Hawaii Commandery Military order of foreign wars
JUNE 2022
Commandery News
Table of Contents:
Vol. XI, Issue 2, June 2021
We are also hailing a new Companion, Lt Col CAP, and Maj USMC, Ret. Ed Green, who is no stranger to volunteering. Over the next two years, I charge you to continue to tell our story to those who share our mission of service.
Commander’s Comments………………………………….…….……….. p. 1 Chaplain’s Corner…………………………………...………..………………. p. 2 Welcome New Companions …………………...……...……………….. p. 2 50th Vietnam War Commemoration .……………………… pp. 3—8 National Vietnam Veteran Day at Punchbowl.…………..…….. p. 3 GEN David Bramlett's Address to Vietnam Veterans.……….. p. 4 Vietnam Veterans Ceremony & Parade Waikiki ………………… p. 6 Ninth Annual 50th Vietnam War Cadet Essay Contest……. p. 6 Vietnam Veterans Luncheon at the Oahu Vet Center ……… p. 7 Vietnam Veteran Recognition …………………………………………. p. 7 50th Vietnam Veteran Volunteer Recognition. …………….….. p. 8 50th Vietnam War Commemoration Cadet Essay Contest p. 9 1st Place Essay by Cadet Kennedy Ushiroda……………...…… p. 11 Commandery celebrates ANZAC Day in Hawaii, 2022 …… p. 13 ROTC, JROTC Cadet Awards Ceremonies…. …………….……... p. 14 Eagle Scout Recognition ………………………………………………… p. 16 Univ. of Hawaii Army ROTC Commissioning — 2022 .…… p. 17 Companion News ……………………………………………..…………… p. 17 Upcoming Events ……..……………….……………………..…....……. p. 18
“Deus et Libertas”
Curtis “Manny” Manchester III LTC, USA Ret. Commander
From the Secretary
Cover Photo: The cover is a snippet of a painting by Herb Kawainui Kāne, depicting the Battle of Nuuanu in May 1795 which saw King Kamehameha defeat the King of Maui for the rule over all the Hawaiian Isles. 231 years ago.
As we approach our June meeting, we are completing the end of the two year term of office for Commandery Officers. There are many leadership opportunities in the Commandery, and many hands make light work. Double, and triple-hatting of duty positions is a risk to mission success and does not help to train Companions for leadership positions. If you have not considered volunteering to lead a standing committee or fill an office, now is the time to do so for the Good of the Order.
Commander’s Comments. Aloha Companions and Friends,
It has been two years since I took the reigns of command of the Commandery on June 19th, 2020. It has been an honor to serve in this capacity, and I am very appreciative of the efforts of our Companions who enable our organization to carry out the purposes of the Order in our local community. These last two years presented new challenges to our mission of service, not least of which was the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Hawaii Commandery has completed its tax filings with the IRS and the State of Hawaii for 2021, which are required for us to maintain our 501 (c) 3 status as a non-profit organization. We were not able to conduct a fundraiser in the days leading up to Memorial Day, but will do so in November, as our poppies have arrived. The Commandery continues to excel as a 50th Vietnam War Commemoration Partner, as the pages of this issue of the Commandery News demonstrate. Not reported in this issue are the events surrounding Memorial Day, supported by Loyal Companions. Those stories will be captured in the September issue.
In this last quarter, we experienced a demanding transition to the level of community engagement that we have done for many years, and pulled it off. From memorials and commemorations to cadet awards ceremonies, our Companions accomplished the mission. Looking forward, I will be serving another tour as Commander, and ask for our continued support, as I pledge to lead by example. We will say farewell to two loyal companions this month, LTC Dan Curtis and Col Jim Atchley, as they move to the mainland and new positions in their careers.
Arthur N. Tulak COL, USA Ret. Secretary 1
Chaplains Corner By Fred Staedel, Th.D. As we leave COVID mandates behind, and yes, we are grateful, but we may carry in thought distain and disapproval for our governmental officials who authored these mandates and that forgiveness of their edicts is absent from our minds. And possibly many of us did not pray for our officials to know exactly what to do to combat these new and mysterious viruses. But Mark 11:25 can guide our prayerful thinking: “And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” In more colloquial terms, we must not feel that we are at liberty to “cast the first stone.” (John 8:7). Prayer in support of our leaders can keep the “stones on the ground” and lift one’s thought in support of what will be the correct decisions on our behalf! Then, what should we think relative to decisions that our governmental officials made purportedly on our behalf these past two and a half years? In other words, what were their fundamental motives? Would it not be appropriate that we righteously conclude that their motives were to try and discern the best approaches for the protection of their constituents? “Therefore, do not go on passing judgement before the time, but wait until the Lord comes who will both bring to light the things hidden in the darkness and disclose the motives of men’s hearts, and then each man’s praise will come from God.” (1 Corinthians 4:5). And in Proverbs 16:2 is the biblical admonition: “All the ways of a man are clean in his own right, but the Lord weighs the motives.” So maybe we should not be too quick to judge our leaders and thus leave judgement to one’s God knowing that our protection is based on the Divine Mind and not the human mind. Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” (Luke 6:37) Fred
Welcome New Companions Major Edward Green Major Ed Green, USMC, Ret., was admitted into the National Order, as a Companion in the Hawaii Commandery on May 4, 2022. Ed began his military career on February 20, 1968, enlisting in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. He served on active duty in the Corps for 24.5 years, during which time he rose through the ranks, advancing to SSgt, and then as a Warrant Officer from W01 to CWO4, and limited duty officer (LDO) in the ranks of 1st Lt through Major. Ed’s Vietnam War service started with a deployment from Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Iwakuni Japan, when he was serving as a Sergeant, in the position of Aviation Supply NCOIC for Stock Control Section with Marine Aircraft Group 12 (MAG 12), Group Supply Department to Bien Hoa Air Base, in the Republic of Vietnam. Ed participated in Operation LINEBACKER in 1972-73. Ed retired in 1992 as a senior Major in MAG 24, MCAS Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii as the Aviation Supply Department Head. Following his retirement, Ed served in both industry and government positions. Since 2010, Ed has served as a DoD Civilian employee, as the Operations Officer, Training Support Center, Training Support Center at Kaneohe Bay Marine Corps Base. Ed has set an example in volunteering in Hawaii. He is currently the Deputy Commander for Cadets at Hickam 66th Composite CAP Squadron, and the Wing Testing Officer. On March 25th, 2022, Ed handed over command of the 77th Crusader Composite Squadron. Ed took command of the newly formed Sq. 77 with only Five (5) active cadets and built it into scores of cadets, both male and female, to become the largest Civil Air Patrol Cadet Squadron of the nine (9) chartered cadet squadron in Hawaii. 2
Celebrating Vietnam Veterans Day 2022 By Companion Arthur Tulak, 50th Vietnam Commemoration Chair The Hawaii Commandery took part in the 5th anniversary of this holiday, established by President Donald J. Trump in 2017, with his signature on The Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017. The 29th of March is a date of significance for Vietnam War Veterans, as on that date in 1973, the last U.S. combat troops departed Vietnam, the United States Military Assistance Command, Vietnam (USMACV) was disestablished and the Communist government in Hanoi released the last of its acknowledged prisoners of war on that day. In Hawaii, the day was recognized in a special way, as the National Commemoration of this holiday took place in Hawaii, with the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, GEN Mark Milley, flying out to be the keynote speaker from the Dept. of Defense. Representing all those who served in Vietnam was GEN, Ret. David A. Bramlett, a leader in the Veteran Community in Hawaii who finished his illustrious Army career as Deputy Commander United States Pacific Command at Camp H. M. Smith, Hawaii, and interim commander of Pacific Command before Admiral Joseph W. Prueher took command in 1996. GEN Bramlett spoke directly to the Vietnam Veterans assembled about their experiences, fifty years hence. His inspiring remarks are published on the following two pages. Companions present included our Commander LTC “Manny” Manny Manchester, Chaplain Fred Staedel, and Secretary Arthur Tulak. Fred served as the announcer of the event. One of the key planners for this event was CPT Rona Adams, President of Chapter 858 of the Vietnam Veterans of America. Allen Hoe, master of ceremonies, introduced the Gold Star Families who attended in person.
I had the honor of presenting a wreath for the Commandery during the ceremony. The remarks from the Master of Ceremonies, Allen Hoe, GEN Milley, and GEN Bramlett, were inspiring. The Cadets from Punahou High School Army JROTC did a wonderful job supporting this event with the presentation of State and Territorial flags. You can watch a short video at https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/ video/2022/03/30/punchbowl-ceremony-honors-service-members-national-vietnamwar-veterans-day/ Photos: Above: Companion Fred Staedel at the lectern. Bottom Left: Companion Tulak presenting the MOFW wreath. Bottom Right: CPT Rona Adams, GEN Mark Milley and GEN David Bramlett.
and a full-length video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJWM8DNUgtQ
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Remarks of GEN, Ret. David Bramlett at the Vietnam Veterans Day ceremony, National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. GEN Bramlett spoke to the many Vietnam Veterans assembled for this commemoration, delivering powerful remarks, which are printed her with his permission. As a Vietnam War veteran, I deeply appreciate the honor to speak today, especially today when the nation has set aside today to recognize the Vietnam Veteran and to commemorate their service. We’ve grown old, we Vietnam veterans. A good friend, who brought the JROTC cadets here today reminded me in an email that, and I quote, “All of these cadets were born after 2004, Gen, Ret. Bramlett, delivering his remarks. and most of their parents were not born until after Vietnam ended.” That got me thinking – when I was their age in high school, and I was where they are, I would have been listening to a veteran of the Spanish-American War of 1898. As I said, we are growing old, and passing into history. With that reminder of our place in history, I have chosen to speak to three points. They deal with our legacy in our nation’s history. What is the legacy of those who fought in the Vietnam War and served in the Vietnam era. I don’t know what history will say, but I will share what I think. So, here it is, a soldier’s view -- Bramlett’s view -- of our legacy in three, short parts. First, we often forget the obvious – we did our Duty. By doing so, we preserved and continued the legacy – the profound tradition – established by our predecessors, just as those in uniform here with us today, represented by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, whose career is certainly an emblem of Duty served. In our day, we also answered the nation’s call, whether or not we personally wished to do so. Not everybody responded when called, and their actions -- stood then and stand now -in stark contrast to what we did. We are reminded of what Duty can demand as we remember our buddies – our long silent buddies, who rest here in the Punchbowl and our buddies who rest in cemeteries throughout our country and those who rest in places known but to God. They demand that we remember, and our nation remember, what Duty can require -- and did require -- from them. Duty required their lives. Not everyone has understood what Duty means, or requires, and certainly there was a national ambivalence, to say the least, about Duty to country during the Vietnam War. Based on what I saw when I returned from my second tour in late 1969 and in the following years, I never thought I would see the day when others would lament or regret that they avoided their Duty, or that they avoided the chance to serve their country. Now, the second part of our legacy … my view. And, I think this is unique to us, Vietnam veterans. We are a living, and will be a historical, reminder to the nation to respect always those who wear the uniform and serve the nation. Never again to confuse the warrior with the war. But it’s been that process of national realization and regret for confusing those who did their duty for the country with the decision to go to war and fight. The nation will not make that mistake again. This regret is now in our national DNA, and it won’t happen again. This is our unique legacy. On a trip to the mainland at the height of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, I stood in the Atlanta Airport and saw folks assemble along an exit corridor – as a young soldier emerged in his field uniform with his rucksack, the folks started clapping for him. I remember thinking, “Though it’s not for us, but it may be because of us.”
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Lastly, the third part, is a legacy provided by our families. The power and strength of the military family came to fore on behalf of our buddies who were unaccounted for – the Prisoners of War (POW) and the Missing in Action (MIA). Before then, military families were silent partners. I know as I was raised in the Navy, my father’s service. The wives, sisters, mothers, daughters, and other family members of those unaccounted for, after a time, would not remain silent and began to unite in their demand for the nation to do more. In the late 1960s, the wife of a POW initiated a loosely organized movement that evolved, formally in 1970, into the National League of POW/MIA Families. The National League of Families –they did not silently wait – they insisted to know what happened to their loved one and their collective voice was heard well beyond the military community and throughout the country, to include the government -- our government. The government listened to their insistence for full accounting, granted them access to those agencies that might help, and recognized their collective strength as military families with a cause. We are indebted to them. They were, and are, the military family in action. I think their efforts were, in many ways, the precursor of military families having a voice, having an impact. Indeed, in the late 1970s and the early 1980s when the military demographic was changing, to include far more families at all ranks than before, families became more formally recognized by the services for who they were and what they could do. What did we see: Coincidentally, in 1970 a group of wives formed the National Military Family Association. Also, in 1970, the Navy created its Ombudsman Program. The Army declared 1983 to be the year of the Army Family. The various services created and supported entities that are self-defining: Family Support Groups, Family Support Programs, Key Spouse Program, the Work-Life Program, and the list continues. There you have it. My best thoughts on our legacy – I have had 53 years to think about it -- the legacy of the Vietnam Veterans, in three parts: We did our Duty, the continuation of a legacy left to us by those who served before us – we did not fail them. We reminded the nation, though it took many years, to never again diminish or neglect those who serve, who do their Duty to the nation. We watched the families of the Vietnam Veterans unaccounted for establish a voice and a presence that began the elevation of the military family to prominence and recognition – a force to be considered. I know there has been a deep sense of pride within us, perhaps less stated in years past, but there nonetheless. Our pride in each other has never diminished, nor will it. Because each us answered the call to serve and to do our Duty – we did. No citizen can do more. God bless this great nation -- that gave us the opportunity to serve it.
GEN Bramlett served in Vietnam from December 1965 to November 1966, as aide-de-camp for the Assistant Division Commander, 25th Infantry Division, and later as a company executive officer, C Company, 1-14 Infantry. He served a second tour, from September 1968 to August 1969, as the Commander of Co, 2-327th Infantry, 101st Airborne Division and assistant brigade S-3, of the Division’s 1st Brigade. 5
Hawaii Celebrates Vietnam Veterans Day 2022 - at Fort DeRussy and Waikiki By Companion Arthur Tulak, 50th Vietnam Commemoration Chair The Hawaii Commandery also participated in a State-level event, organized by Hawaii Historic Programs, Fort DeRussy’s Karoda Field, across from Hale Koa Hotel,, which commenced at 1630 hrs . This ceremony permitted local residents to Honor Vietnam War Veterans, as well as our allied nations that fought shoulder to shoulder with Americans in Vietnam from 1962 to 1975. This was the First Annual Vietnam Veterans Day Ceremony and National Vietnam Veterans Day Parade. Attending this event were Companions Col Jim Atchley, Commander Manchester, Chaplain and Vietnam Veteran Fred Staedel, and Arthur Tulak. On the stage were Vietnam War Veterans Col (USMC) Gene Castagnetti (Silver Star), Col (USAF) Ed Cruickshank (Purple Heart), ADM Tom Macke (former PACOM Commander), and MGySgt USMC (Ret), Earl Hurrey—VP Military and Veterans Affairs Vietnam War and event organizer.
From left to right: Vietnam War Veterans Col (USMC) Gene Castagnetti, Col (USAF) Ed Cruickshank, ADM Macke. Center is Col (USAF) Director of the Office of Veterans Services, Hawaii State DoD. At the lectern is Hawaii Historic Programs MGySgt USMC (Ret), Earl Hurrey, VP Military and Veterans Affairs.
Upon completion of the ceremony MOFW Companions mounted Jeeps provided by Col Atchley and Commander Manchester and lined up on the road under the direction of parade organizers. Also lined up were several school bands, active duty military units and bands, as well as Vietnam Veterans riding in vehicles, trolleys, and on foot. The parade was well attended by locals and tourists alike, and the Vietnam Veterans were given a friendly reception along the parade route, which ended at the Honolulu Zoo. A short video of the parade may be viewed at https:// www.youtube.com/watch?v=fV3E1UGCRsI Photo middle right: Companions Staedel is visible in the Jeep driven by Commander Manchester. Photo bottom right: The Joint Service Color Guard and the Navy contingent lined up for the start of the parade at Karoda Field.
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Vietnam Veterans Honored at Luncheon hosted at Oahu Veterans Center By Companion Peter Hirai, Vice Commander. On Wednesday, March 30 the Oahu Veterans Council sponsored and hosted a luncheon for all Veterans, tied in with the activities of the Vietnam War Veterans Appreciation Week activities. Although it tied in to those events, this luncheon's purpose was to show appreciation to all Veterans regardless of which war they fought in. Our very own Companion Peter Hirai organized the event on behalf of the Council. Over 150 Veterans and their guests attended the luncheon, which was catered through Hiro's Island Catering. Entertainment was provided by a sound system through Veteran Joseph Murphy. The event was free to all, fully paid for by the Oahu Veterans Council. The Council even created patriotic centerpieces for all tables! Also supporting the event was the Hawaii Daughters of the American Revolution, which provided certificates of appreciation to the Veterans present.
Companion Peter Hirai, and COL Penny Kula from VFW Post 10276 on the serving line, and Jane Ferreira, Executive Director Navy League of the United States, Honolulu Council.
From Left to Right. Col Jason Seal, MOWW, LTC Ron Lockwood, VFW, MGySgt Earl Hurrey Historic Programs, CAPT Roy Ota of MOWW and National Sojourners and his wife.
50th Vietnam Veteran Recognition Program Recognizes Hawaii Veteran with the 50th Vietnam War Veteran Pin By Fred Staedel As a 50th Commemorative Partner, the Commandery presents the Vietnam Veteran Recognition pins on behalf of DoD, along with the Commandery’s Certificate of Recognition signed by the Commander and the 50th Veteran Committee Chairman. This month, I presented the 50th Vietnam War Commemoration Pin to Vietnam Veteran SSG Stephen Winter. SSG Winter served with the U.S. Army in the Republic of Vietnam from 7 October 1968 to 6 October 1969. He was stationed at Camp Eagle -Phi Bai/Hue with the 377th Artillery Battery A (Airborne) 101st Airborne Division. His primary duty assignment was as a Flight Operations Sergeant, where he scheduled all helicopter flight missions. SSG Winter participated in Fire Base supply runs, as well as Reconnaissance missions where he earned an Air Medal. The presentation was made at the Honolulu Elks Club overlooking the waters at Waikiki.
Above: SSG Winter after receiving his DoD 50th Vietnam Veteran Pin. Companion Fred Staedel at the Elks Lodge in Waikiki. 7
50th Vietnam Veteran Recognition Program Recognizes Vietnam Veteran Ed Green Companions Fred Staedel and I had the privilege to recognize Major, USMC, Ret. Ed Green for his outstanding volunteer service as a Vietnam Veteran, serving the active, reserve, retired, and cadet military communities in Hawaii. The 50th Vietnam War Veteran Volunteer Recognition Medal was presented to Ed on the occasion of his squadron’s change of command and annual awards ceremony. Ed’s primary area of volunteer service was to the Civil Air Patrol, Hawaii Wing, where he served as a Cadet Squadron Commander, Deputy Commander, Hawaii Wing Chief of Staff, and Training Officer. As a LtCol in the Air Force Auxiliary (Civil Air Patrol) C.A.P., Ed served for many years; specifically, the youth program known as the Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program. LtCol Green is At the time of the nomination and presentation, Ed was serving as the commander of the St. Louis Cadet Squadron 77 in Honolulu, Hawaii. He had held this volunteer position for over four years and took it from a new fledgling cadet squadron of only 5 cadets that barely survived for 9 months and built it to the most successful cadet squadron in the Hawaii Wing with over 40 young girls and boys from the ages of 12 to 18. It is the largest and most active and growing squadron in the Wing having been award four (4) years in a row the Civil Air Patrol’s QUALITY Cadet Unit Award; which is a very monumental achievement in Civil Air Patrol for cadet squadrons. LtCol Green’s leadership not only built the cadet squadron to the level of award achievement but also due to his dedication and focused energy has attained the best parent support and participation that this recommender has witnessed in his 26 years of Civil Air Patrol membership. To put it in simple and direct terms, the St. Louis Cadet Squadron would have quickly perished had it not been for LtCol Edward Green’s dedication to his survival and growth. His volunteer work with the youth in his unit has been stellar and is still ongoing. LtCol Green has also served in the past as the Hawaii Wing Chief of Staff and undertook many assignments given to him by the Wing Commander; including training schools for cadets as well as adult members supporting ten (10) squadrons throughout the community on four islands in the State of Hawaii.
Companions Arthur Tulak present the 50th Vietnam War Commemoration Medal to Lt Col CAP Ed Green in recognition of his service in war, and as a volunteer to the community in Hawaii, on the occasion of Ed’s change of command ceremony at 8
2022 50th Vietnam War Cadet Essay Contest By COL, Ret. Arthur N. Tulak, Chair, 50th Vietnam War Commemoration Comm. This was the 9th year of the Vietnam War Cadet Essay Contest, which provides Cadets the opportunity to write an essay for publication in one of 3 categories. The purpose of the essays is to challenge the JROTC Cadets and CAP Cadets to appreciate the sacrifices made by Vietnam Veterans who served their country in an unpopular war, and to discern lessons of citizenship, loyalty to country, and commitment to duty and service. This effort encourages the Cadets to identify and share these lessons with their own generation, while simultaneously honoring the Vietnam Veterans who continue to serve their local community, and who fill the ranks of many Veterans and Civic organizations in Hawaii, and the nation at large. This year, we introduced a new category focused on those who waited for their servicemember at the home front, and asks “What lessons can we learn about duty to country from the families at the home front, who waited for their service members to return from War? “ 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, along with cash prizes from the Commandery. They also receive a certificate from the Hawaii Chapter of AUSA, with the first place essayist receiving it at AUSA’S Land Forces in the Pacific (LANPAC) Symposium. The Reserve Organization of America and the DoD 50th Vietnam War Commemoration Commission also provide certificates. Congratulations to our 2022 contest winners: 1st place Cadet Kennedy Ushiroda, Pres. Theodore Roosevelt High School Army JROTC 2nd Place Cadet Olina Kung, Pres. Theodore Roosevelt High School Army JROTC 3rd Place Cadet Alli Djou, Punahou High School Army JROTC
Here are some excerpts from the 2nd and 3rd place essays: 2nd Place: Cadet Major Olina Kung, Pres. Theodore Roosevelt Hight School JROTC. Cadet Kung’s essay highlighted the patriotism and duty of those who volunteered to serve, or were drafted and reported for duty. “Citizens who enlisted in the Vietnam War are courageous, as any other citizens who enlisted in the military are brave. Enlisting in the military in times of war is helpful to the nation, but during the Vietnam War, many citizens did not agree with being enlisted or drafted into the war. The article "Vietnam War: Draft Resistance" mentions, "Draft resisters filed for conscientious objector status, didn't report for induction when called or attempted to claim disability. Soldiers went AWOL and fled to Canada through underground railroad networks of anti-war supporters" (Kindig, 2008). Many people were against going to war, not supporting the war, and even did a lot of actions to show their opinion. Draft evasion reached its peak during this time, especially among the young students who wanted to follow their dreams and path, which led to their actions of burning draft cards and making false accusations. From the draft evasion issue during this war, we were able to learn and change our selective service system, which led to today's enlisting procedures, of an all volunteer military force. The U.S. had many people drafted and sent a large number of soldiers to help provide aid in Vietnam. Young citizens had a negative outlook on being drafted and protested, causing a bad relationship between citizens and the military. Although many people did not want to participate, there were still some citizens who enlisted and served, coming back with wounds from the battlefield…… The [Vietnam] Veterans were not greeted with joy and respect when coming back to the United States. Instead, they were greeted with hostility and shown no kindness. Learning about the hostility towards the veterans allows us to know and reflect that a war not won is still a war to be appreciated and understood. …. no matter how small or large, unpopular or popular [a given war may be], citizens should treat veterans with respect and thankfulness. The service and sacrifices of veterans are the reasons why the states are unified and allied with other nations. We should keep in mind that their hard work and contributions are because they wanted future generations to live in a society where we do not necessarily need to worry about war conflicts. 9
3rd Place: Cadet Djou’s essay, titled “On the Homefront During the Vietnam War
“It’s a girl,” read the thin yellow paper written from the shaking hands of a young Japanese-American woman announcing the birth of my mother. It was May 1970 and my grandma was waiting for her deployed husband, my grandfather, to return home from Vietnam. The war was winding down amid active protests across the country...My grandmother’s fear and weariness grew as she had no one except for one sister to help her. Her father was an angry alcoholic and her mother had passed away a few years earlier. The fear she felt mirrored that of the many wives, mothers, and daughters across the country. Yet, they persevered in the face of adversity exemplifying resilience, perseverance, and loyalty. They were heroes in their own right for the sacrifices they made for our country, not on the battlefield, but on the home front, made all the more difficult by the perception of some that America was fighting an unjust war. While waiting for their loved ones to come home, the families of American service members fighting in Vietnam persevered. They pushed through every challenge. For my grandmother, her challenge was giving birth alone in what seemed like an empty hospital and then raising a newborn by herself, however, she never gave up. For so many families, through every hardship they faced, they endured to support their loved ones overseas and to support a cause larger than themselves. Families of American service members in the Vietnam War sacrificed pieces of themselves to the war effort. They carried the burden of supporting a family and the constant worry of someone in uniform knocking on their door with the terrible news of the loss of a loved one. These families had strained relationships trying to keep in touch with loved ones in Vietnam 8,000 miles away. They endured this amidst the most unpopular war in American history. The regular stress building up pushed so many families to their limits. Through the Vietnam War, however, they kept their loyalty to each other and to their country. They did not turn their backs on their families.
Cadet Allie Djuou, Punahou JROTC, receives her 3rd Place, certificate and prize check at the Keehi Lagoon, May 13, 2022
Companion Peter Hirai presents the MOFW medal to Cadets Kennedy Ushiroda and Olina Kung. They also placed 1st and 2nd in the Cadet Essay Contest. 10
First Place Essay “Lessons Learned from the Vietnam War: Citizen Soldiers
By Cadet Kennedy Ushiroda President Theodore Roosevelt High School Army JROTC The Vietnam war is considered one of the deadliest and longest conflicts of the 20th century in United States history. The war, in effect, was fought within the context of containment of the spread of communism. The United States during this time was engaged in a larger, struggle against communism, otherwise known as the Cold War (against the Soviet Union and Communist China), which aimed to expand communism as a form of government. When the Vietnam war first began, the American public was generally in support. In fact, only two members of Congress voted against President Lyndon B. Johnson’s authority to wage war in Vietnam (Independence Hall Association). As demonstrated in the Gulf of Tonkin resolution, Johnson was able to use this authority and persuade Congress to send many more American troops to Vietnam in what would be a gradual escalation. However, as it became clear that hopes for achieving the war’s objective grew dimmer, and as soldiers were perishing, public support for the conflict would gradually become bleaker and bleaker. This essay will investigate the relationship the public had during the Vietnam War and the ultimate lessons that can be learned about the attitudes the citizenry should face towards the military in time of war. To begin, it is important to recognize the fact that the antiwar sentiment largely came from the Students for a Democratic Society in the 1960s. This group, with principles founded by Tom Hayden, would become recognized as a staunch activist against the Vietnam War. To provide context to the public’s distrust of the U.S. government, it is imperative to consider that in the late 1960s, it was now possible for newscasts and troops to bring televised equipment to record a first-hand perspective of war. What would be recorded would shock most Americans at home. Such television footage and photos inner turmoil brought by the war through Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, which would not be considered a would illustrate in homes across America, the death, drug use, and the unsightly side of war. These real and stark images would increase the negative ideas that would dwell in the minds of citizens as more US troops were sent to engage in the Vietnam War. The negative image of the war would be magnified by one of the more large-scale and escalating events, namely the Tet Offensive. In January of 1968, the Tet Offensive was launched by the forces of the North Vietnamese army and Viet Cong in which the United States played a major role in stopping it. Although it was seen as a major disaster for the communist party and a military win for the allies, at home in the U.S., it was a political failure and was felt as a devastating loss for the American public at home. This offensive would be the boiling point of the public’s distrust of government officials who proclaimed that the war would be over soon, but in actuality, the end was nowhere in sight. But more damaging still would be that many in our citizenry would stand in opposition the American soldier. Thus would begin a growing anti-military sentiment across the country. Unfortunately, when Vietnam soldiers came back home from putting their life on the line to defend their country’s values, the majority of public response was indifferent. The veterans returning home were initially shocked by the negative response from their countrymen many of whom expressed anguish about the war, and so most Veterans returned to a quiet and distrusting society. In contrast to the celebrations and parades that greeted the World War II veterans, the Vietnam War veterans had “common experiences of rejection . . . not explicit acts of hostility but quieter, sometimes more devastating forms of withdrawal, suspicion, and indifference." (Enclycopedia.com, 2022). It was these attitudes that made many Vietnam veterans feel ostracized in society, a feeling even more perpetuated by the ongoing inner turmoil brought by the war through Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, which would not be considered a formal psychological condition until 1980 (Wyman, 2020). In addition, surviving veterans, unlike their World War II counterparts, were not adequately compensated for their efforts. The story of Peter Langenus, Commander of Delta Company, 3rd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment assigned to the 199th Light Infantry Brigade from 1969-70, is illustrative (Ciampaglia, 2018). Captain Langenus led his troops into the thick jungle in operations that would last 30 days or more. However, upon returning home, he found that the Vietnam Veterans’ benefits were virtually “nonexistent.” Langenus would also show symptoms of malaria living in New York, but would be 11
denied Veterans Affairs health care because he did not show symptoms in Vietnam. To add on, Langenus would not be funded with proper education benefits to attend his law school education where he was “paying $300 a credit” but his “entire educational benefit was $126.” And, in an act of tragedy too commonly held by many Vietnam Veterans looking for a job, Lengenus would be “met with thinly veiled disgust and discrimination from law firms” after learning he was a Vietnam Veteran. At the height of the Vietnam War demonstration, many males would evade or desert the draft, fleeing to Canada. While a future administration would later pardon these individuals, the majority of those who served still felt the stigma of being a Vietnam War veteran. Fortunately, it would seem that America would break from this cold and unpatriotic behavior in the next twenty years leading up to and following the Gulf Wars and the War on Terror. With the creation of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in 1982, many Americans could finally see the names of the brave service men and women who fought in the war. It was a positive step forward to recognizing the valiant efforts the American troops undertook, and the challenges they faced. Yet, the 1990 to 1991 Gulf War also saw the positive embrace of the military with patriotic flag waving and celebrations of successful campaigns that President Bush announced seemed to have “kicked the Vietnam-Syndrome once and for all.” (Wyman, 2020). For Langenus, also a Desert Storm veteran, he described that as “Vietnam veterans, we couldn’t believe it. We could not understand getting letters from school kids … you couldn’t believe people were cheering you.” (Ciampaglia, 2018). These pro-military and veteran sentiments would only grow as America entered the 21-century, especially as a result of the devastating September 11, 2001 attacks. These positive phenomena should be the way the citizens of this nation should act towards its veterans and active service members. And while it is true that a simple “thank you” is appreciative by most US veterans, the injustices are still felt and questioned. Addressing this, Steven A. Wowwk, a 100 percent disabled Vietnam Veteran and Infantryman, explained that “deeds need to be done in addition to words [because] what are you doing in addition to saying ‘thank you’?” (Ciampaglia, 2018). Ultimately, these attitudes and behaviors the public held against the returning Vietnam veterans demonstrates a powerful lesson to be told and learned by today’s public. Vietnam veterans received a welcome from the public that was a far cry from the warm victory parades their fathers received from World War II. The negative phenomenon shown in the 1960s to 1970s should act as an unwavering example of how to not treat our nation’s veterans. The cold greetings and the dismissive turns should have been replaced with more understanding and open discussions. Fortunately, as strides have been made within the early 21st century, public support for the military has improved dramatically. Finally, in 2021, the United States Congress’ H. J. RES. 59 bill introduced the formal declaration of an apology to the Vietnam veterans and acknowledge the poor “treatment they received upon returning home” and an increase in education to “reflect the sacrifice and treatment of Vietnam veterans”, nearly 48 years after the pullout of American troops in the Vietnam War. This is a great start, but it urges that more work, on both the citizenry and government, should be done towards recognizing their sacrifices. References 1. Ciampaglia, D. A. (2018, November 8). Why were Vietnam War Vets treated poorly when they returned? History.com. Retrieved April 4, 2022, from https://www.history.com/news/vietnam-war-veteranstreatment 2. Encyclopedia.com. (2022, April 5). ." Vietnam War Reference Library. . encyclopedia.com. 28 Mar. 2022 . 3. Encyclopedia.com. Retrieved April 4, 2022, from https://www.encyclopedia.com/history/encyclopediasalmanacs-transcripts-and-maps/coming-home-vietnam-veterans-american-society 4. Independence Hall Association. (n.d.). The Vietnam War. ushistory.org. Retrieved April 4, 2022, from https:// www.ushistory.org/us/55.asp 5. Wyman, J. (2020, November 19). The battle after the War. Humanities Washington. Retrieved April 4, 2022, from https://www.humanities.org/blog/the-battle-after-the-war/#:~:text=Veterans%20returned%20from% 20Vietnam%20not,physical%20and%20psycho%2Dspiritual%20injuries.
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Celebrating ANZAC Day 2022 By Companion Manny Manchester, The Hawaii Commandery took part in ANZAC Day observations, a tradition that we have striven to sustain over the pandemic in small ceremonies we co-organized with MOWW. I was invited to attend the sunrise ceremony, the presentation of wreaths at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, and the social hour aboard the USS Missouri at the end of the day. The morning ceremony was held in one of the remaining WWII 8 inch gun parapet on the Southeast outer slope of Diamondhead, once known as the Rock of Gibraltar of the Pacific for all its fortifications. We entered through an access tunnel from the inside of the crater in the darkness of the early morning, prior to entering we were all provided a poppy flower pin and a sprig of rosemary to remember the bitterness of loss. The historic site is still used by the Hawai’i National Guard and was made available for ANZAC ceremony. I heard several of the Australian and New Zealand uniformed participants, the true ANZACs, who had visited the battlefield of Gallipoli commented on how the terrain was reminiscent of the battle site with its steep ridges topped with bunkers, approaches laced with barbed wire, and only a short section of Above: the morning ceremony overlooking the waters south of coastline to perform an amphibious landing. We have a Diamond Head Crater on old Fort Ruger. term here in Hawai’i, “chicken-skin,” like “goosebumps” in the mainland it’s that feeling you get when we feel the presence of those who have passed profoundly amongst us. This was that kind of profound ceremony, with traditional presentations by Aotearoa Maori and Australian first nations people, readings of the poem of Flanders Field, Anthems of those nations present, and other events to honor those who had passed over a hundred years ago at the Battlefield of Gallipoli in World War One, which cemented a spiritual alliance between Australia and New Zealand. At the end of the ceremony, we were provided with the traditional ANZAC cookies and had our choice of coffee or a dark and stormy with rum! I Above: the Hawaii Commandery, MOFW wreath at the NMCP. was most honored to have been invited and hope we Below: The social reception aboard the USS Missouri. will be able to continue to send a companion of our order to future ANZAC sunrise remembrance events. Next, MOFW presented a wreath for the ANZAC fallen at a midmorning open remembrance ceremony at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at Puowaina Crater attended by the Governor of Hawai’i. In the afternoon, those who have worked with the Australian and New Zealand Allies were invited to a official ANZAC reception about the aft deck of the USS Missouri, complete with catered meals, open bar and pure comradery, the kind of thing so many of us thought about doing when we return home from our deployments, celebrations of the living and the fallen. 13
ROTC and JROTC Cadet Awards Program 2021 COL, Ret. Arthur Tulak, Chairman of the Cadet Awards Committee Companions were pleased to once again attend annual Cadet Awards ceremonies and to work alongside many other Civic, Veteran, and professional associations in recognizing the top-performing cadets at the annual awards ceremonies. Nearly all the JROTC units conducted in-person ceremonies, but some were restricted to the classroom, without presenters from the organization. Companions Curtis, Hirai, Manchester, Staedel, and Tulak covered multiple schools. In addition, this year the Commandery had a great number of active-duty military from U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, Special Operations Command Pacific, Pacific Fleet, Joint Inter-Agency Task Force West, Army Garrison Command, and Pacific Air Forces. These volunteers are listed below: Lt Col Christopher D. Parker, USAF Deputy Command Surgeon/ Chief of Med Plans & Ops, SOCPAC, at Kaimuki LCol Adam P. Barsby, Canadian Army, Canadian Liaison Officer at Punahou CDR Jon “JD” Davis, J365 INDOPACOM at Campbell H.S. WO1, S. Kai Bovaird, Joint Interagency Task Force – West at Waipahu CW4, Ret. Keith Pang, SOJ35 Deputy Chief of Future Operations, SOCPAC at Nanakuli Col Richard C. Tanner, USAF, Chief, Space and IAMD Division, USINDOPACOM, at Kailua MAJ, Paris C. Holman, Chief, Military Human Resources, USINDOPACOM at Leilehua in Wahiawa Col Rob Flannery, USMC, USINDOPACOM, J35 Future Operations at Kalaheo Lt Col Brion “P-17” Piriyakarnjanakul, USAF INDOPACOM PCJ6, at Kaiser Air Force JROTC
Mahalo to Companions who volunteered to make the presentations, and to our fellow volunteers in other Veterans organizations who presented on our behalf, where we could not send a presenter.
Companion Tulak Presenting the Silver Academic Medal to Cadet Angel Umagot, and the Bronze Leadership Medal to Cadet Mori, 11 May 2022 at Farrington H.S.
LTCOL Adam Barsby, the Canadian LNO to U.S. Indl-Pacific Command, presents the MOFW Medals to Cadets ?? And ?? Punahou Army JROTC Awards Ceremony on May 2nd, as SAI LTC Takao looks on. 14
Companion Hirai awarded the MOFW Medal, Ribbon, and Certificates to Cadets of the Waianae High School "Searider" Battalion on12 May. At left, Cadet accepts the award on behalf of Cadet 2LT Anela Bacon. At right Cadet LTC Franz Hafner
Companion Staedel at Mililani H>S Army JROTC, presenting the Silver Academic Medal to Cadet Margaret Juettner, and the Bronze Leadership Medal to Cadet Leonardo Sabetta,
Photo above left: Companions Staedel, Garcia and Manchester, with Cadet Sarah Hoemgood. Sarah was first class of the University of Hawaii Navy ROTC to receive the MOFW Bronze Leadership Medal. Photo above: Companion Curtis with Cadet Tei, who received the SCV H.L. Hunley medal, one of the many awards he presented at Kahuku High School Photo at Left: Waipahu High School, LTC, Ret. Toni Correa presents the Silver Academic to CDT Major Jhanella Gerardo, and the Bronze Leadership medal to CDT Raffaele Barry, 6 May 2022.
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Commandery Recognizes Eagle Scout Connor Jensik Companion Dan Garcia presented an MOFW Eagle Scout certificate to Connor Jensik, of Troop 24, at his Eagle Court of Honor on May 7th at the Chapel on Wheeler Army Airfield. Connor is the son of COL Michael C. Jensik and Amy Jensik. Connor’s father Michael serves as the Commander 8th Military Police Brigade and as Director of Emergency Services. Connor’s Eagle Scout Service Project was a trail improvement project at the Wheeler Saddle Club on Wheeler Army Airfield, Wahiawa, HI. Wheeler Stables offers memberships to active duty, retirees, dependents and Gold Star families for their horses. It has a variety of equestrian services to include lodging (stalls/stables), and exercise areas/equipment (outdoor arena; round pen; plenty of jumps, barrels, and poles; various fields; two large turnout areas; and many miles of trails). The purpose of the project was to improve one of the popular trails used for recreational use for both horseback riders and hikers. A huge portion of the trail was damaged and untraversable due to the elements with land erosion and fallen debris. There was also a steep slope due to poor rain drainage/run off that horses and their riders were no longer able to ride through safely. It was too steep and more like a ledge they were unable to step down to the lower portion of the trail. Connor’s project from start to finish, to include multiple site surveys, planning, gathering of materials, and the actual labor totaled 96 hours in five phases. The first phase of the project was clearing the trail of leaves, litter, tree branches, palm fronds, and other fallen debris. The second phase was to widen the trail to at least 5 feet using shovels and pick axes. The third phase was adding weather-treated wooden guardrails with metal mount posts for stability to the drop off side of the trail which ran parallel to the deep ravine with a stream. The fourth phase was installing three large graded horse “steps” on the steep slope of the trail. This phase of the project involved packing the built wooden step foundations with soil, rocks, and gravel for better drainage. The fifth and final phase was laying mulch on the entire length of the improved trail. Wheeler Saddle Club was very pleased with the work and it was met with enthusiasm from both riders and their horses, too. Connor hopes the efforts of this project will preserve the trail for years of recreational use with minimal maintenance required for the patrons at Wheeler Saddle Club. Connor and Troop 24 thought it was a fun and very rewarding service project to do for the local military community. Connor passed his Eagle Board on 31 JAN 2022 COL Jensik complemented the Commandery for its “Absolutely PHENOMENAL support!” and we are pleased to have been a part of this important event recognizing Connor’s achievement.
Above left: The Eagle Scout Certificate from the Hawaii Commandery. Above right: Connor and Troop 24 at his Court of Honor. 16
University of Hawaii Army ROTC Commissioning — 2022 By Companion Arthur Tulak I was pleased to represent the Commandery at the UH Army ROTC Spring 2022 Commissioning Ceremony, held at the Ke’ehi Lagoon Memorial on Friday, May 13, 2022. Twenty-six cadets received their ‘butter bars’ after reciting the oath of office administered by LTC Tulsi Gabbard, former member of the U.S. House of Representatives for Hawaii’s 2nd District. LTC Gabbard was also the keynote speaker, and gave advice to the cadets on the leadership principles they would need to succeed. The Cadets in the UH ROTC program come from several campuses, to include Chaminade University.
Photo left: Arrival of the official party, Allen Hoe, LTC Gabbard, and LTC Jerod Melander, PMS of UH Army ROTC pass through a arch of sabers conducted Punahou Army JROTC. Photo at Right: LTC Tulsi Gabbard administering the oath of office.
Companion News
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Companion Peter Hirai For the second year in a row Companion Hirai received an "outstanding" evaluation in the DOD Performance Management and Appraisal Program (DPMAP). This is an annual evaluation required of all DoD civilian employees. After receiving an average score of "5" (out of a possible "5"), a cash award and a time-off award last year, Hirai repeated his performance this year by again receiving a "5" average in his evaluation for the period from April 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022. He credits his teammates in the Mission Assurance Branch for his achievement, saying simply "Teamwork makes the Dream Work". He also received his third Civilian Service Achievement Medal for his work in Keen Edge in January 2022. On the volunteer front, Companion Hirai continues his service as the treasurer of the State of Hawaii's Emergency Management Association. He is also finishing up his time as Commander of Post 1540, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States for the past two years. On the educational front, Companion Hirai is currently teaching a Disaster Preparedness Course at Hawaii Pacific University for the summer term and will follow up with an International Relations Course immediately afterward. He recently commemorated 6 years as an adjunct professor at HPU. Companion Jim Atchley departs Hawaii on PCS orders to serve as the Director of Contracting, Operating Location (OL)-Air Education and Training Command, Air Force Installation Contracting Center, JBSA Randolph, Texas. As the functional lead for over 675 contracting professionals, and is the Air Education Training Command (AETC) Senior Contracting Official with procurement authority for $2.5B in contracts annually. Companion Arthur Tulak was accepted into the Missouri Society of Antebellum Families, based on his descent from his 2nd Great Grandfather Jonathan Wells, who was among the early pioneers who settled in Missouri prior to the War between the States. http://www.ourpatriots.com/
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Upcoming events: • • • • • • •
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5 June — 80th Commemoration Ceremony and Naval Air Station Barbers Point Memorial Dedication at the Air Control Tower, 91-1259 Midway Rd., Kalaeloa Airport, Kapolei. 14 June —Army's 247th birthday // Flag Day. June 17— Commandery Dinner at the Hale Ikena, at 1700 hrs. This event will have minimal business and will include recognition of community exemplars. 23 June— United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Birthday 25 June — 71st 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 15-21 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
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 2022 Sponsors:
Hawaii Chapter, Association of the United States Army 18
