Hawaii Commandery Military order of foreign wars
JUNE 2020
Commandery News
Table of Contents:
Vol. IX, Issue 2, June 2020 the Military Order of World Wars demonstrates the benefits of partnering with other organizations. We should continue to nurture the partnerships we made with other Veteran organizations and genealogical societies over the course of the Hawaii WWI Centennial. I encourage all Companions to reach out to colleagues and friends who may qualify for Companionship in the Order by hereditary descent from a qualifying ancestor.
Commander’s Comments…………………………………………….. p. 1 Chaplain’s Corner…………………………………………………………. p. 2 ROTC, JROTC Cadet Awards Ceremonies…. …………….….. p. 3 Celebrating ANZAC Day in the year of Pandemic.…………. p. 4 Memorial Day Observance …………………………………..……… p. 5 2020 50th Vietnam War Cadet Essay Contest…………...…. p. 7 1st Place Essay by Cadet Raffaele Barry..……………………… p. 10 First Naval Battle of America’s Revolutionary War ………..p. 12 Hawaii Civil Air Patrol. …………………………………………………. p. 14 Companion News ………………………………………………………… p. 16 Hereditary Membership.……………………………………………… p. 16 Upcoming Events ……..……………...…………………….…....……. p. 17
I would also like to express the thanks of the Companions of the Commandery to our outgoing Commander, COL, Ret., Chris Spear, for his leadership. Finally, I urge all Companions, both those in Hawaii, and those on the mainland, to find time to support the Commandery and its mission of service.
Cover Photo: The USS William P. Lawrence DDG-110 ARLEIGH BURKE - class Guided Missile Destroyer entering Pearl Harbor. Photo by COL, Ret. Arthur Tulak, Editor, Commandery News If you have patriotic photos you’d like to share, submit them for consideration for the cover of our next issue!
“Deus et Libertas”
Curtis “Manny” Manchester III LTC, USA Ret. Commander
Commander’s Comments.
Aloha Companions!
From the Secretary At our last Commandery Meeting held via teleconference due to the Corona Virus Pandemic, elections were completed for the next term of office running from June 2020 through May 2022. Welcome to our new Commander, LTC, Ret. “Manny” Manchester. Senior Vice Commander COL, Ret. Peter Hirai. Junior Vice Commander position is vacant, pending a volunteer or nomination.
Aloha Companions and Friends, It is an honor to have been elected as your Commander. We are living in challenging times, experiencing the global Corona Virus pandemic that is on the same scale of the 1918-1919 Pandemic that claimed the lives of 670 thousand Americans, of the 25.8 million who were infected.
Appointed officers: 1. Secretary: Arthur Tulak 2. Treasurer: Chris Spear 3. Chaplain: Fred Staedel 4. Commandery Genealogist: Adam Gaines 5. Newsletter Editor: Arthur Tulak
We look forward to a return to normal operations with the threat of the Corona Virus subdued through disciplined prevention measures and, eventually, effective medical treatment protocols and possibly a vaccine. In the meanwhile, we must remain dedicated to one another as Companions of the Order, and to the seven purposes of our Order.
Committee Chair Positions 1. 50th Vietnam Commemoration: Arthur Tulak 2. Cadet Awards: Arthur Tulak 3. Recruiting: VACANT 4. Poppy Appeal: VACANT
One of my main goals over the next two years is to increase our efforts to recruit hereditary companions, those who are eligible to join a military order on the basis of the qualifying service of an ancestor who served in the U.S. Armed Forces during a foreign war (the only excluded conflict is the war between the states 1861-1865). Another goal is to build more partnerships with other Veteran organizations and military-centric genealogy societies, who share our commitment to community service. Our successful Christmas Brunch conducted jointly with the Hawaii Chapter of
Arthur N. Tulak COL, USA Ret. Secretary 1
Chaplains Corner By Chaplain, Colonel David Terrinoni, USAF, Ret. “Remembering” I don’t know about you, but this Memorial Day is going to have a slightly different meaning for me. For years I, probably like you, have tactfully corrected people who think that Veteran’s Day and Memorial Day are the same thing. I’ve gently reminded folks that Veteran’s Day is for people who are still “above the ground,” while Memorial Day are for those who are “in the ground.” This year, 2020 however, I suspect people will be doing a lot of “I remember life before the novel coronavirus,” and “I remember so-and-so before they were killed in the Pandemic of 2020,” or “so-and-so just isn’t the same since COVID-19.” Tough times, indeed, for many people in our nation and world. Plus, we have new front-line combat, logistics, and support personnel to fight this invisible enemy. Most of these warriors don’t wear a military uniform and yet each person has that warrior spirit that they will not falter or fail in their duties to protect and perform for the common good. Tough times require focus, steadfastness, and belief in the higher purpose. For those with a faith background, our purpose and drive are formed by our sacred writings and empowered by the belief that God is always with us. Walking with us. And, most of the time, carrying us. This faith is built on hope – and hope is what empowers a human’s fighting spirit for life and to be willing to sacrifice that life to save another person from a greater hardship, or death. Following a couple of the Purposes of our Order, I have been reading and reflecting on our World War One generation who not only had to prosecute a war, but also had to fight an invisible enemy known as the Spanish Flu. Those were really tough times in the trenches of warfare and on the home front. Most people didn’t know a loved one had passed until a postal letter arrived and, by the time the news arrived, the loved one had already been buried. With the exception of our instant communication of today, our time is not so different from the past. By the time you read this Chaplain’s Corner, Memorial Day will have passed. Many of the United States will have begun easing stay-at-home orders, many more people in our country and the world will have contracted the virus, and many people will be living with the second and third order effects of best-intended decisions, economic and food insecurities and, of course, the fear of an unknown future. So, I want to reassure anyone reading this column of several things: 1) We are not alone. The God who created us, redeemed us, and empowers us has not left us. God is walking with us through this valley of shadows. 2) We are not the first generation to walk through these types of shadows. Again, I challenge you to look at your grandparents and great-grandparents who came through the Spanish Flu, both World Wars, and The Great Depression. To quote a part of our military oaths, we must “bear true faith and allegiance” with our predecessors and pass on these lessons to future generations. 3) Never forget the sacrifices of past and present warriors, regardless of clothing. Enemies come in many forms and we need warriors to fight against all forms of that enemy. Finally, drawing comfort from the past, I present to you part of a reading from Jeremiah 31:13. This reading is the response of people who were delivered from very bad situation by God. Jeremiah writes, “Then shall the young women rejoice in the dance, and the young men and the old shall be happy. I will turn their mourning into joy, I will comfort them, and give them gladness to replace their sorrow.” Friends. Remember to keep the Faith, keep Smiling, pass the hand sanitizer, and this too, shall pass. 2
ROTC and JROTC Cadet Awards Program 2020 COL, Ret. Arthur Tulak, Chairman of the Cadet Awards Committee The Corona Virus pandemic that originated in the Hubei Province of Communist China, significantly disrupted the 2020 Cadet Awards Ceremonies. MOWW Companions Tulak and Manchester were invited to participate in the on-line awards ceremony held by LTC Bob Takao, Senior Army Instructor of Punahou JROTC, the oldest JROTC program in the state. This event was held via ZOOM on May 13, 2020. Companion Tulak “virtually” congratulated Cadets Ryden Iwamoto and Cassidy Kawashima. Companion Tulak also presented the AUSA Medal to Cadets Anthony Ly, and Maverick Wong, and the Reserve Officers Association Medal to Cadet 2LT Victoria Djou, who is also a finisher in the Hawaii MOFW’s 50th Vietnam War Commemoration Cadet Essay Contest.
Several of the JROTC Cadre reported the names of the cadets receiving the Siler Academic and Bronze Leadership MOFW Medals. Here is a summary compiled from those individual reports received before publication: • University of Hawaii Army ROTC: Bronze Leadership: MSIII, CDT Skylar Olsen • •
University of Hawaii Air Force ROTC: Silver Academic: Cadet Ah Sue. Bronze Leadership: Cadet Medrano Admiral Arthur W. Radford High School Navy JROTC: Silver: Cadet Wester Gapasangra. Bronze: Cadet LeoLino Melander
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Farrington High School JROTC: Silver: Cadet Eumira Fiesta. Bronze: Cadet Redd Roca
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Hilo High School Army JROTC C/CPL Nicholas Ehrhorn
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Roosevelt High School Army JROTC: Silver: C/SFC Hiroko Kamioka. Bronze: C/CPL Maylene Jardin Kapolei High School MCJROTC Silver: Aryn Hufana. Bronze: Zachery D'Andrea
• • • • •
Kailua High School AFJROTC: Silver: Cadet Elia Kohatsu. Bronze: Cadet Zachary Rigdon Kaiser HS AFJROTC : Silver: Cadet Abraham Marsh. Bronze: Cadet Brennan Tamashiro Mililani High School Army JROTC : Silver: C/CPT Tyler Busby. Bronze: C/1LT Tiare Solomon Waipahu High School Army JROTC: Silver: Cadet MAJ Aleksei B. Zuniga. Bronze: Cadet Jewel Gibson
The Commandery looks forward to next year’s awards ceremonies to once again present these medals in person at the annual Cadet Awards Ceremonies.
Congratulations to all awardees!! 3
Celebrating ANZAC Day in the Year of the pandemic of 2020 By COL, Ret. Arthur Tulak, The Hawaii Commandery recommitted its support to New Zealand Corps (ANZAC) Day with a pair of Resolution signed by our Commander to the Australian and New Zealand Consulates. The observance of ANZAC Day was not held this year at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, one of the many patriotic observances cancelled due to the pandemic. However, The commemoration for ANZAC Day has moved on-line, as people shared their own personal and family commemorations held at home. The Australia Veterans organization, the Returned and Services League (RSL), published instructions for families to celebrate this important holiday by standing with a lighted candle at dawn (6 a.m.) at the end of their driveways, on the balcony or in their living room “to remember all those who have served and sacrificed.” 1 Companions Dicks, Manchester, and Tulak reported participating in an ANZAC observance on the morning of April 25th, following the “Stand To” morning ceremony at-home observance protocol published by the Australian RSL. Companion Dicks participated in an ANZAC Day ceremony while underway on deployment aboard a U.S. Navy Ship. The ceremony was hosted by the contingent of AUS and NZ Officers aboard. The Australian and New Zealand Consul-Generals both sent notes of thanks to the Commandery for this public and private show of support for our important Pacific Allies. __________________________________________ 1. Returned and Services League, LIGHT UP THE DAWN ON ANZAC DAY, 27 March 2020. Retrieved from: https://rslqld.org/News/ Latest-News/Light-up-the-Dawn 4
Memorial Day Observance in the Global Pandemics 19181919 and 2019-2020 by COL, Ret., Arthur Tulak Memorial Day ,originally designated as ‘Decoration Day,’ was first celebrated in Hawaii during the reign of King David Kalākaua in 18821 by Union Veterans who would form the first Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.) post to be formed in a foreign 2 land. The Holiday was established by General John Logan , Commander of the G.A.R., with the issuance of General Orders, No. 11, on May 5, 1868, designating the 30th day of May as a remembrance holiday “… for the purpose of strewing with flowers or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village, and hamlet churchyard in the land. In this observance no form or ceremony is prescribed, but posts and comrades will in their own way arrange such fitting services and testimonials of respect as circum-stances may permit.” 3 Decoration Day observances in Hawaii were conducted by the Union Veterans of the George DeLong Post #45 of the California Department of the G.A.R. (now the SUVCW Department of California and the Pacific). G.A.R. Post #45 continued to organize and conduct these observances at the Oahu Cemetery until 1918, when the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the American Legion took on this responsibility.4 The 2019-2020 Corona Virus Pandemic, originating in Wuhan, Hubei Province of China in Dec 2019, has had a terrible impact on the United States. As of this writing, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) reported the total number of infections (cases) in the United States was 1,761,503, and the total number of Americans who died from the disease totaled 103,700.5 This foreign virus also had a terrible impact on cherished Memorial Day traditions across the Nation. Memorial Day celebrations, parades, and commemorations, were cancelled wholesale, along with many other public events, by City, State, and Federal government agencies, in accordance with guidance from the CDC. In Hawaii, the Governor’s public safety orders in effect limited public assembly of any kind to ten persons or less, and required the observance of social distancing and wearing of face masks. Many of the State’s Veterans and Civic organizations were unable to perform their solemn duties to honor America’s War Dead at the many ceremonies normally held on Oahu and other islands, that are carried out by the VA, the State DoD, and City governments. All of the major official ceremonies were cancelled, including the annual ceremonies held at the World War I Memorial in Waikiki, the Mayor’s Ceremony at the National Cemetery of the Pacific, the Governor’s ceremony at the Hawaii State Veterans’ Cemetery in Kaneohe, and others. This also included the annual Aloha Council Boy Scouts’ Memorial Day event to decorate the graves with floral lei the Sunday before Memorial Day, and other group events to place flags at Veterans’ graves. To prevent infections, the VA Cemeteries would not permit groups to plant flags or otherwise decorate graves, and the only such decorating that may take place is for families visiting the graves of their ancestors. Our current situation is very similar to the 1918-1919 Pandemic a century ago, which also impacted every day life, including public ceremonies such as Memorial Day. At that time, our nation was dealing with the largest pandemic the world had ever seen, which claimed the lives of 670 thousand Americans and infected 25.8 million in the Nation. The year 1919 saw the 3rd wave of the pandemic, which flared up in January 1919, and did not end until the Spring.6
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Memorial Day Observance (cont.) For most Americans, Memorial Day 2020 remembrances of our War Dead were celebrated at home, with a proper display of the American Flag, sharing and watching patriotic Memorial Day videos on-line, and reflection. One communal event of individual participation that did go off successfully this year was the Mayor’s annual children’s art contest, that commemorates the island-wide effort to prepare leis to decorate the graves. The “Sew a Lei for Memorial Day” art contest provided children the opportunity to make a contribution that was more important this year than ever, as the winning entries of several age groups are on-line for all to see, as this year, most graves went undecorated (see the winning entries at: https://www.honolulu.gov/parks/program/programs-classes/182-site-dpr-cat/27367memorial-day.html)
The Commandery was unable to participate in any ceremony as a group. Individual efforts to commemorate the holiday, which seem minor during normal times compared to the large events, now take on great importance, as we strive to honor and remember those who died in the service of our country, in the uniform of our Armed Forces. For some Companions, there is an ancestor who died in war to honor and remember. In my case, I honored and remembered my 2nd Great Uncle Corporal Wilson Lewellen, Co. F, 36th Indiana Volunteer Infantry, who died in battle at Kennesaw Mountain Georgia, on June 26, 1864. Following are some of the ancestors of our Companions who died in War that we remembered also this Memorial Day: Companion Larry Dicks: My 4th Great Grandfather, Hezekiah Corn, was pressed into Confederate Service against his will. Rural Appalachia on the TN/NC state line (where he was from) had mixed allegiances, and his allegiance was with the Union. He successfully escaped CSA service early in the war and enlisted in the Union Army where he served as a guide, leading volunteers and recruits north to join the Federals. On one return trip home to see his family, he was killed by the Confederate Home Guard. Companion “Manny” Manchester. My Grandfather, Corporal Hugh A. Manchester, of 2nd Platoon, Company L, 26th Infantry, who was killed in action on July 19, 1918 while charging a German machine gun nest, during the second Battle of the Marne near Soisson France. Companion Matt Bowdish. Remembering my ancestor Lt Ephraim Middlebrook who served in the Boston and New York Campaigns before being KIA at the Battle of Ridgefield on 27 Apr 1777. His gravestone in Trumbull has a federal eagle and beautiful poem, which is still relevant today: "Here on this Tomb cast an eye, and view the Eagle great: He represents our Liberty; in the Union of the States; View in his claws the arrows sharpe, in the branch of oak likewise; A lively emblem of our smart, for victory o'er our enemies;
For which cause this Hero bled On Ridgefield's bloody plain; And there was numbered with the dead his country's freedom to obtain; In memory of which these lines were wrote and to perpetuate his name; That his descendants ne'er forgot that for their freedom he was slain."
This was a Memorial Day for the history books, and one that brought home how Companions can commemorate it on a personal level. End Notes: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
The Pacific Commercial Advertiser, Vol. V, No. 231, “G.A.R The Annual Campfire,” September 27, 1886, p. 2, columns 3-4. The Pacific Commercial Advertiser, “Memorial Day – Its History and How It Came To the Crossroads of the Pacific,” May 28, 1916, p. 12. Danny L. Wheeler, Commander-in-Chief Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, General Orders No. 14, Series 1999-2000, “Resolution of Support Display of Battle Flags of The Confederacy” enacted at the 119th National Encampment of The Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, in Lansing, Michigan August 19, 2000. Retrieved from: http://suvcw.org/go/go14-99.htm Hawaiian Gazette, “Cemetery Blaze of Color with Flowers and Nation’s Flag,” May 31, 1918, p. 3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).” Accessed May 25, 2020: https://www.cdc.gov/ coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-updates/cases-in-us.html John M. Barry, “Journal of the Plague Year,” The Smithsonian, November, 2017, pp. 34-43. Also available on-line: https:// www.smithsonianmag.com/history/journal-plague-year-180965222/
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2020 50th Vietnam War Cadet Essay Contest By COL, Ret. Arthur N. Tulak, Chair, 50th Vietnam War Commemoration Comm. This is the 7th year of the Vietnam War Cadet Essay Contest, which provides Cadets the opportunity to write an essay for publication in one of 4 categories. This year, JROTC Cadets from Waipahu and Punahou, and Civil Air Patrol Cadet from the 77th St. Louis Crusaders Composite Squadron received recognition for their excellent essays. 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. Winning essayists receive a certificate from the Hawaii Commandery MOFW and another from the DoD 50th Vietnam War Commemoration signed by MG James T. Jackson. Congratulations to those recognized for 2020: 1st place CDT Cadet Raffaele L. Barry, Waipahu High School JROTC. “Vietnam: Duty, Honor, Country” 2nd Place Cadet Tori Djou Punahou High School JROTC. “Never Forget Extraordinary Service in an Unpopular War” 3rd Place Cadet TSgt Kieran Lynch,77th St. Louis Crusaders Composite Squadron, CAP, “Repatriated, but not Equal”
Cadet Private First Class Raffaele Barry is an outstanding student with a 4.0 GPA. He is also an active member of the Waipahu High School Drill Team and Color Guard Team.
Here are some excerpts from the 2nd and 3rd place essays: 2nd Place: Cadet Tori Djou, “Never Forget Extraordinary Service in an Unpopular War” The key lessons of country, dignity, duty, selflessness, and honor learned from the people who served in Vietnam and at the Homefront should never be forgotten. It is crucial today’s youth learn about the sacrifices made in Vietnam. Many soldiers who volunteered for service in Vietnam did not foresee the anger and hate the war would cause [back home]. All they knew was that their country asked, and they answered. Many of the American soldiers who served in Vietnam, joined out of respect for country. The Vietnam War, however, no longer remains at the forefront of Americans’ minds. In fact, some would rather forget the failures, heart ache, and sacrifices made. This is particularly disconcerting because nearly 60,000 Americans gave their lives in Vietnam. Too many focus on the political and strategic mistakes made during the war, but this ignores the sacrifices that thousands of American families made, and the values illustrated by their example. Despite the tragedies of the Vietnam War, all soldiers should be treated with respect because of their service for our country. Joining the military to serve America is a sacrifice in itself. Thousands of men and women put their lives on hold to serve. Yet, many were disrespected and treated like criminals rather than heroes upon their return from service in Vietnam. This protest added stress to soldiers who were already suffering from the traumatic experiences of war. Furthermore, veterans often experienced chronic health effects from America’s use of Agent Orange. The protest and hate received by many soldiers exacerbated the situation, as no line drawn between protesting the war and treating American soldiers with dignity. The Vietnam war may have ended 47 years ago, but the lesson of sacrifice and how to treat American veterans should never be forgotten. Amidst controversy and hostility shown against them, American soldiers returning from Vietnam still retained their dignity. The way that these Vietnam veterans faced adversity, but kept their dignity, provides a good example to young Americans. The lesson of duty is one that many Vietnam veterans embody and something that today’s generation should also follow. In 1969, my grandfather, Harvey Kawasaki enlisted as a private in the Army and was one of 2.7 million soldiers to serve in Vietnam. Like many men and women, he felt a duty to serve his country. To this day he tells me he does not regret his decision. It was a choice that forced him to leave his family behind. He knew the 7
burdens of war and its potentially fatal consequences. Despite this, he felt a duty to serve our country. In his midtwenties, he enlisted in the army and served two tours as a Morse code operator. This example is one that all Americans can follow. This does not necessarily mean enlisting in the military, but rather anything that can help to make this country a little better than yesterday. Whether it means a serving out your duty to the planet by organizing a beach clean-up or by helping to tutor a classmate. Simple actions to fulfil a larger duty can have a big impact. 3rd Place C/TSgt Kieran Lynch, 77th St. Louis Crusaders Composite Sqdn, CAP, “Repatriated, but not Equal” In the 1960s veterans of the Vietnam war came home. They were treated horribly and viewed as vicious, trigger-happy gunmen. The veterans of Vietnam did not deserve to be treated so horribly, nevertheless, they were called baby killers and were constantly scorned. This is in part because the Vietnam war was the first war that America did not decisively win, and the Vietnam war wasn’t supported by the majority of the American populace in the first place. Another issue with the Vietnam war was that soldiers were being shipped out and back in small
shipments rather than large groups. No family will celebrate the return of their son while their neighbor’s son is getting shipped out to Vietnam. Even worse, many of the veterans coming back were injured or dead. The soldiers' treatment wasn’t helped while some of the Vietnam veterans were suffering from unknown mental injuries such as the many symptoms of PTSD. Overall, the veterans of Vietnam were treated horribly for a number of reasons, not all of the reasons justified. In 2016, while my family was stationed overseas, I went to a museum about the Vietnam war, in Vietnam. That museum really showcases the phrase “History is always written by the winners,” because the museum is named, The Museum of American Aggression. The museum had an exhibit for every action the American soldiers took and an exhibit honoring the Vietnamese soldiers with the highest American kill counts. Truly the victor writes the history and the opponent suffers personal loss and the reputation of a villain. That villain’s reputation crossed from Vietnam into the treatment and scorn of American citizens to the veterans. Not all of the veterans entered combat or harmed a person, but each of them was treated with scorn they didn’t deserve. In contrast, the veterans of the Iraq war are generally honored and respected. At the very least, the veterans aren’t shamed or blamed for the actions that took place during the war. Although the war with Iraq wasn’t supported by many of the American populace, similar to the Vietnam war, most of the veterans were given honor and respect. The citizens of the U.S. grew to see the soldiers and veterans, not as the people who killed people in their own country, but rather as people who stepped up to serve their country in the best way they saw possible. It seems, the major differences between how veterans are treated from one war to another, is what they were fighting for, and if they won the war in the eyes of the American people. The veterans from wars that were won are often seen as heroes, examples of this are WW1, WW2, the American Civil War, and in most cases Iraq. However, the veterans from wars that were “lost” were treated horribly and shamed for their actions, most commonly seen in the Vietnam war or the War of American Aggression. Our society has matured since our Vietnam vets returned home. The Vietnam War Memorial was dedicated in November of 1982, and over 58,000 servicemen have been honored om the wall. Service members are getting the help they need to combat PTSD and other wounds they brought home with them. Since 9/11, patriotism has again been in the forefront of people’s minds when they see servicemembers. We have learned, at a slow pace, but we have learned. I for one, would like to say, thank you for your service.
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Our 2020 Essay Winners Cadet Private First Class Raffaele L. Barry Waipahu High School Army JROTC “Maurader Battalion” is our 1st Place finisher in the 2020 50th Vietnam War Commemoration Cadet Essay Contest. Cadet Raffaele Barry is currently not in a leadership role. He is, however, an outstanding student with a 4.0 GPA. He is also an active member of the Waipahu High School Drill Team and Color Guard Team.
Photo: Cadet Barry with his 1st Place Essay Citation.
Cadet 2LT Victoria “Tori” Djou of Punahou High School Army JROTC is the first cadet to finish in the top three twice, as she was a finisher last year. Cadet Djou was also the recipient of the Reserve Officers Association Medal for 2020. Now finishing her Junior year, Cadet Djou, is a Platoon Leader in the Punahou JROTC Battalion. She is the daughter of Charles and Stacey Djou. Cadet Djou’s father was the U.S. Representative for Hawaii's 1st congressional district in 2010–11, and is a Lieutenant Colonel in the Army Reserve and a combat veteran, having completed a tour in Afghanistan with the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, from September 2011to March 2012. Photo: Cadet Djou in her sophomore year with 2019 Essay Citation.
Cadet Technical Sergeant Kieran R. Lynch from the 77th St Louis Crusaders Composite Squadron, Civil Air Patrol is our 3rd place finisher in the 2020 50th Vietnam War Commemoration Cadet Essay Contest. He is a 14-year-old Freshman at Iolani School and joined the 77th Crusaders with his brother Thomas in August of 2019 where they both have completed all of their promotions in less than the minimum 56 days. Kieran is a musician at heart, a violinist with the Hawaii Youth Symphony, and also plays the viola with Iolani's School Orchestra. He has performed as a soloist at Iolani's Concert Concerto at the Hawaii Theater. Photo: Cadet Lynch with his father, SM Brian Lynch, Hawaii Civil Air Patrol 9
First Place Essay “Vietnam: Duty, Honor, Country”
By Cadet Raffaele L. Barry Waipahu Army JROTC There are many lessons that can be learned from the generation who fought in the Vietnam war regarding duty to country, but the one main lesson I discovered is that no matter the generation, the American fighting man has always done his duty. From the American Revolution and the Civil War up through World War I and II to include Korea and even Vietnam, young men served proudly and sacrificed their lives for Duty, Honor, and Country.
To quote Robert E. Lee, “Duty is the sublimest word in the English Language.” This does not mean just doing your job but you have a moral obligation by placing service above one’s own self interest. The Vietnam veterans probably displayed this more than any other generation who fought in previous wars because they knew they were fighting an unpopular war and did not have the support of many American citizens. The Vietnam War was America’s longest war which lasted from 1964 to 1973, until it was recently surpassed by the one in Afghanistan. During this turmoil time in our country’s history many men volunteered to serve in the military as they had done during previous wars. They saw it as their duty as an American. Whether they agreed or disagreed with the political reasons for being in Vietnam, they were soldiers, airmen, or sailors and felt it was their duty to the country to serve in the military. “It is a myth that most Vietnam veterans were drafted and that 2/3 of the
men who served in Vietnam were volunteers, as opposed to World War II in which 2/3 of the men were drafted.” “As many as 9,087,000 military personnel served on active duty during the Vietnam era which represented almost 10% percent of their generation.” (USWings.com) “The average age of the 58,148 men killed in Vietnam was 23.1 years. Of those killed, 61% percent were younger than 21 years old.” (USWings.com) While I am currently 14 years old, it should be noted that five men were killed in Vietnam were only 16 years old. The soldiers who fought in Vietnam were courageous and did not receive the recognition they deserved as do the soldiers of today. In Vietnam, a total of 248 men were awarded the Medal of Honor with many of them sacrificing their own lives for that of their brothers. It is also noted that 7,484 women served in Vietnam with a majority of them serving as nurses. While it was reported by the media which was now televising the war (first time in history) that the U.S. was los-
ing men each day and fueling the anti-war movement that we needed to leave Vietnam. “The American military was not defeated in Vietnam. The American military did not lose a battle of any consequence. From a military standpoint, it was an unprecedented performance.” (USWings.com) “Our country! In her intercourse with foreign nations may she always be in the right; but our country, right or wrong!” (Stephen Decatur, U.S. Naval Officer and Commodore). While many civilians believed that America should bring home the soldiers from Vietnam, the soldiers continued to do their duty.
As of 2000, a survey of Vietnam veterans revealed that “91% percent of actual
Vietnam War veterans and 90% percent of those who saw heavy combat are proud to have served their country.” (USwardogs.org) On March 8, 2019, my parents and I visited the National Cemetery of the Pacific (Punchbowl). I found out that there are approximately 1,587 bodies that were never recovered from the war. My 10
words, “In these gardens are recorded the names of Americans who gave their lives in the service of their country and whose earthly resting place is known only to God.” My visit to the Punchbowl really made me realize the true sacrifice of these soldiers and that we should never again treat returning soldiers from war as the Vietnam Veterans were treated so badly, In May 1962, General Douglas Macarthur gave his famous speech at the United States Military Academy at West Point which best tells about the American fighting man. The following is from the speech: And what sort of soldiers are those you are to lead? Are they reliable? Are they brave? Are they capable of victory? Their story is known to all of you. It is the story of the American man-at-arms. My estimate of him was formed on the battlefield many, many years ago, and has never changed. I regarded him then as I regard him now -- as one of the world's noblest figures, not only as one of the finest military characters, but also as one of the most stainless. Their resolute and determined defense, their swift and sure attack,
their indomitable purpose, their complete and decisive victory — always victory, always through the bloody haze of their last reverberating shot, the vision of gaunt, ghastly men, reverently following your password of Duty, Honor, Country.” Unknown to the cadets at that time is that they would be the ones leading the soldiers during the Vietnam war. These future officers and the soldiers they lead in Vietnam were the best of their generation and they lived by the motto, Duty, Honor, Country. They did not question the politics of the war but did their duty and served their coun-
try honorably. There are countless stories of their bravery while engaged in fighting and dying in Vietnam. Many of their names are not known to the public because they were just doing their duty as their country asked them to do. They did not want praise from anyone because they were just doing their duty as they have done throughout American history. It is my hope by being in U.S. Army JROTC that I will live up to Duty, Honor, Country as did the soldiers who served in all of America’s past wars, especially in the Vietnam War. These veterans continued to do their duty by serving their country in government and business and by reminding the American people that there are Prisoner of War (POW)/Missing in Action (MIA) soldiers who will not be forgotten. Many of these veterans are dying each day due to old age or from prior wounds and illnesses caused by Agent Orange. We as students should learn more
about the positive contributions by the Vietnam veteran instead of the typical one about the anti-war protests in the 1960’s and how America should not have been in that war. We need to know about the sacrifices of these soldiers who just did their duty as their country asked them to do. While many Americans would like to forget the Vietnam war, I believe that we should never forget and should learn the lessons of Duty, Honor, Country because we are still fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. Another generation of soldiers who are just doing their duty as their fathers and grandfathers had done in previous wars but now the American people are not cursing the soldier but thanking them for their service. We must never forget our soldiers especially the Vietnam veterans who came home to no parades because they are our nation’s heroes and without them we would not know the freedoms we have today. 11
James Coolbroth: Casualty in the First Naval Battle of America’s Revolutionary War “The Lexington of the Sea” By Companion Sumner Gary Hunnewell The first naval battle of the American Revolution counted among its casualties James Coolbroth of the coastal Maine town of Machias. It was a time of great volatility in the colony of Massachusetts (of which Maine was a part). Boston was occupied. At the time of this story, it was fewer than two months after the Battle of Lexington-Concord and within a week would be the Battle of Bunker’s Hill. James Coolbroth was born 1753 and died June 14, 1775.1 James’ parents, John and Sarah Harmon were married in Scarborough, Maine, in 1732.2 Whether he was born in Scarborough is unknown but he was one of many men who made their way from there to Machias starting in the 1760s3 (Machias [pronounced mah-CHI-us] is about 30 miles from New Brunswick as the crow flies). It is likely that James was unmarried.4 Machias was off the beaten path and necessities were hard to come by. On June 2, 1775, two sloops entered Machias bay (accompanied by a schooner) wishing to trade: goods for lumber. This was the usual trade and the owner of the sloops was well known to the people there. The schooner was the Margaretta, carrying four three-pounder cannons and sixteen swivel guns. She was sent to protect the interests of the merchant. It was later discovered that the lumber was to be taken to Boston for the use by the British.5 The following day a paper was circulated to be signed by the townsfolk to condone the transport of lumber to Boston without molestation. Being at war with Great Britain, a meeting was called on the 6th and, although in dire need of supplies, the people voted against the signing the paper. The Margaretta then sailed close enough to be able to fire upon the town. Out of fear, another meeting was held to reconsider and some of the townspeople capitulated, signing the paper earlier circulated. The sloops moved to the wharfs to unload their goods but only for sale to those people who signed the document. Slighted, some of the townspeople determined to stop the Tory merchant and his military escort in their tracks. Sending for reinforcements in nearby settlements, a plan was made to capture the merchant as well as the captain and lieutenant of the Margaretta, while they were “at meeting” on Sunday afternoon. And all would have been well at the church service had the quarry not seen armed men outside. The merchant and officers made their escape. The officers made their way aboard the Margaretta, which weighed anchor and moved out of reach. Seizing an opportunity, the townsmen fell upon the sloops, stripping them of goods. Emboldened, the Americans went out in canoes, boats, and lined the shore opposite the Margaretta, demanding its surrender “to America.” The answer from the captain was “fire and be damn’d.” The fighting had begun but no casualties were reported. The leader of the men who went out to take the British ship was Jeremiah O'Brien, after whom the US Navy would name five ships.. 12
The next morning, June 12, the Margaretta put to sea, where it captured a private vessel, stripping it of supplies and her boom and gaff (the Margaretta having lost hers in the escape). Seeing an opportunity for a prize, the townsmen, including James Coolbroth and younger brother Peter, set out in two vessels. One of these was the first sloop taken and another was a small schooner. The men aboard (40 on the first and 20 on the second) were “armed with guns, swords, axes, & pitch forks.” While in pursuit, the men did their best to make breastworks aboard the vessels in order to protect themselves from British fire. The plan was to get along side of the Margaretta and board her. Since she was slower and somewhat crippled, it did not take long to catch her. The British were not going to roll over and die, however. They threw grenades onto the sloops and opened fire with their swivel guns and muskets (the cannons were in the hold). The Americans suffered their first death at this point, a man named McNeil. It was at this time that James Coolbroth was mortally injured as well. Soon, the captain of the Margaretta was fatally wounded and his terrified second in command hid below. The ship was boarded and, without leadership, was taken. The battle - the first naval battle in the Revolutionary War - took one hour.6
The story has been embellished over the years by many flourishing pens. I would draw your attention to a treatment of how the tale grew in “The Historiography of The Margaretta Affair, Or, How Not To Let the Facts Interfere With a Good Story” by Edwin A. Churchill (Maine Historical Society Quarterly, Volume 15, Issue 2). . APPENDIX: Here are references to James Coolbroth from contemporary sources. “The object of our vessels was to lay the schooner alongside, and board, but before they could accomplish it, several hand grenades were hove on board Capt. O’Brien’s vessel, and several swivels and muskets fired, by which one man was killed, --- McNeil, who had a family, and another, James Coolbroth, mortally wounded, and two or three others badly wounded.”7 “Only one of our men was killed and six wounded, one of which is since dead of his wounds.”8 “In one of the old account books we find this entry: -‘July 12. To 1 winding sheet for Coolbroth, 12s. ‘To 12 yds. Of camblet for the women that brot ye ammunition from Chandler’s River, £2 18s.’”9 “ John Watt & Wm Brown for Making Cradles Cruches & Coffins for wounded & Killed Samll Milberry for attending James Coolbroth 2 Days Capt for Do 1/6 Diging Grave for Do 6/
£ S D 3 12 0 18 10”10
End Notes: 1.
William Richard Cutter, Genealogical and Personal Memoirs Relating to the Families of the State of Massachusetts (New York: Lewis Historical Publishing Company, 1910), 4:2454-55. The date given for his death in this reference is June 12, the day of the battle, but he died probably on June 14. 2. April 25. James H. Wick, Vital Records of Scarborough, Maine (Rockland, ME: Picton Press, 2011), 24. 3. Collections of the Maine Historical Society (Portland: Brown Thurston, 1853), 3:177-81. Collections of the Maine Historical Society (Portland: Lefavor Tower Company, 1910), Second Series, 14:39-41 [hereafter cited, Coll. Me. Hist. Soc.]. 4. No wife is mentioned, unlike the widow of McNeil, who was given “Sundrys” by the town after the battle. Coll. Me. Hist. Soc. 14:302-3. 5. Coll. Me. Hist. Soc. 14:280-83, 283-84. 6. The description of the battle was taken from two reliable sources found in Maine Historical Society Quarterly, 15:2 (Fall 1975), 49-52, and Coll. Me. Hist. Soc. 14:280-83. 7. Maine Historical Society Quarterly, 15:2 (Fall 1975), 52. 8. Coll. Me. Hist. Soc. 14:282. 9. New England Magazine 12:6 (August 1895), 679. I am unsure where this account book is. However, there was a ledger from the time period in the possession of the Boston Public Library in 1938. (This issue of New England Magazine also has Percival Lowell’s Flagstaff, Arizona, pictures of the features and “canals” of Mars.) 10. Coll. Me. Hist. Soc. 14:302. 13
Civil Air Patrol — By: Lt Col Fred P. Staedel, Civil Air Patrol, Hawaii Wing Most Americans have never heard of the Civil Air Patrol, the Congressionally Chartered Auxiliary of the United States Air Force. However, each year the Hawaii Commandery of the Military Order of Foreign Wars awards Civil Air Patrol Cadets with medals for their achievement in meeting and exceeding their training and performance standards within nine (9) squadrons based in Hawaii. So what is the Civil Air Patrol? The Civil Air Patrol is made up of men and women, boys and girls, who volunteer to serve in squadrons throughout the United States wearing the Air Force uniform and undertaking training to be prepared to serve the nation when called upon by the U.S. Air Force. So what is the chartered mission of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP)? Actually there are three (3) official missions: Emergency Services, The Cadet Program, and Aerospace Education. The Emergency Services mission provides aircrews and ground teams into service when called upon by the Air Force as well as State and local agencies. Nationally, CAP flies 560 corporate owned light aircraft providing search and rescue services manned by CAP rated pilots and CAP rated observers and scanners. Civil Air Patrol ground teams provide recovery missions on crash sites and tracking aircraft that are emitting Emergency Location Transmitters (ELTs). The Hawaii Wing of the CAP also has a unique mission of hurricane and tsunami warnings utilizing loud speakers mounted on Cessna aircraft flying low and slow over remote but populated areas of the Hawaiian Islands. Also Hawaii’s CAP maintains a discreet communications system that came into play during the Iniki Hurricane emergency. As it turns out the Civil Air Patrol on Kauai was able to be the first to get through to Oahu and notify the governor of current conditions during and in the wake of the hurricane. Currently the Hawaii Wing has 333 senior members who hold staff and leadership positions as well as aviation duties. Hawaii CAP’s trained ground teams, made up of both senior (adult) and cadet members, are called upon when satellites pick up emissions from Emergency Location Transmitters (ELTs) that are housed in all aircraft and only goes off if a plane crashes, stops suddenly, and more often when a pilot has a hard landing and doesn’t realize the ELT is transmitting. Then Hawaii’s CAP ground teams are activated by the Air Force and with equipment that can receive the discreet ELT frequency, the team tracks the emissions and reports to the Air Force for deactivation instructions. Often such tracking occurs late at night. Last year eleven (11) ELT missions were successfully conducted on the Hawaiian Archipelago. The CAP Cadet Program transforms boys and girls from 12 years old or in the 6th grade in school into aerospace leaders with possible service in the U.S. Armed Forces. Many of our nation’s astronauts, pilots, engineers, and scientists came from the CAP’s Cadet Program. The first female F-16 fighter pilot that flew with the Air Force’s “Thunder Birds” was a Civil Air Patrol Cadet who became an active duty Air Force Colonel. The Hawaii Wing’s Cadet Program is currently made up of 401 cadets and they undertake extensive training in Air Force history and protocol, leadership, aviation history, outer space sciences, emergency services, and the cadets can even attend an academy on the mainland where they learn to fly and ultimately solo an aircraft when they reach 16 years of age. 14
Hawaiian cadets are also given “Orientation Flights” in the ten (10) Air Force assigned C-172 and C-182 aircraft piloted by certified CAP cadet flight orientation pilots. Weekly meetings are held, drill and ceremonies are performed, education classes are held and tests are given. Summer encampments with military orientation activities are performed each year. The CAP Aerospace Education Program promotes the importance and critical role aerospace plays in the military and civilian sectors of our nation. Civil Air Patrol Cadets, as well as the adult members, study the evolution of aerospace as well as current strides that the aerospace industry is achieving. In addition, aerospace programs are provided for the presentation to organizations including schools, museums, clubs, and any organization seeking aerospace topics. The importance of aerospace to the nation is emphasized. What is the history of the Civil Air Patrol? How did it get started? It started officially on 1 December 1941, exactly six days before the attack on Pearl Harbor. Prior to the birth of the Civil Air Patrol, many civilian aviators felt war was coming and knew that civilian flyers and their aircraft would no doubt be grounded and that these civilian aviators also knew that the combined fleet of civilian aircraft represented a potentially mighty domestic force in the service and defense to their nation at war. Gill Rob Wilson, a Pennsylvania minister who flew for the French in World War I, along with other aircraft owners/pilots, devised a plan to mobilize America’s civilian aviation community for national defense. They evolved into an unpaid and underequipped flying force and found ways to arm their aircraft to carry small bombs or depth charges. These bombs would be hand-dropped from open cockpits on Nazi submarines off the three American coasts, with two confirmed sinkings off the east coast. And 173 Nazi submarines were sighted and reported to the military during CAPs WWII service. During CAPs WWII service to our nation, 423 private aircraft were used. Some 80,000 Americans volunteered including men and women pilots and observers along with boys and girls serving as cadets. (And it should be noted that the Civil Air Patrol had girls and boys combined on an equal basis within the cadet program from its beginning to the present and of course it is now that such efficacy has finally been recognized by the new American “Scouting” Program.) Some 86,000 missions were completed by the time WWII ended. There was 150 CAP aircraft lost with over 750,000 flight hours logged in service to the United States. Also 91 vessels in distress were spotted and reported by CAP flyers as well as 36 dead bodies found. Unfortunately 68 CAP airmen were killed. In July 1946, President Truman signed Public Law 79-476 incorporating the Civil Air Patrol. Two years later Public Law 80-557 established the CAP as an official Auxiliary of the new and separate United States Air Force. The Civil Air Patrol is under Congressional Mandate to perform the three chartered missions. All three (3) missions are considered equally important to CAPs service to the United States. In August 2015, CAP was declared part of the Air Force’s “Total Force.” In 2015, when referring to the Civil Air Patrol, the Secretary of the Air Force, Deborah Lee James stated, “Inclusion in the total force reflects the continuing key contribution of this highly trained and equipped organization.” In the same year the U.S. Air Force updated their document entitled, “Doctrine Volume 2, ‘Leadership’” expanding the Air Force’s description of “total force” and its definition of “Airmen” to consist of its regular ranks, the Guard, its Reserves, as well as its civilian members and its auxiliary members; namely, the Civil Air Patrol. Today, there are some 65,000 adults and youth members in CAP with 85% of the U.S. domestic search and rescue missions being performed by the Civil Air Patrol. And plus or minus 100 lives are saved each year by CAP. So now you know about the Civil Air Patrol and its history and its missions.
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Companion News— Companion Straus Scantlin Companion Straus Scantlin was selected for promotion to the rank of full Colonel and will soon move to Fort Bragg for his new assignment. Companion Larry Dicks been embarked on the USS BLUE RIDGE since January, assigned to the staff of the US 7th Fleet. Because of COVID, our WESTPAC patrol has been forced to remain at sea for 70 straight days! Our Memorial Day was spent on the Pier at White Beach (Okinawa, Japan) in order to allow the crew to unwind. Interestingly enough this was the "test" case for a Navy-wide concept to arrive at a port without direct interaction with others... to not break our COVID-free "bubble". An area was roped off with food, drinks, wifi and sports equipment before our arrival, and we were left to our own creative devices. Companion Peter Hirai spent the last two months working from home in quarantine from the Coronavirus 2019. The United States Army Pacific recognized early on that the teleworking plan, as part of every Federal Continuity of Operations (COOP) Plan, was going to be implemented for all services and indeed all Federal Agencies. Thus, Companion Hirai went home in early March 2020 and began working from home with his government-issued laptop computer. Companion Arthur Tulak was accepted into the Military Order, Loyal Legion of the United States, based on the qualifying service of his Great Uncle, Joseph Wells, who was a Captain of Home Guards in Anderw County Missouri, then Commander of Co. F, 41st Missouri State Militia, and finally, a 1st Lt. (federally –recognized commission) in Co. B, 51st Volunteer Infantry.
Feeling left out? Share your news with your fellow Companions!!
Hereditary Membership The Military Order of Foreign Wars is a recognized hereditary society that preserves the records of service of the qualifying ancestors of its Companions and the line of descent. Many members of the Hawaii Commandery are Hereditary Companions who honor their ancestors with their service as Companions of the Order. Applicants for hereditary membership use the same form, and upon acceptance, are authorized to wear the hereditary medal (at right), which is worn over the left breast pocket (the Veteran Companion medal is worn with a neck ribbon). Hawaii Commandery diplomas (certificates) to hereditary Companions state the rank, name, unit of service, war or conflict of the Officer ancestor. The war-time service of ancestors who served as enlisted men, and were later promoted to the Officer ranks, qualifies their descendants for Companionship in the Order. The application form, along with supporting documents of the record of military service, accomplishments, and family history is the perfect way to capture the story of service of a military ancestor for posterity. One of Commander Manchester’s goals is to increase hereditary membership, so share this issue of Commandery News with prospective candidates with qualifying ancestors who served in America’s foreign wars and combat operations on foreign soil. Our Commandery genealogist Adam Gaines is a resource to help candidates discover and document their ancestor’s military service, as ell as the line of descent. All Companions are encouraged to reach out to colleagues and friends who have military ancestors to see if they qualify.
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Upcoming events: • •
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June TBD — Commandery Meeting at a location to be determined after restaurants re-open for business. Most likely this will be at the Monterey Bay Canners Restaurant on 19 June, at 1700 hrs. 6 June — 76th Anniversary of D-Day Landings in France in WWII. The commemoration will be muted by the restrictions imposed by the Corona Virus pandemic. The French government has cancelled all public gatherings and festivals, which includes the D-Day commemoration. 14 June —Army's 245th birthday // Flag Day. The U.S. Army will host celebration events on-line, some on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/USarmy/ At 1900 EST the FLAGSHIP Event: "The Army at 245: An American Celebration" will be broadcasted on Video over Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube 23 June— United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Birthday 25 June — 70th Anniversary of the start of the Korean War. 27 June— PTSD Awareness Day 21 July —Anniversary of the establishment of the Department of Veterans Administration. July 21, 1930, when President Herbert Hoover signed Executive Order 5398 and elevated the Veterans Bureau to a federal administration—creating the Veterans Administration 25 July— Hire a Veteran Day 29 July— Anniversary of the Army Chaplain Corps. On July 29, 1775, the Continental Congress authorized pay for one chaplain for each regiment of the Army. 4 August— Birthday of the U.S. Coast Guard in 1790 15 August— dedication of a memorial stone on Wednesday, August 15th at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. The stone commemorates the 400 servicemen and mariners who died in January 1945 aboard two unmarked Japanese hellships docked in Kaohsiung Harbor, Taiwan. chapel at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. The service will be followed by a reception at the Officers Club at Marine Corps Base Hawaii at Kaneohe Bay, 502 Reed Road, Kailua. 15-21 August— National Aviation Week - (Always during the week of Orville Wright's Birthday on Aug. 19) 18 September—Birthday of the U.S. Air Force, celebrating its founding as a separate branch of the U.S. Armed Forces on September 18, 1947 20 September— National POW/MIA Recognition Day ceremony at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (Punchbowl) on (2019 date) at 1000.
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