Commandery Operations

Companions were happy to once again be able to meet in person as the COVID 19 pandemic continued to disrupt the lives of people across the globe. At the March Commandery meeting, convened at the Sunset Lanai at Camp Smith. Plans for ANZAC Day and Memorial Day were developed. Regarding recruiting, the issue of Warrant Officer eligibility of Warrant Officer was raised. Per Section 10, Article III of the MOFW Constitution:

“As used in this Constitution, the words "officer" and "officers" include chief and commissioned warrant officers, and the words "commissioned officers" include… warrant officers and chief warrant officers.” And on p. 14, “As the oldest existing order of commissioned officers and warrant officers, the Order is interested in outstanding officers who have served our nation well.”

On the topic of memorials and commemorations, the Executive Committee voted to approve a donation to the Committee to Restore the Naval Air Station Barbers Point Memorial, led by Col, Ret. Jason Seal, formerly the Officer in Charge of the Kapolei Marine Corps JROTC unit. Companion Arthur Tulak is serving as Vice Chairman on this committee.

Another important topic is the The Commandery’s Vietnam Veteran Recognition Program , which was on “pause” for the last year due to the pandemic making medal presentations impossible. The 50th Committee Chair, COL Tulak, called for re-engaging with Veterans and Military Professional organizations to submit their nominations.

The Commandery will resume honoring retiring JROTC Cadre, who have served honorably, as determined by the Hawaii Multiple Schools Unit, with the MOFW Meritorious Service Medal. The first award is expected to take place in July.

The Commandery also took great satisfaction in inducting Companion LTC Dan Curtis into the Order following the business agenda. Companion Curtis took the oath of Companionship in front of the Flag of the Above: The Sunset Lanai prepared a reserved table for our business meeting. From LOrder and assembled Companions to wit- -R: Companions Larry Dicks, Arthur Tulak, Manny Manchester, Fred Staedel and Peter ness. Hirai. Below: Following the induction ceremony, our newest Companion, LTC Dan Curtis, 3rd from left. Not in the photo is Jeffery Whittington, guest of Dan Curtis.

Above: The insignia of the Order, membership card, and diploma for Companion, LTC Dan Curtis.