Hawaii Commandery THE Military Order of Foreign Wars
June 1, 2017
Table of Contents:
Vol. VI, Issue 2, June 1, 2017 Commander’s Comments…………………………………………….. p. 1 Chaplain’s Corner…………………………………………………………. p. 1 Hawaii Commandery Recognized as WWI Partner…….… p. 3 Cadet Awards Ceremonies 2017 ……………………………….… p. 5 Vietnam War Cadet Essay Contest…………………………….…. p. 7 1st Place Essay Winner CDT Danthone Buyacao…..….….. p. 5 Hawaii Commandery at ANZAC Day 2017…………...….….. p. 10 Congress Fixes “Grey Zone” Veteran Status..…………….… p. 10 HI Commandery in 50th Vietnam Celebrations…………… p. 11 50th Vietnam Veteran Recognition Program ……………….p. 13 Boutiki Gift Shop Sponsors Hawaii Commandery ……….. P. 14 Poppy Appeal …………………………………………………………….. p. 14 Hawaii WWI Centennial Event at Natatorium ……………. p. 15 Companion News ...………………...………………………………… p. 16 Upcoming events ……………………...……………………………… p. 17
This issue also contains our winning essay from the 50th Vietnam War Commemoration Essay Contest. Cadet Thank you to the Essay Judges who volunteered in Hawaii and on the U.S. Mainland to read and score these impressive essays. At the national level, our Order’s biennial Convention will take place 15-17 June —Mahalo nui loa to our delegates Col Dave Terrinoni and LTC Daphany Prewitt who will represent us at this important event. Our next event is the Commandery meeting on Saturday, 10 June 2017, see you there!!
Cover Photo: Formation of Cadets at the annual Governor’s Parade 27 April 2017. Photo by Companion 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 By Chaplain, LTC, Ret. John Molina
Aloha!
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21)
Loyal Companions and Commandery Supporters, Mahalo for your loyal support over the last quarter. This was a busy period for the Commandery supporting WWI Centennial Events, 50th Vietnam War Commemoration Events, Vietnam Veteran Recognition Program, Cadet Vietnam Essay Contest, Cadet Awards Ceremonies, and even the Governors Parade featured on our cover.
"Negative capability" is a term a favorite author of mine uses to refer to "the failure in life which often creates the positive momentum forward". This idea, that out of bad situations good can come forth, is indeed good news for all of us! On Sunday, May 28, 2017 I was extremely blessed to have met two individuals who illustrate the truth of "negative capability" by their actions and lives. The first individual I met at the Memorial Day Observance event held at the War Memorial Natatorium in Waikiki, HI. This Memorial was built in 1927 and it honors Hawaii's World War I fallen heroes. Because this year marks the centennial of the Great War and we also commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War, Patrick Henry Brady was invited to be the main speaker. Pat is a retired United States Army Major General who while serving as a helicopter pilot in the Vietnam War, received the Medal of Honor as a result of rescuing 70 soldiers trapped by enemy fire …. (Continued on next page)
While we have accomplished much, it is not time to rest on our laurels. Our 50th Vietnam Veteran Medal program is just getting out of the starting gate for 2017. We have fifty medals available for presentation this year, and that will require volunteers who can make those presentations in a dignified and meaningful manner, starting June 10th. The Commandery was a major contributor to the 50th Vietnam events, after supporting the Hawaii 50th Vietnam War Planning Committee for 2 years. for 2 years. The Hawaii Commandery has served as an official DoD 50th Commemoration partner since March 25, 2013, and per DoD, has conducted more 50th Commemoration events than any partner in Hawaii! Mahalo for your hard work in this effort. 1
Chaplain’s Corner, continued from page 1:
in three attempts, having to use different helicopters on each effort due to extensive damage. The second individual I met at a barbecue hosted at the home of retiree Marine friend Kenny who served in Vietnam with Army Colonel (Ret) William S. Reeder Jr. Bill, like his friend Pat, had also been invited to speak at various events for the Vietnam War 50th Commemoration. Bill was a POW helicopter pilot shot down on May 9, 1972 and captured three days later. He was the last prisoner of war to be released by North Vietnam in 1973. Both men have written books about their experiences. Dead Men Flying: Victory in Viet Nam: the Legend of Dust Off: America's Battlefield Angels by Patrick Henry Brady and Through the Valley: My Captivity in Vietnam by William S Reeder Jr. Pat, at 80 years of age, continues to demonstrate by his service to others and to God, by his zest for life and unwavering belief in the values which have shaped his character over the years, that the best is always withing our reach. He challenged his audience at the Natatorium that as a Nation we cannot afford to forget the cost and what it takes to have all which we enjoy today. Pat added that we need to be people with a "chest". Our hearts must provide a noticeable balance between our heads and our guts. Emotions, thoughts and ideas must be tempered by love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. May God help us and may he produce in us the fruit of his Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). In his book, Pat considers the Viet Nam War one in which the heroism of the American soldier reach unmatched humanitarianism during the heat of battles. The "GI fixed as he fought, he cured and educated and built in the middle of the battle. He truly cared for, and about, those people." Pat participated in air ambulance operations which are considered the most dangerous and daring kind of aviation missions. In the Vietnam War some one million individuals were rescued, both enemy and friendly. Pat fought as he lived the standards of his own war hero, Charles Kelly whom he considers the "greatest life-saver ever" who "set the standard for combat medicine to this day." The author led the 54th Medical Detachment after having rescued over 21,000 wounded in 10 months. In Pat's efforts there were no enemies, but men and women in need of rescue. Pat received 26 Purple Hearts for his efforts. His life and story is one of salvation in the face of horror, courage against great odds, and the miracle of a faith which could not be silenced in the heat of combat. Bill, at 71, is the 2016 Naval Institute Press Author of the Year. He shared with me that he finally had to write the book, not to just rehash an old story, but because the message it contains kept on wanting to leap out of his heart. He admits that the horror and thrills experienced in combat can never be forgotten, just as the fear and the anxiety of being a prisoner leave lasting scars. Bill travels, teaches and speaks extensively because he believes his message is much needed today. He wrote to share not only about the torment and pain of his ordeal, but more importantly he wants to highlight "the hope that he never lost". He wants to promulgate and reinforce the very important "themes of courage and sacrifice, undying faith, strength of family, love of country, loyalty among comrades, and a realization of how precious is the freedom all too often taken for granted". Through the Valley is the memoir of a soldier and provides a vision of courage, hope and survival. Bill was a senior captain in 1971 heading into his second tour with visions of winning the war and finally defeat the Viet Cong as a Cobra gunship pilot. But in less than a year, while he gave support to besieged forces, his chopper was shot down. Surviving the crash and after evading capture for a while, he was made a prisoner with twenty-seven POWs. He was held in cages and forced to endure a some 800 mile march through South Vietnam, Laos, and North Vietnam. Seven of his group died during the march. He was taken to the infamous prisons of Hanoi. Through the worst experience of his life, Bill learned the importance and value of tenacity in the face of unimaginable hardship. Like co-patriot Pat, Bill is above all most thankful for his faith in God which sustained him and the love of family which bid him to survive and return home. He is now a sought after instructor of survival, evasion, resistance and escape methods (SERE) at various government agencies. I like to close this Memorial Day reflection with this prayer. Lord God, show me your ways; teach me your paths. John 2
Hawaii Commandery Recognized as a WWI Centennial Commemoration Partner. The Hawaii Commandery Supported the Opening Ceremony of the Hawaii State WWI Centennial Commemoration on April 2, 2017 at the Aloha Tower. Commandery Secretary LTC Ret. "Manny" Manchester was the Master of Ceremonies for this event attended by Veterans and Civic Organizations in Hawaii. Major General Arthur "Joe" Logan, the Hawaii Adjutant General, was the keynote speaker. The ceremony included the reading of proclamation from the Governor of Hawaii declaring April 2, 2017 as Hawaii WWI Centennial Remembrance Day. Col, USAF, Ret. Ed Hawkins, representing the Mayor of Honolulu, read the Mayoral proclamation which announced Hawaii WWI Centennial Commemoration Week. Entertainment was provided by the Royal Hawaiian Band, the Emmalani Serenaders, and hula dancers from the Ka Hale I o Kahala Halau Hula. The Gordon Biersch restaurant hosted the ceremony at no cost to the State. The ceremony was very naval in character, and included a follow-on ceremony to F-Bouy with participants ferried by the USCG Cutter AHI, Honolulu Harbor Pilot Boat AHUA POINT, and the WIND WARRIOR Catamaran from the Hawaii Kai Boat Club. The venue provided the perfect venue for remembering the six Merchant Mariners from Hawaii who perished at sea on April 1, 1917, off the coast of France while delivering supplies to the Allies. These men, and most of the crew aboard the armed Merchant Ship SS Aztec, died when the ship was sunk by a submarine of the Imperial German Navy. The ceremony also paid tribute to Hawaii’s Naval Militia, first authorized April 23, 1915, and federalized to serve with the Navy in the Atlantic following the Declaration of War. To read these stories, visit the Hawaii WWI Centennial home page at www.www.WorldWar1Centennial.org/HI The Hawaii Commandery of MOFW was the very first Veteran Organization in Hawaii to step forward to serve on the Organizing Committee, and later on the Task Force established by Governor Ige. Following the ceremony, MG Logan presented the Hawaii Commandery with a Commemoration Partner Certificate. You can watch the entire ceremony via online video at https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=kM5N8KMdXe0 3
Companion and Commandery Secretary Manny Manchester served as the Master of Ceremonies.
MG Arthur “Joe” Logan, Adjutant General of Hawaii, was the keynote speaker, and supervises the HI WWI CTF.
Senior officers in attendance L-R, MG Joe Logan TAG HI; RDML John Fuller COMNAVREGHI; Mrs. Fuller; Brig. Gen. Brett A. Wyrick Assistant Adjutant General-Air; Brig. Gen. Ryan T. Okahara Commander, Hawaii Air National Guard, and; BG Suzanne Vares-Lum PACOM J5MA.
Dancers from the Ka Hale I o Kahala Halau Hula performed several dances as guests arrived and during the ceremony. The dancers also danced to Aloha Oi as guests boarded the Cutter AHI and boats to sail out to F Buoy for the remembrance ceremony.
Campbell High School Navy JROTC provided the color guard. The unit received a certificate of appreciation. Companion Arthur Tulak briefing guests at the end of the ceremony on boarding procedures for the Cutter AHI and other boats for the follow-on ceremony.
MG Joe Logan (at right) presents the Certificate of Commemoration Partner to Companions Arthur Tulak and “Manny� Manchester at the conclusion of the ceremonies at the Aloha Tower. 4
2017 Cadet Awards Ceremonies The Hawaii Commandery is nearing completion of another successful round of Spring/ Summer Cadet Awards Ceremonies, sending Companions and Commandery Supporters to make the medal presentations in person to the two Senior ROTC ,and twenty JROTC units on Oahu. In total, the Hawaii Commandery presents 74 medals per year to Cadets at the University of Hawaii, University of Guam, the Hawaii Youth Challenge Academy, the Hawaii Civil Air Patrol, and JROTC units in Hawaii and Japan. Companion COL (Ret) Michael Madsen represented the Order at the 2017 Joint Awards Ceremony held at the University of Hawaii on 27 April. The Leadership Award was presented to Cadets Fonesca and McLenney and the Scholarship Award to Cadets Kim and Haynes.
The Spring/Summer schedule of presentations will finish with the Hawaii National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Academy (YCA) graduation on June 16, 2017, and will pick up again in the winter with the Civil Air Patrol and winter class of the YCA. This year, the Commandery was honored to have as presenters Lt. Gen. USAF Ret. Jeffrey Remington at Kailua AFJROTC, and Brig. Gen. USAF, Ret. Stan Osserman at Kalaheo NJROTC. Special recognition must go to Capt., USAF, Joseph Cortez, who serves on Active Duty as the Operations Officer, for the Joint Base Security Department on Joint Base Peal Harbor— Hickam. Capt. Cortez signed up for four events this year, and five last year!
Companion COL Ret. Arthur Tulak at Farrington High School, May 2, 2017, presenting the Silver Academic Medal to CDT Rhoselle Custodio, and the Bronze Leadership Medal to Cadet Lilian-Bell Lemafa.
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This remains our core project every year, and Companions who volunteer report great satisfaction attending these events, as they are inspired by the professionalism and maturity of the Cadets selected to receive the MOFW medals.
Cadet Awards Ceremonies continued
COL Peter Hirai presents the Silver Medal to CDT Thaneswari Ganesan at Roosevelt, 8 April.
Lt . Gen. Ret. Jeffrey Remington, presents the Bronze Medal to CDT Chanz Palau-Agbayani, Kailua AFJROTC, 5 May.
LTC Ret. Spiridigliozzi & COL Ret. Tulak Presenting the Silver Medal to CDT Terrill Allen & Bronze to CDT Promise Knosp at Leilehua Army JROTC, 4 May.
COL Ret. Ben Lukefahr presents the Bronze Leadership Excellence Medal to CDT Precious Akiona-Kawelo, at Waianae, 11 May.
COL Ret. Tulak presents the Bronze Medal to CDT Casey Carson, and the Silver Medal to CDT Keith Brand, Campbell NJROTC, on 17 May.
LTC (R) Bob Takao and CPT Hana Lee present the MOFW medals to C/ SSG Chad Kaopuiki and C/PFC Ryan Kong, at Punahou JROTC, 1 May.
COL Ret. Michael Madsen at Waipahu High School presented the Academic Award to CDT Czarina Galario and the Leadership Award to CDT Ciara Amores. Cadet Ernesto Arizala received an Honorable Mention Citation for his 50th Vietnam War Essay submission.
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MOFW Vietnam War Cadet Essay Contest in its Fourth Year The Hawaii Commandery conducted the annual 50th Vietnam War Commemoration Cadet Essay contest for the 4th year in a row. The winning essays were submitted by: •
1st Place – Cadet Danthone Buyacao, Farrington High School, Category III
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2nd Place – Cadet Jarius Peralta, Farrington High School – Category II
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3rd Place – Cadet Dylan Tupper, Campbell High School NJROTC – Category IV
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Honorable Mention, Cadet Michael Cambria, 4th place overall and 1st runner up for Category IV
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Honorable Mention Certificate, Cadet Kalani Herrera, Campbell High School NJROTC, 5th overall and 2nd runner-up for Category II
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Honorable Mention Certificate, Cadet Ernesto Arizala, Waipahu High School, 1st runner-up for Category III
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Honorable Mention Certificate, Cadet Rhoselle Custodio, Farrington High School, 1st Runner-up for Category IV First, Second, and Third place essayists win cash prizes with a citation for the essay. Runner-ups receive an honorable mention citation.
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The first place essay is published in full in the June edition of the Commandery News, and all the winning essays are shared with other Veterans Organizations in Hawaii. The winning essays are also sent to the Department of Defense 50th Vietnam War Commission for publication on their website.
From L-R Third place winner Cadet Dylan Tupper receives the Certificate and cash prize from COL Tulak. CDT Cadet Kalani Herrera, Campbell High School NJROTC, 5th overall and 2nd runner-up for Category II receives the citation from COL Tulak. CDT Ernesto Arizala, Waipahu High School, 1st runner-up for Category III receives the citation rom COL Madsen.
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First Place Essay “The War That Never Ended”
Cadet Danthone Buyacao Governor’s Guard Battalion, W. R. Farrington High School Army JORTC War Veterans are respected. They are looked up to not only because of their training and experience, but also for the sacrifices they made - sacrifices that would affect them for a lifetime. However, this was not always so. There are men and women who sacrificed their lives for the sake of others, but were not commended as they should have been. They fought for a country that disgusted them. They served a country that disrespected them. They loved a country that did not honor them. They were the Vietnam War veterans.
They served, they fought, they suffered, and they did not come home whole. They left pieces of themselves back in the war, and came back with scars. Many suffered wounds, many more were psychologically hurt, but all of them carried the losses of their comrades who couldn’t make it back to their families. “No one can come back from that and come back whole” (G. Chamberlin). Such were the burdens of the Vietnam War Veterans. I interviewed a few Veterans who made the decision to become a soldier and risk their lives, and asked them to share their insight on the matter. I inquired what they thought of the Congress’ Decision to withdraw from the war, as well as their honest opinions on the overall view of the war itself. The Veterans I interviewed were all volunteers and they shared many of their personal experiences. One experience in particular caught my attention because it was extremely unfair. It was an experience from Gary Chamberlin, a Veteran who commissioned at New Mexico Military Institute and graduated as a 20 year old 2nd Lieutenant. The story goes as follows: “After the war, I decided to go to college, because the Army pays you for a 4-year degree. All paid for. I remember being in the orientation where there were these two draft dodgers who were being treated especially kindly by some professors. They treated these draft dodgers like they were Gods of something…” (Gary Chamberlin). The draft dodgers abandoned their country by running to Canada during wartime, and they were being “treated like gods” compared to someone who shed blood, sweat, and tears for their country. The worship was misplaced. Frankly, I felt that it was a bit embarrassing coming from a well educated college professor. COL Tulak and the Essayists from Farrington High School Army JROTC. From L-R: Cadets Danthone Buyacao (1st Place); Darius Peralta (2nd Place) ; Rhoselle Custodio, and; Michael Cambria. 8
The soldiers just followed orders because it was their duty. That should have been clear to the public. The Vietnam War was not a popular war. Despite President Nixon’s promise on behalf of the US to “provide replacement aid to the South on a piece by piece, one to one basis” (Paris Peace Accords), the politicians at that time used their influence to defund the “replacement aid.”, thus beginning the end of the war. “It is not easy to run a war on a screen from the safety of your own home” (Ken DeHoff). I believe Mr. DeHoff was right. It should not have been up to the politicians, who sacrificed nothing and stood to gain, to decide on further actions regarding the war. Mr. Chamberlin added, “If you’re going to commit to a war, commit until you win.” This decision by the Congress made the US a country who goes back on its word. This decision led to North Vietnam winning the war, and allowing the US and South Vietnamese casualties to die in vain. The surviving soldiers did not even see the end when the war ended. The war followed them home. This whole event really brings light to the words “don’t shoot the messenger.” The government makes the decisions and gives the orders, so why were the soldiers mistreated? They were only following orders. The world is not black and white and the soldiers, despite being at the forefront of the war, were not at fault. These men and women who fought and bled regarded their country with high esteem. They followed orders not only because it was their duty, but also because they loved their country. This teaches future generations to not find a scapegoat for the bad in life, but to find the problem and solve it. The population was blinded by anger. They were irrational to blame the soldiers for the war. These series of events should be thoroughly understood so the next generation will not make the same mistake. A prime example was when Brian Date, a Hawaii local boy, came home from the war to attend UH Manoa. He was 19 when he deployed. “I remember coming home through the Honolulu airport, people spat on me, and some yelled ‘baby killer’ at me. It was the same when I went to college” (Brian Date). The War Veteran just came home after fighting a war, and was greeted not with honorable remarks, but disdain and disgust from the very people he made sacrifices for. What was worse was that it was his hometown. He came home from a war only to be mistreated in his own home. Brian Date was not honored in return, but he honored his country even after all the insults and disrespect. The Vietnam War Veterans were not treated like the previous veterans before them. As the World War 2 veterans were honored properly and diligently, the Vietnam War veterans were spat on, disrespected, and were even called “baby killers.” All they did was fight a war that they thought was their duty to fight. It was their duty to follow orders given by their government. It wasn’t a popular war, but the soldiers did their part. They loved their country so much, they selflessly followed orders for the benefit of others, only to come home to a country that despised them. However, it is not the same today. Today all veterans are respected. People began to understand. People saw the light in their words and finally began to show courtesy to those who fought for their country – even those who fought in an unpopular war. After being hated for years, they are finally being treated as they should be: as heroes. Editor’s note: This essay has been submitted to the U.S. DoD 50th Vietnam War Commission for publication on their website, as well as the Hawaii Scottish American Society. 9
Hawaii Commandery Participates in the Commemoration of ANZAC Day 2017 Companions Arthur Tulak and Manny Manchester attended ANZAC Day ceremonies on April 25th at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. This was the 102nd anniversary of the Gallipoli Campaign where the Australia—New Zealand Army Corps participated as part of the British-led amphibious invasion of the Ottoman Empire in the Dardanelles. The long campaign was waged from April 25, 1915 to January 9, 1916. This was a costly fight with 115,000 British and dominion troops (Great Britain and Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, India, and Newfoundland) killed or wounded. That is nearly equals the number of all U.S. WWI casualties. Companion Manchester 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. The Australian and New Zealand Consulates sponsored a reception afterwards aboard the USS Missouri, on the fantail.
Companion Manchester representing MOFW and the HI WWI CTF at ANZAC Day 2017.
Congress fixes “Grey Zone” of Veteran Status for Certain Reservists. The Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2016 (H.R. 6416, co-sponsored by Jeff Miller and Richard Blumenthal) passed into law on December 16, 2016, grants honorary Veteran Status to about 200,000 reservists who entitled to retirement pay for nonregular service or, but for age, would be entitled under such chapter to retired pay for nonregular service. “Until now, Guard and Reserve personnel were considered veterans only if they served in a federalized capacity for more than 179 days other than training. Even a reservist who attended regular training and drill for two decades, but never was federalized, could not claim to be a veteran. Now, Guard and Reserve members will be recognized as veterans if they serve honorably for 20 years.”1 Section 305 of this law confers “Honorary Veteran” status, meaning that persons covered under the law may be properly honored as Veterans, but are not entitled to VA benefits other than to be officially recognized by the United States as Veterans. Section 305 title “Honoring as Veterans Certain Persons Who Performed Service in the Reserve Components of The Armed Forces,” For reservists who served a full career attending monthly drills and annual training periods until retiring from the Service are now Veterans. Their Veteran status is immediate and is not contingent on actually drawing military retirement. 1.
See Bill Worth, Ameriforce Media, “Reserve and National Guard to finally get “Veteran” status” http:// ameriforce.net/reserve-national-guard-finally-get-veteran-status/ 10
Hawaii Commandery Participates in State 50th Vietnam War Commemoration The Hawaii Commandery has been a member of the Hawaii State 50th Vietnam War Planning Committee since its inception. The Committee planned a series of events that ran rom May 23rd to May 29th, and were a great success in Welcoming Home our Vietnam Veterans and expressing the Thanks of a grateful nation, and the people of Hawaii. Companion Arthur Tulak served as the Commandery representative on the committee and assisted with diplomatic outreach starting in 2016 to America’s Vietnam War Allies to invite their Veterans Affairs counterparts and consular corps to attend. Companion Tulak also assisted with the preparation of formal requests for DoD support to events. Allied participation included Vietnam Veterans from Australia and New Zealand who came to Hawaii to celebrate alongside other Veterans. Veterans of the War from the armed forces of the Republic of Vietnam, our Ally in the War, also attended and represented all the people who resisted the aggression of Communist north Vietnam. Diplomatic representatives from our Vietnam War Allies included the Consulate Generals from New Zealand, the Philippines, the Republic of Korea, and the Director General of the Taiwan Economic Cooperation Office, of the Republic of China. These diplomats attended the May 23rd reception at the Hale Koa, the Banquet Dinner on May 25th at the Pacific Aviation Museum, and Memorial Day at the Punchbowl. The Hawaii Commandery had the distinct honor of having its 50th Vietnam War Commemoration flag flown at every single official event, as it was moved from display at the Oahu Veterans Center to the reception on May 23rd, and then to every following event, culminating with the capstone event—Memorial Day at The National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific.
BG Stephen L.A. Michael, Deputy Commanding General for Operations, 25th Infantry Division, was the Active-Duty Flag speaker. The Hawaii Commandery MOFW’s 50th Vietnam War Commemoration Flag is visible in the background.
Hawaii Commandery Companions at the banquet gala at the Pacific Aviation Museum. From L—R: Ruth Burkholder, MG, Ret. James T. Jackson, Lt. Col. Ret. Jim Burkholder, CPT (former) Rona Adams, and COL Ret. Arthur Tulak pose in front of the Commandery’s 50th Vietnam War Commemoration Flag at the Pacific Aviation Museum formal banquet. 11
Hawaii MOFW in 50th Celebrations (continued) The first event on May 23rd saw many Australian and New Zealand Vietnam Veterans in attendance, thanks to the efforts of CPT (former) Rona Adams, a 50th Vietnam Commemoration Planning Committee member and President of the Vietnam Veterans of America Hawaii Chapter 858. New Zealand Deputy Consulate General greeted the Kiwis Vietnam Veterans in attendance. BG Stephen L.A. Michael, Deputy Commanding General for Operations, 25th Infantry Division, was the Active-Duty Flag speaker. The Master of Ceremonies for the reception was COL Ret. Edward Cruickshank, a Vietnam Veteran, member or the 50th Planning Committee, and President of the Oahu Veterans Council. The premier social event associated with the 8 days of commemoration was the Banquet Dinner on Ford Island, which was SOLD OUT by the end of April. Nearly 300 Vietnam vets attended the dinner. Upon arrival, guests were greeted by Cadets from Punahou JROTC who welcomed each Veteran with a six-man saber arch. The Master of Ceremonies was NBC journalist David Price who ran the evening program to recreate and honor the legacy of Bob Hope, who entertained U.S. troops wherever they were stationed around the world . Entertainment was provided by Tony Orlando, and Ann Margaret, both of whom had participated in the USO shows in Vietnam supporting the troops along with Bob Hope. The key note speaker was MG Ret. Patrick Henry Brady, Medal of Honor recipient and Vietnam Veteran. MG Brady gave an inspirational speech that honored the sacrifice of the Vietnam Veterans, highlighted their contributions as members of their communities, as citizens, and focused on the future, and the next generation. See Commandery Chaplain John Molina’s “Chaplain’s Corner” for more on MG Brady. Companion Arthur Tulak joined Companion Lt. Col. USAF Ret. Jim Burkholder and his wife Ruth at the Banquet at the Pacific Aviation Museum on May 25th. At this table were seated CAPT ROC Navy, Alex Sung and his Officers assigned to the ROC Military Liaison element stationed in Honolulu. CAPT Sung and his team were the official representative of our Vietnam War Ally, the Republic of China on Taiwan for this event. Also at this table was Ms. Kathy Johnson, the State Regent of the Daughters of the American Revolution and Ms. Susan Nealy, President of the Haleakala DAR Chapter on the island of Maui. Jim received his DoD 50th Vietnam War lapel pin from Ms. Nealy. Jim also received Ann Margaret’s autograph on his leather pilot jacket! Following the banquet meal, MG, Ret. James T. Jackson, Director, of the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration, met with the MOFW Companions for a photo in front of our 50th Vietnam Commemoration Flag. Companion Michael Madsen attended the final event on Memorial Day, laying a wreath from the MOFW at the NMCP.
View from behind our table looking at the stage as Master of Ceremonies David Price began the formal program. On the left of the photo seated is Companion Jim Burkholder and wife Ruth. Companion Tulak is seated to Jim’s left. Photo Source: Hawaii News Now. The Commandery’s 50th Vietnam War Commemoration flag stands illuminated at the foot of the stage. http://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/story/35523389/vietnam-war-veterans-honored-at-pacific-aviation-museum-banquet
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50th Vietnam Veteran Recognition Program
The Hawaii Commandery conducted presentations of the DoD Vietnam War Veteran lapel pin to Vietnam Veterans in conjunction with the Memorial Day Poppy Appeal on 26 May 2017.
COL Peter Hirai pins SCPO Dorferio Romero, USN Rescue, service in Vietnam 1968 COL Tulak pins MCPO Antonio Leon Guerrero, US Navy, River Division 43, service in Vietnam from 1968-1971
Companions Arthur Tulak, Peter Hirai, and John Molina presented the lapel pins to Vietnam Veterans. The team informed the Veterans of the activities underway in the Hawaii Vietnam Veteran Appreciation Week. Most importantly, they thanked these Veterans for their service and gave them a “Welcome Home� on behalf of a grateful nation. In every case, the Veterans were able to share their story of service, when and where they served during the Vietnam War, their branch of Service and their
Chaplain Molina pins MSCM (SW) Pedro M. Pelagio, USN, USS Basilone DD 824, service from 1968-1998
MOFW Officer Veterans. Some of these men pinned had their spouses present, who also received the buttons, pins, and decals to help commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War.
COL Peter Hirai pins SGT Raymond Ascuncion, US Army, Service in Chu Lai Vietnam, 1968-1969
COL Tulak pins SSgt Quiniola Gilbert, USAF, service in Thakli Thailand Airbase from 19681969.
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Boutiki Gift Shop Provides Grant to Hawaii Commandery Vietnam Veteran Recognition Program The Boutiki Gift Shop provides charitable donations to Veteran and Civic organizations in Hawaii based on the impact of their programs in the community. The Hawaii Commandery received a generous grant to support the Commandery's 50th Commemoration Program to Honor Hawaii’s Vietnam Veterans for 20172019. Companions Arthur Tulak and John Molina were on-hand to receive the grant check on April 5th, at the Gift Shop, 640 Club Rd, Pearl Harbor HI . The Gift Shop has a wide variety of tasteful merchandise for all tastes. Please consider shopping there and help support their charitable support to Hawaii's non-profits. https:// www.facebook.com/BoutikiPearlHarbor/ Mahalo to the Boutiki Gift Shop for supporting our programs!!
Poppy Appeal 2017 The Commandery conducted a Poppy Appeal at Pearl Harbor on May 26th just before the start of the Memorial Day weekend. The Commandery distributes the poppies and encourages recipients to wear them through the Memorial Day weekend 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 honor and remember our War dead. It is also an opportunity to inform the public on our mission of service in support of Hawaii’s Active, Reserve, Veteran, and Cadet military communities. Mahalo to Companions Peter Hirai, John Molina and Peter’s son Royce for manning the tables, and to Companion Major, Australian Army, Ret. Rory Cain, RFD JP for supplying the poppies for the 2017 Poppy Appeals. 14
Father and Son Effort!! Companion COL Peter Hirai and son Royce on duty at Pearl Harbor for the first 2017 Poppy Appeal on May 26, 2017.
Hawaii World War One Centennial Commemoration at the HI WWI Memorial The Hawaii World War One Centennial Task Force, working with partner organizations, held a Memorial Day weekend event at Hawaii’s only WWI Memorial on Sunday May 28th. Companion Arthur Tulak was the lead speaker at this event, preceding MG, Ret. Patrick Henry Brady, Medal of Honor recipient and Vietnam Veteran, and BG Bryan Suntheimer, Deputy Commanding General U.S. Army Pacific. Attending the ceremony was MG Arthur “Joe” Logan, Adjutant General of the State of Hawaii, who oversees the Hawaii World War One Centennial Task Force that is leading the planning and coordination of Hawaii’s commemorations. The ceremony was held on the open lawn in front of the WWI memorial, dedicated by the people of Hawaii, to honor and remember "the men and women of Hawaii who served during the great war", with the dais standing in front of the stone bearing the “Roll of Honor,” which honors the 101 from Hawaii who died in service to their nation as part of the allied forces. This was the first event to publicly display the Hawaii WWI Centennial Commemoration Flag, which was attended by Cadets from the Young Marines of the Pyramid Rock unit at Marine Corps Base Hawaii at Kaneohe, Commanded by Lt. Col., USMCR, John DiGiovanni since March 2006. The Young Marines support this event every year in an impressive and professional manner.
Cadet Prado, of the Pyramid Rock Young Marines Unit keeps the Hawaii World War One Centennial Flag erect during the ceremony.
Companion Arthur Tulak gives his remarks as the lead speaker in front of the Honor Roll stone, and WWI Memorial Arch.
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In his remarks, BG Suntheimer quoted United States Supreme Court Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr., a veteran of the American Civil War, who explained the importance of Decoration Day, now known as Memorial day: “Today celebrates and solemnly reaffirms from year to year a national act of enthusiasm and faith. It embodies, in the most impressive form, our belief that to act with enthusiasm and faith is the condition of acting greatly.” MG Brady, who in two tours in Vietnam, flew over 2,500 combat missions, and rescued over 5,000 wounded, related the sacrifices of the Vietnam Veterans to the WWI Memorial, in that no generation of Veterans should ever be forgotten, and that no generation of Veterans would ever again not honor and remember the sacrifices of following or preceding generations of Veterans.
BG Bryan Suntheimer, Deputy Commanding General of U.S. Army Pacific representing the Active Duty military in honoring and remembering America’s 117,465 fighting men who died in service to the nation in WWI.
MG Ret. Patrick Henry Brady, Medal of Honor Recipient, represented Veterans of all conflicts who returned home to continue to serve their community and nation in civilian life.
Companion News: LTC (P) John J. Gobrick On May 10, 2017, the 115th Congress received the nominations for Army promotions from President Donald J. Trump, and referred to the Committee on Armed Services. Companion John Gobrick is on this list and has been selected for promotion to the rank of Colonel! The promotion nomination list was confirmed by the Senate by Voice Vote on May 25th. The Commandery takes great pleasure in congratulating John on his selection for promotion, with wishes for continued success in the assignment to follow. Companion Gobrick is currently assigned to U.S. Army Reserve Command in the G33 Mobilization staff at Fort Bragg North Carolina. John has been a loyal Companion of the Order and the Hawaii Commandery since February 27, 2014. 16
Upcoming events: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
4 June — 75th Anniversary Battle of Midway Commemoration, 90900-1000 hrs, Ewa Field ramp. 6 June — 73rd Anniversary of D-Day Landings in France in WWII. 10 June —Commandery Meeting 0900 hrs Monterey Canners Restaurant 10 June — Oahu Veterans Center' PTSD Rehabilitation Program graduates recognition lunch at the OVC 10 June —MOFW 50th Vietnam War Commemoration Medal Presentation to DAV Banquet, 1990 hrs, O'hana Airport Hotel, 3401 North Nimitz Highway 14 June —Army's 242nd birthday 16 June— Hawaii Army Museum 36th Annual Golf Tournament Leilehua Golf Course http://www.hiarmymuseumsoc.org/ 16 June — U.S. Army Garrison Hawaii Army Birthday luau 1700-2100 hrs on Weyand Field, Schofield Barracks. 16June —Hawaii National Guard Youth Challenge Graduation and Awards Ceremony, Pearl City Cultural Center, 2100 Hookiekie St., 1800 hrs. 24 June — 66th Anniversary of the Korean War: Korean War Veterans Assn, 1000 hrs, NMCP 4 July— Independence Day. USAG HI 4th of July Spectacular – Weyand Field 1 August — Air Force Day 4 August — Coast Guard Day 14 August— National Navajo Code Talkers Day, VJ Day 19 August —Na Koa Wounded Warrior Regatta, Waikiki Beach, Fort DeRussy, 0800-1530 hrs. 29 August — Marine Corps Reserve Birthday
Notes: No published information available on the 2017 Army Ball. Plan ahead for 11-17 September — POW/MIA Memorial Week. Hawaii Commandery, Military Order of Foreign Wars A non-profit 501 (c) 3 Veterans Organization Oahu Veterans Center, 1298 Kukila St. Honolulu Hawaii, 96818
Mahalo to our 2017 Sponsors:
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