Guard Battalion, W. R. Farrington High School Army JROTC Remember, Gabriel died on Asia’s shore. To a wife and child he’ll return no more. They heard this brave man say ‘I would give my life for the Green Beret.’ Who is Gabriel you ask? That’s probably the million dollar question in everyone’s mind when they read Barry Sadler's ballad. Who is this Gabriel and why is he so important? Sergeant James Gabriel is one of the first Green Berets from Hawaii and was the first ever Green Beret to be killed in combat in the Vietnam War. It baffles me on how many people do not know about Sergeant James Gabriel. Ever since I heard about this courageous soldier I’d ask my classmates if they knew Sergeant James Gabriel. They’d often respond with “Who’s that?” “No!” Or the most ridiculous response of them all “Is that the recruiter?” It feels such an honor to have a hero whose alma mater is the school that I’m attending. It’s a big pride and joy to say, “Sergeant James Gabriel went to my school, you know he was one of the first Green Berets!” Sergeant James Gabriel is a Native Hawaiian-Filipino who was one of the first Green Berets to have ever served in Vietnam. Gabriel was part of the Farrington High School Regiment as he was the Commander of Company “A” holding a Cadet Captain rank. He graduated from Wallace Rider Farrington High School, Honolulu, Hawaii in 1956. Like many children, he wanted to make his parents proud and keep them financially stable for the sake of his parents and siblings. He then enlisted in the United States Army shortly after graduation.
Cadet Captain James Gabriel, Company A, Governors Guard Battalion, Army JROTC
SPC Gabriel with follow Soldiers
Gabriel completed his airborne training and he was assigned to 82nd Airborne Division as a paratrooper. After completing his airborne training, he then went on to complete the elite Special Forces Qualification Course. He became part of the United States Army 1st Special Forces Group and became an engineering demolition specialist leader for the “A” team, Operational Detachment A-308, deployed in Vietnam. After interviewing James Gabriel’s sister Billie Gabriel, I learned that James Gabriel was the kind of son any parent would want. He was a jokester, friendly and he always believed in everything that he did. He was a very approachable person. He saw the best in everyone and most importantly he had your back. Gabriel was smart and was very active in school as a member of the Glee Club and ROTC Officers Club. Gabriel was family oriented and a very religious person. 8
Before getting deployed to Vietnam, he left a wife, Nobui. On April 8, 1962 Gabriel and his team were engaged in a fight with the Viet Cong. Gabriel used a small machine gun and while calling for reinforcements he was wounded three times. The Viet Cong marched Gabriel and the other wounded soldiers to their prison of war camp. Gabriel as well as one other soldier could not keep up and the Viet Cong ended their lives by shooting them in the face. This happened five days after Gabriel sent a letter out to his parents saying "Today I got the blessing of my life. Nobui told me that she is expecting,” Unfortunately, Gabriel didn’t meet his first son, who was soon named after him. Billie Gabriel was able to share some of her memories about her late brother. She spoke very highly of James and it seemed as if he was alive. He was, though, in everyone’s lives. Billie Gabriel shared a letter that she came across recently that was from her brother. This letter that was addressed to her but for some reason, her parents didn’t share it with her. The letter was from her big brother James and he spoke about coming home next Christmas. “I’ll see you maybe next Christmas. Study hard and listen to mom.” Billie said that she read it repeatedly and it raised a question, “Why didn’t my mom show me the letter?” James Gabriel’s mother was very religious. A day before Gabriel’s death there was a black bird that flew into their garage. The bird laid next to Gabriel’s mother, and as she was petting the bird, it died. That was when Gabriel’s mother spoke to Billie and said, “We’ll have visitors tomorrow.” Not knowing what it meant, the next day came and they heard a knock. A knock, bringing horrible news to the Gabriel family: that their loving son James Gabriel has been killed in combat. After receiving this news, the Gabriel family turned on the TV and they didn’t realize that they were watching the news featuring the retrieval of James’ body. They tied a rope to James’ leg and lifted up his body as the chopper flew away. It was a horrific scene that the Gabriel family would never forget. Many years passed since James Gabriel died, but his sister Billie Gabriel always found a way to keep him alive in everybody’s hearts. She shared one of her favorite memories as a little girl. Since Gabriel was in JROTC, he liked his uniform and shoes to be squared away. He’d spit shine his shoes and he even taught little Billie how to spit shine shoes. She was so amazed by how shiny Gabriel’s shoes were that she thought she was looking into a mirror. She’d sneak into his room and just admire her brother’s shoes. James Gabriel took a lot of pride in what he did whether it was being in the high school Glee Club, JROTC, or especially when he was serving his country. He embodied everything a soldier should have and he even said “I would give my life for the Green Beret.”
Photos left to right: 1) SP5 Gabriel with with his wife Nobui ; 2) their son , and; 3) The Gabriel Family
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50th Vietnam Veteran Recognition Program The Hawaii Commandery is a participating member organization of the Hawaii 50th Vietnam War Commemoration Committee, and a DoD recognized 50th Commemorative Partner. In 2015, the Hawaii Commandery launched the Vietnam Veteran Recognition Program, and presented the DoD 50th Vietnam War Commemoration lapel pin and other DoD 50th Commemoration mementoes, as reported in previous issues. This program has now expanded to include targeted Vietnam Veteran recognition events, where the Commandery presents the 50th Vietnam War Commemorative Medal and certificate, along with the lapel pin. The Commandery will partner with other Veteran or Civic organizations to identify Vietnam Veterans in the local community to be nominated for recognition at one of their events. The Commandery will provide the DoD Commemorative items on behalf of the DoD 50th Committee, and will present the Commemorative medal on behalf of the Commandery. With this program, the Commandery continues the longstanding tradition of awarding commemorative medals for Veterans. In America’s early military history, commemorative medals were issued to returning troops at the city and state level. This tradition continued when the War Department began issuing official campaign medals. This tradition dates to the Revolutionary War and continues today. The Commandery funds the purchase of these medals. Our first Vietnam Veteran Recognition Event of 2016 was in partnership with the Governor Wallace Rider Farrington High School JROTC Battalion. The BN nominated four Vietnam Veterans who have provided service to the High School and local community in their post-military service civilian careers. Nominated were CPT Alfredo Torco, U.S. Army; SGM Bob Silva, U.S. Army; A1C David Antenorcruz, U.S. Air Force, and; ST2 Bob Miller, U.S. Navy. On May 3, 2016, Commander , COL Arthur Tulak and LTC Dave Carlson pinned the 50th Vietnam Commemorative medals on these distinguished Veterans, followed by Cadets of the Governor’s Battalion, who pinned on the 50th DoD Commemorative lapel pin, signifying the respect and admiration of their generation for sacrifices rendered fifty years ago.
Photo: Cadets selected for the honor detail present certificates to the honorees and pin on the 50th Vietnam DoD Commemorative Lapel Pin. 10
The presentation had a strong impact on all participants and those attending the ceremony. The presentation was unique, almost one of a kind because it focused on these men and their service to their country while in Vietnam and continued service to their community in a special way for each at Farrington High School. The Veterans congratulated one another and thanked the Commandery for preparing and presenting the honors.
Here are extracts from their Commemorative Medal citations. Airman First Class David Antenorcruz. From 1967-1971, A1C Antenorcruz served as an Airman in the United States Air Force. As a member of the 83rd Tactical Air Wing, A1C Antenorcruz served a one year tour of duty in Vietnam from November 1969 – November 1970, flying aerial resupply missions all over Vietnam and surrounding areas via the C-7 Caribou aircraft. As a Vietnam Veteran, David Antenorcruz served as a Police Officer in the Honolulu Police Department, protecting the Citizens of the Island of Oahu, and continues this mission of service as the Farrington School Safety Manager from 2009-present. Sonar Technician 2d Class Bob Miller. From 1963-1967, ST2 Miller served as a Sailor in the United States Navy. As a Sailor aboard the USS Claud Jones, Destroyer Escort (DE), ST2 Miller served a tour of duty in the waters off Vietnam for 9 months from 1966-1967. As a Vietnam Veteran, Bob Miller served his local community as an Instructor with Honolulu Community College assigned to Farrington High School from 2006-2016 as Building and Construction Instructor, retiring from the State of Hawaii in 2016. Sergeant Major Silva. From 1955-1983, SGM Silva served as a Soldier in the United States Army. As a member of the 5th Special Forces Group, SGM Silva served two one-year tours of duty in Vietnam 1965-66 and 1970-71 . After his retirement from the Army, SGM Silva served his community as the Army Instructor at the Farrington High School “Governors’ Guard” JROTC Battalion from 1983 to 2004. From 2004 until retiring from the State of Hawaii in 2011 he became the JROTC Hawaii Multiple Schools Unit Sergeant Major at JROTC State Headquarters. SGM Silva established the SGM Silva Perpetual Award which he presents at every Farrington JROTC Annual Awards Ceremony.
Photo: From L-R: Top row: C/CPT Aletha Asis. LTC Carlson, CPT Torco, SGM Silva, ST2 Miller, A1C Antenorcruz, COL Tulak. Front Row C/PFC Joseph Pamfilo C/PFC Kelcey Fountain-Gomez C/PFC Angelina Ashton-Liftee, and CDT Renz Ramelb 11
50th Vietnam Veteran Recognition Program Captain Torco. From 1956-1975, CPT Torco served as a Soldier in the United States Army in the Hawaii Army National Guard. As a member of the 487th Field Artillery Battalion (attached to U S Marine Corps 40th Artillery along the DMZ), CPT Torco served a tour of duty in Vietnam from February 1969 – December 1969. A 1957 graduate of Farrington High School, Veteran Torco was a football coach at Farrington 19631967 and from 2006-2016. Veteran Torco served as a Honolulu Police Department Police Officer for 35 years, 1966-2002 always supporting Farrington High School. Veteran Torco continues to serve Farrington as a Director and the Historian of the Farrington Alumni and Community Foundation (FACF). LTC Joern Lindenau. From 1970—1973, LTC Lindenau served three tours in Vietnam as a Signal Corps Officer from December 1970 to June 1973 while serving with the US Embassy in Saigon. LTC Lindenau provided critical communications support to HQ, Military Assistance Command Vietnam (MACV). Taking the Commemoration to Veterans As part of the Commandery’s outreach, the DoD 50th Vietnam War Commemoration items are being distributed to Vietnam Veterans during recruiting drives and Poppy Appeals. As we meet Vietnam Veterans at these events, we thank them for their service, provide them the buttons, decals and other commemoration mementoes, and present them with the official DoD 50th Commemoration Lapel Pin. Over the last two poppy appeals, the following Vietnam Veterans received their lapel pins in a personal presentation (Rank, Name, Unit/ship and dates of Vietnam service):
LTC Anthony Hafner presents the DoD 50th Vietnam War Commemoration Lapel Pin and Commemorative Medal to Companion Joern Lindenau on May 13, 2016, where he was presenting medals at the annual cadet awards ceremony.
CW04, USCG, R. J. Browning, CG Barnett, 1966-1967
SGT Herman K. Awai, 11th Division, 1965
MSgt James L. Loftis Jr., MACV, 1970-1971
USN, Salvador Mendrgorin Jr. 1968
SCPO Lebraske Hollman, USS Radford DD 446, 1962-67
PO3 Robert B. Taylor, USN, USS Jenkins, 1966-1970
The reaction to these presentations has been entirely positive, and the HI Commandery is following the example of other veterans organizations to seize the moment to provide our Vietnam Veterans with their proper recognition whenever we conduct events in the public. 12
Commander Tulak presents the DoD 50th Vietnam War Commemoration Lapel Pin to Army Vietnam Veteran, Chris, on May 20, at Hickam Air Force Base, and to SGT Herman Awai and PO3 Robert B. Taylor on 28 May at Pearl Harbor. SGT Awai served in the Special Forces, and is also a Korean War Veteran. These gentlemen had not heard of the 50th Vietnam War Commemoration and were uplifted by the presentation of the Lapel Pin and mementoes.
Poppy Appeal The Commandery conducted Poppy Appeal events in May linked to the major military holidays. The first was on 20 May, at Hickam Air Force Base one day ahead of Armed Forces Day, and the second on 28 May, just before the start of the Memorial Day weekend at Pearl Harbor. The Commandery passes out the poppies to provide the means for others to honor and remember those who died in war to protect our freedoms. For Memorial Day, we pass out flyers explaining the history of the holiday, and the meaning of the poppy as a symbol used to publicly honor and remember as an individual citizen.
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News from the Oahu Veterans Center and Council The Farrington High School Wood Shop delivered the mobile flag stands to the OVC on 17 May, for display of the Organizational Flags of the member Veterans organizations. This project was first proposed by Commander Tulak June 27 Oahu Veterans Center Council Meeting, to help create an atmosphere more appealing to Veterans, and to showcase the many Veterans and military professional organizations that use the OVC. The proposal was approved by the Council on 23 January and began to take shape with the support of Farrington High School Wood Shop instructor Bob Miller, and Senior Army Instructor LTC Ret. Dave Carlson. These gentlemen conducted an on-site reconnaissance, and provided the materials list and pricing back to the Council. Council Member Ron Wright (Marine Veteran) of Cutter Automotive Group, funded the project, and work commenced. The four mobile flag stands each hold five flags, providing up to twenty different member Veteran Organizations to display their flags. At the 23 April meeting of the OVC, Our State Legislature awarded the Oahu Veteran's Center another $75,000 check, sustaining the Center. The Oahu Veterans Council meets on the third Saturday of the month, with representatives from the member organizations composed of Veterans and Professional Military Organizations. The Hawaii Commandery is a member organization of the OVC, and is “Headquartered” in the Oahu Vet Center for purposes of taxes, regulation, and to receive mail. We are authorized to use the facilities to conduct meetings on a monthly basis. Senior members of the Commandery attend these meetings to represent our concerns and to obtain updates of interest to our Companions.
Hawaii State WWI Centennial Task Force The Hawaii Commandery is a member organization of the Hawaii WWI Centennial Task Force, which is planning the State’s commemoration of the Great War, with events starting in 2017. Once the commemoration begins, there will be a great demand for volunteers to make these commemoration events successful, and to demonstrate that this generation of Veterans, remembers and honors the sacrifices of the WWI generation. One way for individual Companions to participate is via the Stories of Service Campaign, where one can provide the story of service of their ancestor who served during the First World War. This feature of the World War One Centennial webpage permits the posting of photos and brief descriptions of WWI veterans. To honor a WWI Veteran, whether your ancestor or someone of local historical significance, visit the Stories of Service portion of the WWI National Centennial Commission webpage: http://www.worldwar1centennial.org/
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Companion Profile: LTC Joern Lindenau LTC Ret. Joern Lindenau has been a loyal Companion of the Order and the Hawaii Commandery since 2013. Joern received his Commission through the ROTC program at the University of Wisconsin and served on Active Duty in the mid-1960's as a Signal Corps officer in Heidelberg, Germany with HQ, U.S. Army, Europe. He was the Operations Officer at the USAREUR Signal Center, and his duties included being responsible for communications support to the Commanding General's special train transiting Communist-held east Germany to the U.S. Zone of Occupation in Berlin. Upon completion of his tour in Germany he remained a member of the US Army Reserve. In a civilian capacity, Joern served in a at several embassies in the Middle East, Europe and Southeast Asia. Companion Lindenau’s qualifying service for Companionship in the Order included tours in Vietnam as a Signal Corps Officer from December 1970 to June 1973 while serving with the US Embassy in Saigon. Companion Lindenau’s last assignment in the Vietnam Theater was with the 39th Signal Battalion, 1st Signal Brigade, which provided communications support to HQ, Military Assistance Command Vietnam (MACV). The 39th Signal BN was the last US battalion to pull out of Vietnam after the signing of the Paris peace accords. Companion Lindenau completed the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College in 1979, and subsequently served reserve tours of duty in a variety staff assignments with HQ US Southern Command (USOUTHCOM) at Quarry Heights Panama; U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) at MacDill Air Force Base Florida; U.S. Pacific Command (USPACOM) at Camp H. M. Smith Hawaii, and; HQ, 5th Signal Command in Worms Germany. Companion Lindenau remained a member of the US Army Reserve until my retirement at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel on December 6, 2000. Companion Lindenau’s awards and decorations include the National Defense Service Medal, The Vietnam Service Medal (w/ 3 Campaign stars), the Army Armed Forces Reserve Medal, the Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal , the Army Service Ribbon, and the Overseas Service Ribbon. His regimental affiliation is with the Signal Regiment. Companion Lindenau was born during WWII in Koenigsberg Germany, and comes from a family with a long history of military service. After WWII, Joern’s mother married then Major and later COL Leonard W. Zedler, USA. The family used both the Lindenau and Zedler family names, and three sons grew up to serve as U.S. Army officers,: LTC Joern N. Lindenau, USA, Major Wulf R. Lindenau, USA, and COL Donald Zedler, USA. Joern and his brother Wulf both served in Vietnam and both retired not only from the Army, but also from the Civil Service as senior GS-GM-15's. The military history of the Lindenau-Zedler family includes service in the Swedish, German, and U.S. Army. The Swedish connection their 3rd Great Grandfather, an officer and Swedish noble, who participated in a failed attempt to assassinate the Swedish King (Bernadotte, a former Marshall in Napoleon's army). He and his family managed to flee Sweden to East Prussia, where Joern and Wulf and another brother, Gert, were born. The German connection to the military included Word War One, when their Grandfather was a Prussian officer, and Word War Two when their father was a member of the German Navy and other members served in the German Wehrmacht, several of whom were awarded the prestigious Knight's Cross for heroism.
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Our Hawaii Affiliate: Hawaii Post 1, National Association of the Uniformed Services. By Denis Egge Aloha fellow comrades of the Hawaii Commandery MOFW, Congressional News Congressman Steve Russell is proposing the attached language be included in the House Armed Forces Military Personnel Subcommittee's National Defense Authorization Act mark-up hearing. In a nutshell, it will limit the amount of military retired pay that can be involuntarily allotted to a former dependent military spouse to 50% of the service member's retired pay at the paygrade and time in service at the time of their military divorce action. All four of our US House and Senate representatives are aware of this 30+ year old issue. Without input from us, they all believe it's okay to maintain the status quo. We can set them straight or. . . . . Our NAUS national legislative team, welcomes your support. Congresswoman Gabbard is calling on Congress to award their Gold Medals to the upwards of 18,000 WW2 surviving Filipino irregulars. There may be a connection to this latest initiative and the Pension former Senator Akaka provided them: Their pension funds are languishing in the DVA account: subject surviving warriors are largely unable to qualify for payments. In accordance with Congressional rules, this pension is funded by revoking Vietnam sailor presumed exposure to Agent Orange status. State Legislature News Our government employees pension checks are exempt from involuntary redistribution to their former spouses, in a divorce action. Bills calling on the State Legislature to grand this favor to our disabled veteran's compensation were ignored in the State House and Senate. Veteran News Cal Griffin's Broadcast 50 radio talk show is back on the air, at 4pm, on Monday evenings: Tune in to KWAI at 1080 on the AM dial. The call-in number is 524-1080. Cal focuses on a broad spectrum of veteran, military personnel and local community issues.
At your service, Dennis Egge; NAUS Hawaii Chapter President
Commandery Operations Companion Induction Ceremony At the April 2, 2016 Commandery Meeting, Veteran Companion COL Michael Madsen was formally inducted and presented the ribbon insignia and diploma of companionship. Mike has been a Companion since Oct 26, 2015, and has been an awards presenter since May of 2015.
Private Organization Status Renewal The Commandery has received its renewal letter signed by the Commander of Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam and is authorized to operate on Navy and Air Force Bases in Hawaii. This important legal status is important to carrying out our operations in Hawaii. Companion COL USA Ret. Mike Madsen receives his ribbon insignia and diploma of companionship in the Hawaii Commandery. 16
Mahalo to our 2016 Commandery Sponsors
The Hawaii Commandery is very grateful to Veterans United Foundation and Veterans United Home Loans Hawaii for their continued support of our Cadet Awards program. Veterans United grants have enable us to continue our Cadet Awards program over the years with its generous sponsorship. At the April 2d meeting, Commandery Supporter Paul L’Ecuyer presented the Commandery with a second grant check for $1,250 for Cadet Medals. Companion COL USA Ret . Arthur Tulak accepts the grant check from Veterans United Home Loans of Hawaii outreach coordinator Paul L’Ecuyer at the April 2, 2016 Commandery Meeting.
The Hawaii Commandery is very grateful to Veterans Kaneohe Officer Spouses Club for their grant of $228 in support of the Commandery’s Vietnam Veteran Recognition Program. The grant will pay for medals for 9 Vietnam Veterans. Companion COL USA Ret . Arthur Tulak accepts the grant check from Mr. Jason Pierce, President of the Kaneohe Spouses Club, and Ms. Kristen G. Loya , KOSC Treasurer, at the Memorial Park on 13 May 2016. 17
Upcoming events:
4 & 5 Jun3— Biggest Little Air Show at the Pacific Aviation Museum, Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, 1000—1600 hrs. For more information visit www.pacificaviation-museum.org or call 441-1013 or 445-9069. 10 June — Army Ball U.S. Army-Pacific will celebrate the 241st Army birthday at Hilton Hawaii Village, June 10th. Military should wear dress blues or mess, and civilians should wear formal evening attire. Call 438-6361 for more details. 15 June—Hawaii National Guard Youth Challenge Graduation and Awards Ceremony, Pearl City Cultural Center, 2100 Hookiekie St., 1800 hrs. 18 June — Commandery Meeting at Monterey Bay Canners, 0900 hrs. TBD—Pearl Harbor Colors Ceremony. 0730-0830 at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center to honor Vietnam War Veterans 15 June — Youth ChalleNGe Academy graduation and awards presentation at the Pearl City Cultural Center, 1800 hrs, 2100 Hookiekie St. Pearl City. Uniform is Class B. 4 July— 45th Annual Schofield Barracks 4th of July Spectacular will be open to Department of Defense ID cardholders and their guests. This includes military members, their families, military retirees, DoD civilian employees, and their authorized guests. 100% ID card check will be conducted at the installation gates. - Field Open for Rides, Games, Food and Giveaways at 1000 hrs. The Main Stage goes live at 1530 hrs, with opening bands performing at 1705 hrs with the Daughtry Band. Fireworks show at 2030 hrs. Go to http:// www.himwr.com/4thofjuly for more information. 1 August — Air Force Day 4 August — Coast Guard Day 14 August— National Navajo Code Talkers Day, VJ Day 29 August — Marine Corps Reserve Birthday Military Order of Foreign Wars Hawaii Commandery Oahu Veterans Center 1298 Kukila Street Honolulu, HI 96818
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